Tohoku Backcountry Tour
FULLY GUIDED & HOSTED LIFT ASSISTED BACKCOUNTRY TOURING
After many years exploring the Tohoku region we have found some amazing backcountry terrain for you to enjoy. Like our popular Powder Belt Backcountry Tour you’ll be required to have touring gear but that doesn’t mean you have to hike all day.
The beauty of this tour is that you will use the lifts to do all the hard work, and from there tour into the backcountry for endless untracked fresh tracks. That’s not to mean we won’t ride the resort. If the pow is right there off the lifts we’ll smash that then head wide when we’re done.
The starting point for this tour is the bustling city of Morioka, a quick two and a half hour Shinkansen train trip north from Tokyo. Sitting in view of Mt Iwate, Morioka gives us the flexibility of being able to do short day trips to the nearby ski areas of Geto Kogen, Appi Kogen, Hachimantai, Shizukuishi and Tazawako.
Each resort offers awesome terrain straight off the lifts as well as plenty of great backcountry touring. After a great days riding we’ll often stop at an onsen on the way home to sooth those muscles before heading out for dinner at one of the many amazing restaurants near your hotel as well as checking out some cool bars if you’re up for it.
With hardly any foreigners apart from yourselves in this area you’ll get to enjoy a unique Japanese cultural ski experience.
For the special experience, ask us about an optional Cat Ski day at either Shizukuishi or Hachimantai!
For the next four nights, you’ll travel up to northern Tohoku where you’ll enjoy Aomori Springs’ deserted powder or head to the famous Hakkoda, ascending to the peak to explore the limitless backcountry possibilities amongst the snow-monsters! This area has become one of our favourites and from our base in Kuroishi you’ll have the flexibility to either head up to Hakkoda or across the plains to Aomori Springs. Both ski areas have some amazing terrain straight off the lifts as well as vast easily accessed backcountry terrain.
At night you’ll relax in the warm and welcoming Hotel Azumashiya, soak in it’s lovely natural onsen and enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine cooked up by Fukushi-san and his family. It’s hotels like these that make staying in this barely explored part of Japan that little bit special. Fukushi-san will ensure your stay is one to remember and when you see him in the lift line at Hakkoda you will understand why he calls this area home.
Check out Graeme’s blog from his trip through the region!
What makes this tour special is the lack of foreigners, epic amounts of powder, quaint 400+ year-old onsens, amazing local food and an overall unique cultural experience. This tour will not only take you to some awesome backcountry areas but will also leave you with a true Japanese experience that cannot be missed. See the video below from one of our private tours we took through the region.
If you’d like to read about taking the train from Tokyo to the north island, check out our blog article on the journey from Tokyo to Hokkaido by Shinkansen Bullet train!
8 NIGHTS | 9 DAYS
¥595,000
¥595,000 – SOLD OUT
¥595,000 – SOLD OUT
¥595,000 – SOLD OUT
¥595,000
Secure your spot with a 20% deposit. See our Terms & Conditions for more information.
6 to 1 max client to guide ratio
8 people max per tour. 3 person minimum
Ability Level: Advanced to Expert in powder with a good level of fitness and at least 10 days of ski/splitboard touring experience
THIS LIFT ACCESSED BACKCOUNTRY TOUR IN TOHOKU IS GAINING IN POPULARITY - COME SEE WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT!
Tohoku Backcountry Tour Details
- Fully guided & hosted
- Meet and greet at Morioka Station
- Transfer to or from Aomori train station or Aomori Airport
- 4 nights twin share accommodation at Hotel Grand Annex, Morioka
- 4 nights twin share accommodation in Azumashiya, Kuroishi
- All Lift passes as required
- 5 dinners showcasing the areas delicious food including a welcome dinner party in Morioka
- Onsen (hot spring) tour
- Daily breakfast
- Whiteroom merch
- Single share accommodation – availability and price on request
- Avalanche gear rental
- Avalanche Awareness Courses – click here for more info
- 10% discount on our Weston and Moment Ski/Splitboard backcountry rentals
- Interested in a Tokyo stopover or Kyoto cultural side trip? Add a pre or post tour travel package
NOTE: Avalanche safety gear is compulsory for all our tours. Please advise us upon booking if you have your own gear or will need to rent.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
Ability Level – Advanced to Expert in powder with at least one seasons touring experience.
You must be able to ski/board the whole mountain in all conditions confidently at speed and have advanced ability in powder, through trees in steep terrain and in variable conditions.
Snowboarders in this level are able to keep speed in flat sections by planning ahead as well as hold a solid traverse line and be able to hop up and manoeuvre in a way as to not slow down the group.
You must have a very good level of fitness and be able to hike for around 2-4 hours total per day.
Ski AT/skins set-up or splitboards are required, no snowshoes. You must have at least one seasons experience using this equipment.
The idea of these tours is to have complete flexibility to seek out the best conditions and objectives on any given day. Some days we will use the lifts for their vertical bump, on other days we will head to secluded locations to hike and explore Tohoku’s amazing powder filled terrain.
Below is a list of some of the mountains we will visit during the tour. Of course there are also several smaller lesser known areas we will take you to…
Hakkoda Ropeway
Well known to the local Japanese powder hunters, Hakkoda is a mecca for lift accessed backcountry skiing and riding. Hidden away in Northern Tohoku don’t expect any frills from this area, run as a hiking destination in summer they keep the ropeway turning for skiers and riders to enjoy the absolute abundance of yearly snowfall it receives.
From open chutes higher on the mountain to long tree runs all the way to base Hakkoda offers an amazing locals feel. The weather can be temperamental to say the least as the large snow covered trees at the top of the ropeway testify to. If you have some skins and a splitboard Hakkoda offers great experiences to get deep into the backcountry if the weather allows.
Aomori Springs
Like many parts of the Tohoku region Aomori Springs has remained off the radar to Western visitors. Perched on the side of Mt Iwaki we can easily use the lift systems to gain quick elevation before hiking to the upper slopes above the resort.
After a short time you can expect to find perfectly spaced trees running down into the valley floor that can be easily lapped. If the weather is settled a push for the summit will give you access to some open bowls and amazing views of the Sea of Japan.
Geto Kogen
Geto continues to open new terrain to allow anyone looking for easy backcountry access to get their fill. A well defined gate system allows you to use Geto Kogen’s lift system to make the most of your time at the resort.
You can expect steep tree runs that lead easily back to the base of the lift so you can maximise laps in a day. The new Extreme zone has added a large section of steep trees to enjoy this coming season.
Hachimantai
Split over two different resorts Hachimatai’s Panorama and Shimokura ski areas regularly have great snow conditions as they are slightly more protected from the winds.
Hachimantai Panorama allows us access to Mt Iwate. A huge but rewarding hike if the conditions are on.
Hachimantai Shimokura is a little gem with easily accessed backcountry where we can go wider and wider or off the back with a relatively easy hike back to the lifts when we need to.
This itinerary is an example. The tour will be run largely by the weather and each day will fit around where the best conditions are. This is the beauty of such a tour.
DAY 1
(arrival and check-in day)
Upon landing in Tokyo we recommend you take the Shinkansen for a true Japanese travel experience up to the snowy city of Morioka. There you will be welcomed by your guides and driven to Morioka Grand Hotel where you will meet your fellow road trippers over dinner and drinks. Your guide will also will run you through the tour, current conditions and prevailing weather and answer any questions you may have.
(NOTE: rental equipment is not available on this tour. You must have your own backcountry equipment and be familiar with it.)
DAYS 2 – 4
(first snow days)
The beauty of staying in the city of Morioka is not only you will be able to enjoy the nightlife of a Japanese city but you will also be able to access multiple resorts and backcountry areas, each affected by slightly different weather patterns. Every day your guide will be checking the forecast to see which area has the best conditions and each area brings something different to your experience. For most days you can expect short 30min hikes off the lifts and traverse hikes of a similar time back to the base. There are some great cultural sites and onsens on the way back to Morioka which we may stop at to soak our muscles ready for the next days’ adventure. Each night your guides will take you out to sample the delicious local cuisine and hang at some cool bars.
DAY 5
Transfer day – It’s time to say goodbye to the Morioka region and head north to Hakkoda. On our way we may detour to a fun ski area few know about, boasting epic tree lines and road drops off the back. Hakkoda is famous for the epic amounts of snow that blanket the mountain. The terrain is epic and one of our favourites in Japan. The powder is ridiculously deep and as it is further north is dryer too. For the next four nights we will be staying in the family run Hotel Azumashiya, a ryokan style guesthouse with lovely hosts, regenerative onsens, delicious food and the powder of Hakkoda and Aomori Springs a short drive away.
DAY 6 – 8
Hakkoda will blow you away, sometimes literally. Known for its temperamental weather and pea soup like visibility you’ll either have your best day on the trip or one of the toughest. With one Ropeway (Cable Car) taking you right to the top, it is from here where we will hike out and enjoy Hakkoda’s epic backcountry terrain. It was mainly built for sightseeing and hiking in summer but stories of epic pow, snow-monsters and endless terrain made it a growing mecca for powderhounds and backcountry skiers. We will also head over to Aomori Springs. This little known resort has some fun powder filled terrain and the terrain from the top of the back most lift is Japanese tree skiing at its finest. Each night in Azumashiya you will enjoy a variety of local cuisine.
DAY 9
(check-out and departure day)
All good things must come to an end. It’s time to check out and transfer to Aomori Train Station or Airport and say goodbye to your new friends. Sayonara! Hope to see you again soon!
After many years in Hokkaido, Tohoku has blown me away. The volume and quality of the snow we experienced on the Backcountry Tour was unbelievable. I really enjoyed the empty ski fields, and less touristy region.
– Dirk S, 2023
This tour is new but check out our past reviews from the Tohoku Powder Tour…
Excellent experience and certainly fulfilled my expectations.. the guiding made the powder skiing experience truly amazing. Craig was more than willing to pass on his extensive knowledge of snowpack/avalanche safety.
– Graham P, 2024
Both (guides) were excellent. Very patient and considerate, but more importantly outstanding in their ability to find fresh powder every day!
– Ken G, 2023
Exceptionally well run. The only thing I would suggest is a break mid week to recover!
– Guy F, 2023
Just how relaxed and professional Scott and John were! We were not as experienced as other riders so they directed us to the best option and were spot on with their choices. The tour was great just for being with the people on it. Everyone was up for fun and we saw + experienced so much Japanese culture. The worst part of the whole tour was it had to end. My son and I had the most amazing father/son experience thanks to Whiteroom and especially to Scott and John. Legends!!!
– Zac S, 2023
We had a well matched group which made it very enjoyable. Everyone on the same page. Could not fault them (guides). Went out their way to make sure everyone was happy and safe. Made good decisions as to where optimal skiing conditions would be.
– Tina B, 2023
Loved the tour. Firstly the group got on well and secondly the places we stayed at and the welcome and farewell meals were superb. Having a Japanese experience as well as ski was a highlight.
By far the most outstanding aspect of the tour was our guide Gareth. He was professional, fun but most of all, always had our safety as his number one priority. He planned our ski days around best options with snow conditions and made sure all of us got the most out of the day’s guiding. He boosted our confidence when we (especially me) needed it and he genuinely wanted everyone to have a good time. His sense of humour was legendary and both on and off the snow he went that extra distance to ensure our comfort. As the last tour and at the end of the season to maintain the enthusiasm for our group as if it was the first one of the season made our holiday fantastic. Please pass on thanks.
I’d like to also mention Graeme (consultant) who helped arrange the tour and whom we met (again he made the effort) and who was delightful. Also my experience with Whiteroom in Niseko (I stayed at the M Hotel for 5 days on their recommendation) and met some of the team there. Thanks Whiteroom. Hopefully will join another tour one day.
– Hilary Fine 2019
HOTEL GRAND ANNEX MORIOKA
Located right in the centre of town 10 minutes walk from the train station. This hotel is the perfect base in which to explore the city of Morioka as well as having easy access to the surrounding ski areas. You’ll love being in the centre of town with all the great restaurants and bars within walking distance. Each room is comfortably appointed with twin beds and all that you’d expect from a 4 star hotel.
AZUMASHIYA RYOKAN
A lovely accommodation run by a friendly and welcoming family. You’ll feel right at home at this hotel overlooking the river and onsen town of Kuroishi. We have chosen this spot for not only the great food and lovely hosts but also it’s perfect location between Hakkoda and Aomori Springs ski resorts. It boasts a large outdoor onsen relaxing lounge space and large Japanese ensuited rooms with optional western bedding.
This tour will require you to travel by train to Morioka train station where your guide will meet you and transfer you to your accommodation.
At the end of the tour your guide will transfer you to either Shin-Aomori Station for your Shinkansen back Tokyo or to Aomori Airport for your flight home.
Once you’ve booked onto the tour you will receive our Trip Info Brochure packed with loads of useful information to help you plan your trip to Japan.
View our full Terms & Conditions here.
" Just wanted to say a big thanks for the awesome time we had in the Tohoku region in February. As always the guides were very experienced and went out of their way to ensure we had fun and stayed safe. Another great trip with heaps of memories that will last forever. "
Gibbo – 2018
Backcountry Rental
Prefer to leave your gear at home? We now offer our clients backcountry rental with a range of touring skis, splitboards and equipment from Weston, Moment, Tyrollia, Spark R&D, Black Diamond and Mammut.
Our Guides
We take two things very seriously – safety on the mountain, and getting the most from each day. With qualified and experienced guides from all corners of the globe, we’ll show you some amazing places and get you deep into that famous Japanese powder.
