AN AUTHENTIC JAPANESE DEEP POWDER EXPERIENCE
Ready for a week of non-stop powder laps? The Myoko Explorer Tour drops you into a central hub with incredible access. While the Myoko area itself is a renowned snow magnet, consistently hammered with some of Japan’s heaviest snowfall – where waist-deep powder is the norm thanks to its proximity to the Sea of Japan – this tour also unlocks opportunities to explore other destinations throughout Nagano and Niigata.
Surrounding our base in Myoko is a stacked lineup of resorts within a convenient 10-60 minute drive: Seki Onsen, Lotte Arai, Mt Kosha, Togakushi, Cupid Valley, Madarao, Tangram, Myoko Suginohara, Akakura Onsen, and Kanko to name a few. Our mission for this tour is simple: ride powder, every single day. And our expert guides are on it. With their deep understanding of the area and weather analysis, they’ll position you for the absolute best conditions. Expect to sample a range of resorts, always scoring the best conditions. A significant perk: we ride exclusively on weekdays, guaranteeing fewer crowds and more fresh tracks. Plus, night riding at our local hill extends the shred sessions.
This tour offers a week of incredible snowboarding in Japan without any of the planning stress. We’ve handled the details and included nearly everything, leaving you to focus on the deep stuff. You’ll ride with a small crew (max 6 guests). You’ll stay in your own private Single Room at our onsen hotel (sleep soundly!) with daily buffet breakfasts and dinners included, featuring fresh local ingredients. A dedicated guide will track the storms and lead you to the best snow daily, with private transport on-hand and lift tickets covered. We’ll even take care of transfers from the train station on arrival and departure day. Just bring your stoke and enjoy the ride.
2026 Dates
8 Days / 7 Nights
18 - 25 January
25 January - 1 February
1 - 8 February
8 - 15 February
15 - 22 February
22 February - 1 March
Price
USD $3,750 single room
Ability Level
Strong Intermediate to Advanced
Terrain
Resort off-piste, powder & trees
Why Travel With Mint
When you book with Mint, you're booking with a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of expertise. Mint Tours is a registered travel agent, a member of AFTA and IATA, and operating under the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. Our registered Japanese company ensures full compliance, providing a secure and protected travel experience. You'll be led by our qualified local and international guides who are authorized to work in Japan.
Myoko Explorer Tour
Get in touch for more info
Experience the Real Japan: Basecamp Myoko
You'll stay in Akakura Onsen, the main village that sits at the foot of the impressive Mt. Myoko. This place has a real buzz to it. It's a lively little onsen town with a proper traditional Japanese feel, so wandering around after a day of waist-deep powder is a treat in itself. You'll find cool little shops, steaming onsen baths tucked away, and a vibe that's way more authentic and less hectic than somewhere like Hakuba. It's the perfect spot to soak up the culture or to enjoy après after a day of shredding.
Unrivaled Riding Variety: Chase the Best Snow Daily
Our Myoko-based lodge puts you in prime position to access an incredible array of resorts – all within an easy 10-60 minute drive. Think Seki Onsen, Lotte Arai, Mt Kosha, Togakushi, Cupid Valley, Madarao, Tangram, Myoko Suginohara, Akakura Onsen, and Kanko, just to scratch the surface. Our mission is pure and simple: endless powder, every single day, guided by our expert snow-chasing team.
Small Groups & Good Vibes
Less stopping, more dropping – that's the small group promise. Get ready to ride with a small crew (max 6 guests) who ride like you do. Explore more of the mountain, reach those secret stashes quicker, and share the stoke with your new riding buddies. We pair you with similar abilities so you can keep the stoke high, nail more lines, and high-five your way through an epic day.
All Inclusive: Your Stress-Free Powder Mission
We've handled the details and included nearly everything so you can focus on the deep stuff. Enjoy your own private room at our onsen hotel (sleep soundly!), plus daily buffet breakfasts and dinners featuring fresh local ingredients. A dedicated guide will track the storms and lead you to the best snow daily, with private transport on-hand. All lift tickets are covered, and we'll even take care of transfers from the train station on arrival and departure day.
Deep Powder Paradise: Snow & Conditions in Myoko
The season stretches from late December to mid-March. January and February are the sweet spot for deep snow – the kind you dream about. The one thing you won't have to worry about is lack of snow. Myoko's consistent snowfall, fueled by reliable storms, typically guarantees incredible powder riding all season long.
Get Stoked: We've Got Your Back Before You Even Pack!
After you're officially part of the crew, keep an eye out for our pre-trip emails hitting your screen with all the intel you need: the tour lowdown, arrival and departure day plans, where you're headed, what to cram in your bag, and other cool stuff to get you ready to roll. Got a question that's bugging you? Our tour managers are just a phone call away for a quick chat. And because we're travel experts, we can also handle the boring bits like insurance, stopovers, and any pre or post-tour escapades you're planning.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Included
✔ 7 nights accommodation, Single Room with ensuite (1 person per room)
✔ 5 days of resort guiding with qualified guides
✔ 5 day lift ticket
✔ Fully-escorted tour, guide on hand throughout the tour
✔ Scheduled airport transfers from Joetsu Myoko Staton to hotel (arrival and departure day)
✔ 5 days of private transfers to and from resorts
✔ 7 buffet breakfasts at the hotel
✔ 7 dinners at the hotel
✔ Complimentary use of hotel onsen
✔ Pre tour support from Japan Tour Manager
Not Included
✘ Flights
✘ Travel insurance
✘ All lunches – expect to pay USD $6 – $15 per meal
✘ Onsen entry fee outside the hotel – expect to pay between USD $3 – $7 per visit
✘ Any meals, drinks, snacks not listed
✘ Guide gratuities
Dates and Price
Week 1 – 18 – 25 January, 2026 – USD $3,750 per person, single room
Week 2 – 25 January – 1 February, 2026 – USD $3,750 per person, single room
Week 3 – 1 – 8 February, 2026 – USD $3,750 per person, single room
Week 4 – 8 – 15 February, 2026 – USD $3,750 per person, single room
Week 5 – 15 – 22 February, 2026 – USD $3,750 per person, single room
Week 6 – 22 February – 1 March, 2026 – USD $3,750 per person, single room
Twin Share Option We offer single occupancy rooms as standard, however for those traveling together and willing to share, a twin share room is available – priced at USD $3,450 per person.
Extra Nights
Extra nights can be added to your booking. For guests traveling from North America or Europe, we strongly recommend arriving on Saturday so you have some time to recover from the travel and jetlag before the tour starts.
Multi-Tour Booking Discount
If 7 nights isn’t enough, book a multi-tour combo. Finish the Myoko Explorer Tour and start a new tour in a different destination the same day. Multi-tour booking discounts will be applied as follows at time of booking – Book 2 tours, get $100 off, book 3 tours, get $200 off.
Book Your Group
If you have a group, large or small, get in touch to discuss your travel plans – [email protected] or +1 503 994 1919
Day 1 – Arrival Day (Sunday)
Welcome to Japan. Make your way to the meeting point at JoetsuMyoko Station by 3:00 PM where your guide will meet you. You will be transferred by bus to your hotel in Myoko. The drive takes about 30 minutes. After check in, we encourage you to settle into your room, unpack and set-up your equipment for the adventure ahead. At 6:00 PM, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for an information session. Your guide will explain what’s in store for the week, the current weather, run through equipment and answer any questions you have. After the information session, join your guide for dinner at the hotel. It’s a great opportunity to get to know the other guests and your guide.
Pro-tip – for guests traveling from North America or Europe, we strongly recommend arriving on Saturday so you have some time to recover from the travel and jetlag before the tour starts. Extra nights at the hotel can be added to your booking.
Day 2 to 6 – Guided Days (Monday to Friday)
You’ll spend the next 5 days riding in Myoko and the surrounding resorts. The tour itinerary is flexible so you can ride at the best resort on the day. Your guide will monitor storm cycles to ensure you’re scoring the best conditions as weather and snowfall affect each resort differently. There’s loads of resorts to choose from and driving times can range from 10 – 60 minutes and largely depends on weather, snowfall and the groups appetite for adventure. Each day will follow a similar format:
Mornings – The breakfast buffet is open early and you are encouraged to enjoy breakfast at your leisure. Your guide will advise the departure time the evening before, but expect to depart around 7:45 – 8:15 AM each morning. Times might vary throughout the week for a number of factors, but just know that your guide has the group’s best interest in mind. Each morning your guides will send out a WhatsApp message with details on the weather, snow conditions and information about where you will be riding. Please be ready to depart on-time with all your equipment and don’t forget to bring cash for lunch.
Throughout the day – Once at the resort the aim is to spend a full day on-mountain. Your guide will take the guess-work out of it and give you a locals perspective from day one. Be the first into the trees and hit the secret powder stashes. They also know the best places for lunch and have all the photo spots on lock.
Afternoons – After riding, your guide will make plans according to time, the groups interest and energy levels. You could find yourself at an onsen, stopping off at a sushi train, a quick visit to the 7-Eleven or another local spot before returning to the hotel.
Evenings – On return to the hotel, you’ve got free time. Head to the onsen to relax, grab a drink with the crew at one of the nearby apres bars, or explore the village. Each night you’ll regroup for dinner at the hotel so you can share a few stories about the days’ turns.
Day 7 – Free Day (Saturday)
After a hearty breakfast, the day unfolds entirely on your terms. Feeling another day of epic shredding at the local resorts? Go for it! Or perhaps you’re ready for a unique cultural experience? Consider a trip to see the famous Snow Monkeys – an unforgettable Japanese highlight. Whether you’re chasing more turns or cultural immersion, Saturday is yours to discover.
Day 8 – Departure Day (Sunday)
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by check out. All good things must come to an end, and after a big week of riding, your guide will transfer you back to the train station and say goodbye.
When you are ready to book, you’ll be asked to self-evaluate if this tour is a match for your ability. We want you to have an unforgettable experience, and your ability plays a central role in your enjoyment and safety. When self-evaluating, please be realistic about your current ability, experience, pace and fitness. If you can’t decide if this is the right tour for you, call our team for a chat. They are always happy to provide further insights or recommend other tours.
Ability Requirements
To join this tour, you must be able to ride at a strong intermediate to advanced ability level.
✔ You have a strong technique
✔ You frequently ride off-piste at a resort or in the backcountry
✔ You ride at a moderate pace in alpine and treed terrain
✔ You are confident in most conditions from powder, hard pack, crusty or tracked snow
✔ You maintain a moderate and continuous pace riding in trees
✔ You maintain a moderate and continuous pace on traverses and flat sections
✔ You are confident riding in low visibility conditions (snow or fog)
✔ You can safely navigate around hazards, i.e. trees, open creeks, tree wells, holes etc.
Pace
You ride at a moderate and continuous pace with regular rest breaks. You may slow down when faced with challenging snow conditions or tight trees, but mostly maintain a consistent and fluid pace and know that you can manage most conditions well.
Fitness
We’re not looking for you to be an Olympic athlete, but you do need some fitness endurance to comfortably ride for the duration of the trip. You’ll spend five, full and consecutive days on-snow.
What Is An Explorer Tour?
Mint’s Explorer Tours offer the freedom to chase the best snow thanks to a flexible itinerary, dedicated private transport and a knowledgeable guide. While our base is in Myoko, we readily access over a dozen resorts within a 10-60 minute drive, allowing us to optimize daily riding based on current conditions. Our experienced guides continuously monitor snowfall across the region to put you in the deepest powder. Expect a focus on in-bounds powder and tree riding throughout the tour. Of course weather and conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ride in all conditions.
Are Lift Tickets Included?
A 5 day lift ticket is included for this tour.
Who Is The Guide?
You’ll be led by a genuinely stoked guide to make your trip legendary – think shredding secret stashes with a new best friend who also happens to have the expert skills to keep you safe and the good times rolling.
Budgeting For The Tour
An estimate of spending money for the week is around USD $300 – $400 to cover lunches, dinners, snacks and incidentals. Here’s an indication of what you can expect to pay for meals and activities:
- Lunches – expect to pay USD $10 – $15 per meal
- 1 – 2 times Onsen entry fee when using an onsen outside the hotel – expect to pay between USD $3 – $7 per visit
How Far In Advance Do I Need To Book?
This is a small group tour with limited availability. While we can’t guarantee how quickly it will fill, we advise booking early to secure your desired travel dates. Historically, tours tend to reach full capacity by the end of June, significantly before our final booking cut-off of 90 days prior to departure.
What Is The Terrain Like?
On this tour you will ride a mix of in-bounds terrain. There’s a range of terrain from playful or challenging tree runs, some with features such as pillows and drops. Expect deep snow, soft landings and lots of fun features. Generally speaking, Japan doesn’t have steep terrain, but be prepared for riding in the trees and deep snow.
What Happens On Arrival and Departure Day?
Arrival and departure days are your travel days to and from the tour – no snowboarding is planned for these days. Upon booking, you’ll receive our comprehensive tour guide. This essential resource provides a step-by-step breakdown of the arrival and departure process, along with crucial information on flights, meeting points, your gear list, recommended travel times, visa requirements, and transportation logistics.
What If I’m Traveling Solo?
The accommodation for this tour is Single Rooms i.e. you have your own private room for the tour. About 99% of our guests are traveling solo, so you’ll be in good company. Our groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snowboarding and an eagerness to explore all that Japan has to offer.
How Many People On My Tour?
Your tour group will have a maximum of 6 guests, and 1 guide.
Which Resorts Will We Visit?
The Myoko Explorer Tour has a flexible itinerary so you can ride at the best resort on the day. Each day your guide will make the decision on which resort to ride based on a number of factors including weather, snowfall, group ability and interest. The better known locations are Seki Onsen, Lotte Arai, Mt Kosha, Togakushi, Cupid Valley, Madarao, Tangram, Myoko Suginohara, Akakura Onsen, and Kanko to name a few.
Can I Arrive Early or Stay On After The Tour?
Yes, pre or post tour accommodation can be arranged. For guests flying from the US or Europe, we recommend arriving a day before your tour starts to help with jetlag. We can tailor the trip to suit your travel plans. Speak with one of our tour specialists when you are booking and they will be more than happy to assist.
Are Flights Included?
No, flights are not included, but Mint can provide you with a list of the best flights to book to match up with your tour and arrival or departure times.
Do I Need Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is mandatory. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, snowsports and emergency repatriation. We also strongly recommend it covers trip cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. For US citizens, we recommend Spot Insurance https://www.getspot.com/trip-affiliates/mint-tours.
What Happens Once I’ve Booked?
Once you sign up for a tour – you’ve got a dedicated tour manager as your point of contact. They can assist with any pre-trip questions about flights, transfers, insurance or what gear to bring. Your tour manager can also arrange pre or post tour travel to other resorts or cities.
90 days before the tour starts – you will receive a Pre Departure Guide which contains important information to help you prepare for your trip. You will need to complete a digital waiver, participant information form, ability questionnaire and advise your arrival and departure flight details.
On arrival day – your guide will add you to a WhatsApp group which will be used for tour communication throughout the week.
How Do I Check My Ability Level?
The best way to check if a tour is suited to your ability is by speaking with one of our tour managers. They will be able to determine if the tour you have selected is a good fit for your ability, as well as suggesting other tour options.
How Do I Get To The Meeting Point On Arrival Day?
Once you’ve booked, you’ll be provided with a guide which contains all the info on how to get to Myoko, either by train or bus.
How Do I Check Availability?
Speak with one of our tour managers. As this is a small group tour with limited availability, it’s best to get in touch early to avoid disappointment.
What Equipment Should I Bring?
Guests will need to bring their own equipment for the tour. Powder specific equipment is recommended. When you book, you’ll be provided with a gear list of what to pack.
Who Will Be On My Tour?
Your group will be made up of travelers from diverse backgrounds and will be varied in age. Our groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snowboarding and an eagerness to explore all that Japan has to offer.
Gratuities
We’re committed to making your Mint Tours experience incredible. Gratuities for guides are not included in the tour cost and are never mandatory. However, if you’d like to recognize their exceptional service, a tip of 10-20% of the total trip cost is a typical and much-appreciated gesture. Gratuities can be given directly to your guide at the end of your tour.
How to book
To reserve your spot, email [email protected] with your preferred dates and one of our travel managers will send you a quote, availability and further information for the tour.
Deposits and Payments
A 50% deposit is payable to secure your booking. The balance is due 90 days prior to tour departure.
Terms and Conditions
View our terms and conditions HERE