Tohoku Explorer Tour

• Fully guided & hosted
• Meet and greet at Morioka Station
• 4 nights twin share accommodation at Hotel Grand Annex, Morioka
• 2 nights twin share accommodation at Tazawako Lake Resort, Tazawako (Japanese style rooms with western beds and ensuites – limited western rooms available on request)
• 3 nights twin share accommodation including dinner at Azumashiya, Kuroishi (Japanese style rooms with futon beds and ensuites – limited western beds available on request)
• Transfer to Aomori train station or Aomori Airport
• All Lift passes as required
• Welcome dinner party in Morioka
• Farewell dinner party with cultural performance at Azumashiya
• 2 dinners included when staying at both Tazawako and Azumashiya
• Onsen (hot spring) tour
• Daily breakfast
• Whiteroom merch

• Single share accommodation – availability and price on request
• Avalanche gear rental
• 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

• Travel Insurance
  Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our tours and guided packages, and you’ll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific ski/snowboard related activities involved in your trip. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you’re unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or injury.

  Standard travel insurance may not cover skiing/boarding on or off-piste or backcountry touring with or without a guide, so it’s essential to check the details carefully. There are snow-specific providers such as World Nomads (Explorer plan) who cover skiing/boarding on piste and with a guide in the backcountry or Rise + Shield (Wintersports add on), which covers on piste as well as skiing/boarding in the backcountry without a guide.

  Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.

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 TOUR FOR ME?

ABILITY LEVEL: Advanced in powder with 10 days+ of ski touring/splitboarding experience & above.

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 for up to 900m (3000ft) vertical.

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 can 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.

Appi Kogen
One of the most extensive resorts we go to in Northern Honshu you will definitely feel the leg burn after tackling one of Appi’s long and wide groomers. After jumping off the main gondola an over 5 km run down Yamabato will have you dying for more.

Although slightly busier during weekends the well maintained lift system allows access to all levels of skiing and riding terrain. Mid-weeks can be a dream with fresh snow and few people around. If you want to test yourself, any one of the main tree islands open out to challenging long runs that you can easily jump in and out of.

Tazawako
Off the beaten track definitely jumps into your head when you roll into Tazawako. Expect to get a few curious looks from people wondering how you have managed to end up at this local resort.

The result of being home to a core group of ski racers is plenty of untracked powder away from their courses for the rest of us to enjoy. Although smaller than some of the other areas in the region the lack of people in the trees means there are plenty of good turns to be had. If you have made the most of the snow Tazawako is also a short drive to one of Japan’s most famous onsens – Tsuru no Yu.

Staying in Tazawako also allows us to reach the remote Ani ski area for powder filled backcountry adventures amongst the snow monsters. 

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: If you need to hire touring equipment please let your consultant know as there are no suitable rental shops in Tohoku.)

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 – 6

Today we make the short trip over to Tazawako where we’ll have access to Ani ski area and other nearby options including Tazawako Ski Resort, depending on weather conditions. This is an area that few visit, while being well know amongst locals as a heavy snowfall area. We’ll spend two nights in comfort at Tazawako Lake Resort and enjoy their renown indoor/outdoor onsens and breakfast/dinners full of local Akita produce.

DAY 7

Transfer day – It’s time to head north toward 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, it’s 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 8 – 9

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 10
(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!

As this is a new tour for 2027, the reviews below are from our other Tohoku Tours

Reviews from our Tohoku Backcountry Tour:

Craig and Brad were awesome. They have worked together in the past and it shows with how they are able to communicate with each other in the mountains. They read our group, adapted their guiding style to fit our needs and abilities. The skiing was great, and allowed us to be a bit more flexible with our skiing.

– Perry Hall 2025

3rd year with Whiteroom and will almost certainly be back again next year. Highly professional, supportive, great comms, real attention to detail with regards safety, full on snow geeks. Grizz in particular went above and beyond helping me sort out some equipment malfuntions.

– Dan Smith 2025

I loved Japan and tree skiing and the snow when it came. It was a cultural experience as well as a ski trip. The ski areas were uncrowded and the people friendly and there was decent food readily available and inexpensive on the mountain. Craig and Brad were good fun to ski with. They were energetic and professional in their organisation and safety. They worked hard to give us the best time possible. We worked well as a team. 

– Alistair O’Reilly 2025

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

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

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.

TAZAWAKO LAKE RESORT

Located on the border between Akita and Iwate prefectures – 2 of the snowiest regions in all of Japan – Tazawako Lake Resort is within driving distance of multiple resorts renowned for their deep powder.

The hotel features an onsen (natural hot spring) with both indoor and outdoor baths as well as a sauna, perfect to relax in after a day in the snow. In addition, the onsite restaurant has great views of Mt Akita where you can enjoy the generous breakfast buffet with both hot and cold Western and Japanese dishes. The dinner buffet includes over 60 different dishes, from local specialties to Chinese and Western classics. Not to be missed is the craft beer and sake corner with local Akita brews for some delicious (and well deserved!) après drinks.

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. 

SKI/BOARD HIRE
Please note that snowboarders need to have splitboards. If you need to hire equipment please let your consultant know as there are no suitable rental shops in Tohoku.

LUGGAGE
As this is a moving tour we request you pack as lightly as possible with one ski/board bag and a carry on bag. This will make sure there is plenty of space in the vans for all clients’ and guides’ luggage. If you need any advice on packing please speak with your consultant.

View our full Terms & Conditions here.