The Inter-Islander Tour

RESORT & SIDE-COUNTRY / GUIDED & HOSTED (for 11 days) 

This is - in our most humble opinion - the perfect small group ski /cultural tour. That's because, having accumulated many years of skiing all over Japan, we think it combines the three best ski regions of Japan - Central Hokkaido, the coast of Western Hokkaido and the combined Tohoku prefectures on northern Honshu Island.

To be honest this is an itinerary we often try, and fail, to put together for our tailor-made clients. The logistics are too complicated in these remote regions and we simply can't expect our clients to self-guide their way from point A to point C, via point B.  It would never work, if travelling without the help of a guide and the shared-logistics of a small group. Bolstered by the organisation of our local partners and guided on the mountains by experienced ski guides - then it all works.

You begin by spending five nights in Furano, in the heart of Central Hokkaido. You’ll have the opportunity of skiing or riding on Hokkaido’s highest peak Asahidake, as well as exploring the slack-country of Furano, Kamui, Tomamu, Sahoro and Pippu.

You then head south to the pleasant coastal city of Otaru, for two nights and two days in the deepest snow you'll ever be fortunate enough to experience, at either of the nearby resorts of Kiroro, Kokusai or Teine. The added attraction of staying in Otaru are the old European canals, a nearby whisky distillery and some of the best fresh seafood in all Japan - the snow crab is amazing!

After your stay on Hokkaido it's the  time to make your way down to the port of Hakodate, to once again explore the seafood markets and quaint European style buildings, before catching the ferry across the Tsugaru Strait to Aomori, the northernmost city of the main island of Honshu. You are now in Tohoku, an untapped remote region in Japan renowned for its untracked powder! You spend two nights just below the epic Hakkoda mountain (the best skiing in Japan? Quite possibly) and then transfer for your last four nights in the lively Morioka. Using this small city as you base you head out to any of the five resorts in the region;, Appi Kogen, Shizukuishi, Hachimantai, Tazawako, and Geto Kogen. At night your guides will take you out for delicious local food and the quirky, provincial nightlife of Morioka.

Finally, a direct shinkansen whisks you back to Tokyo - an experience in itself, as the bullet-train reaches its top speeds on this sections of track - in no time at all, for a couple of days in the capital by yourselves before flying directly home to the UK.