Escape the crowds. Discover Japan like few skiers and riders ever do.
TOHOKU, JAPAN
Jan 4–12 / Jan 13–21
Nomad Inc’s 9-day Tohoku Backcountry Tour blends world-class powder with authentic cultural immersion.
We built this trip for skiers and splitboarders chasing real powder days in northern Honshu. It’s a road-based, mobile setup. We move between ski zones daily, chasing whatever conditions are firing, with two guides and six guests max so the experience stays personal and efficient.
You’ll get deep, dry snow and the surreal “snow monster” trees of Mount Hakkoda, evenings unwinding in traditional onsens, and dinners built around real Tohoku cooking. Far from the lift lines of Niseko and the busier resorts elsewhere in Japan, Tohoku gives you space to spread out and a quieter, more personal read on Japanese mountain culture, paired with some of the best snow the country holds.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
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Two guides every trip: a certified IFMGA/ACMG ski guide plus a Japanese-speaking assistant who rides with the group and bridges the cultural gap
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Up to 6 ski areas, including the legendary Hakkoda snow monsters
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A small, intimate group size that lets us adapt to conditions and move fast
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Locally sourced meals and onsen recovery built into every day
Why TOHOKU?
Japan’s north remains one of skiing’s best-kept secrets—less crowded than Hokkaido, but every bit as deep. Here, you’ll find terrain shaped by snow ghosts, charming mountain villages, and a culture that welcomes you in with warmth, tradition, and flavor.
Who THIS IS FOR:
You should be solid in deep powder, trees, and ungroomed terrain on skis or a splitboard, comfortable on a 10km hike with a 22lb pack. Splitboarders should be confident maintaining speed on flats and holding a traverse line. Some touring or splitboard experience helps but isn’t required. Bring your own avalanche gear; we’ll run a safety review on day one.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Aomori, meet the group, welcome dinner
Day 2-4: Lift-assisted backcountry between Hakkoda and Aomori Springs, storm chasing based on conditions
Day 5: travel south to Mount Iwati, settle into our onsen hotel
Day 6-8: Powder hunting around Mount Iwate and Hachimantai, with access to Hachimantai, Appi Kogen, and Iwate Kogen
Day 9: Drop at Morioka Station for the bullet train to Tokyo
What's INCLUDED:
Support:
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Certified ski guides
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Lift tickets
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Ground Transportation
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Photographer
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Avalanche safety guidance
Accommodations:
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8 nights of accommodations with onsen access
Meals:
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Daily breakfast & dinner
Not Included:
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Arrival to Aomori/Departure from Moriok
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Travel insurance
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Lunches
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Gratuities
Solo Travelers:
Will be paired with another guest in a twin share room, or upgrade to a single room for $1,495.
Payment:
A 25% deposit is required to secure your reservation. Final payments are collected 90 days before trip departure.
