Piste-Carving and Storm-Chasing in Japan
(13 days)
Tour Operator
Remote Lands, Inc
Kyoto, JapantoAsahikawa, Japan
Valid for Departures Now Through: 01 Jun 2027
Virtuoso Benefits
For availability and pricing:
Ski enthusiasts often argue the age-old question: which is better - Hakuba or Niseko? But there is no need to choose when you can discover the highlights of both of Japan’s finest ski destinations on this 13-day adventure. From the fascinating city of Kyoto, travel to Hakuba for its fluffy powder and long mountain runs. From the bright lights of Tokyo, ride an overnight sleeper train to Niseko to take advantage of its gorgeous back-country skiing. Besides during Chinese New Year, when our selected resorts are very busy with tourists, these destinations offer plenty of space and a myriad of options whether you are an expert or beginner. Get well off the beaten track with a journey to Asahikawa, a centrally-located mountain town with access to at least six different resorts from which you can choose, based on the weather. Enjoy days spent on the slopes, carving up the powder, and evenings sampling delicious food and soaking in natural hot springs.
Highlights
Discover the rich culture and history of beautiful Kyoto and the bright lights of Tokyo
Ski the long mountain slopes of Hakuba
Explore the myriad of runs in Niseko
Go storm chasing from your base in Asahikawa to find the best snow in the region
Itinerary
Day 1
Kyoto, Japan
Hotel:
HOSHINOYA Kyoto
Meals:
Dinner
Touch down in Tokyo where you will be met by your guide and whisked seamlessly off on a bullet train ride to Kyoto where the journey truly begins. For tonight, relax and bed down in your comfortable hotel; we recommend the Hoshinoya on the banks of the Oigawa River.
Day 2
Hakuba, Japan
Hotel:
None
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the day exploring the culturally rich city of Kyoto, home to countless beautiful temples and shinto shrines. Sample local delicious delicacies before re-boarding the bullet train for your first ski destination, Hakuba, in the Japanese alps. Relax here for the night in your comfortable, family-run accommodation.
Day 3
Hakuba, Japan
Hotel:
None
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the day getting to know the slopes, all of which are within easy reach of your hotel. Your guide will lead you to some of the finest mountain skiing spots in Japan and you can enjoy Hakuba’s long, sweeping runs. In the evening, relax your aching muscles in a traditional Japanese onsen.
Day 4
Hakuba, Japan
Hotel:
None
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Now that you’ve got your ski legs, spend the day carving up the slopes and reveling in Hakuba’s fluffy piste. Alternatively, if you prefer to take a break and get into nature, take a trip to Jigokudani to visit the wild monkeys who play in its hot springs. Treat yourself with another rejuvenating soak to round off the day.
Day 5
Tokyo, Japan
Hotel:
Aman Tokyo
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the morning getting in a few final runs on the slopes of Hakuba before boarding the train direct to Tokyo. Hit the town this evening for delicious Japanese cuisine and the chance to see the city’s bright lights. Immerse yourself in the action and bustle of Shibuya and Shinjuku before a good night’s sleep at your luxurious hotel; we recommend the beautiful Aman Tokyo.
Day 6
Tokyo, Japan
Hotel:
Aman Tokyo
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will have the chance to explore the fascinating delights of Tokyo, from the madness of the fish market and the glamor of Ginza’s fashion district to the Meiji shrine and the Imperial Palace. After sunset, sample Tokyo's internationally renowned restaurant culture – from succulent pork tonkatsu to the perfect bowl of street ramen.
Day 7
Niseko, Japan
Hotel:
None
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise early this morning and board your short, 90-minute flight from Tokyo to the New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido. After your arrival, your Remote Lands guide will escort you to your two-hour overland transfer to the charming ski town of Niseko. Arriving at midday, you will have the afternoon to unwind or, if you like, hit the slopes just outside the hotel. Your guide can introduce you to the best runs in the resort to ensure a great day of skiing. Relax in the evening with dinner and a soak in an outdoor hot springs.
Day 8
Niseko, Japan
Hotel:
None
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue to explore Niseko’s myriad of runs. Access the back-country slopes or take the lift to the very highest point from which you can hike upwards another 30 minutes to the very top. Here, the views are astounding, and your choice of runs is endless.
Day 9
Niseko, Japan
Hotel:
None
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the day perfecting your turns and form, or – if you like – take the 90-minute drive to Rusutsu and try your hand at a new set of runs.
Day 10
Asahikawa, Japan
Hotel:
None
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, journey north to Asahikawa. While not a ski resort itself, this centrally-located town enjoys access to six other neighboring resorts from which you can choose. Your expert guide will help you select the best depending on the day’s weather.
Day 11
Asahikawa, Japan
Hotel:
None
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up bright and early for a discussion with your guide about where the best skiing can be found today. The locals call it storm-chasing and the vast array of options in varying climates allows you to find the best snow, within easy reach.
Day 12
Asahikawa, Japan
Hotel:
None
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend a final day storm-chasing from your base in Asahikawa and in the evening, celebrate your achievements on the slopes with a grand dinner of delicious local fare.
Day 13
Asahikawa, Japan
Hotel:
None
Meals:
Breakfast
Say your farewells to the alps of Japan this morning as you board your domestic flight to Narita International airport in Tokyo, ready for your journey onwards or homewards.
Virtuoso Benefits
VIP Arrival
The following VIP services are complimentary for all Virtuoso guests upon arrival at participating airports.
Meet and greet as you disembark the aircraft
Luggage assistance
Escort through immigration and customs formalities
Escort to your private guide
Further services may be available, contingent upon individual airport regulations. Please enquire for further details.
Product Terms & Conditions
Payment Notes
Payment by wire transfer or by cheque; American Express, Visa and MasterCard also accepted.
25%
Refund Policy
Fully refundable, less a 15% of total trip price cancellation fee, if cancelled 91 days or more before departure, subject to the refund policies of each hotel, airline and other vendor
50% of total trip price refundable if cancelled 30-90 days before departure, subject to the refund policies of each hotel, airline and other vendor
No refund less than 30 days before departure
Please note that some vendors have onerous cancellation policies with substantial penalties for changes where funds paid are non-refundable