Itinerary
Zao'Tastic
For those looking to experience a more authentic side of a Japan ski holiday, this itinerary centres around Zao Onsen, one of Japan’s most characterful and traditional ski resorts. Far removed from the larger, more international destinations, it offers a deeper connection to both the skiing and the culture. And naturally, a trip like this wouldn’t be complete without time exploring the wider highlights of Japan, including Tokyo and Kyoto.
With four days on the slopes in Zao Onsen, there’s plenty of flexibility to shape the trip around you. Additional ski days can easily be added, or you could extend the itinerary to include another nearby resort.
Heading further north into the Tohoku region opens up a quieter, less-travelled side of Japan’s ski scene. Resorts such as Appi Kogen, Alts Bandai, and Geto Onsen offer excellent snow, fewer crowds, and a more local feel.
For those wanting something truly memorable, Mount Hakkoda delivers one of Japan’s most unique powder experiences, accessed by a single ropeway, with vast, untouched terrain and not a piste-basher in sight.
day-by-day itinerary
Suggestions & Variations
With no set departures or fixed dates this itinerary can be extended, or even curtailed, to suit your available dates or match your budget.
More time skiing? Four days on the slopes not enough? Fine...we can either build in more time in Zao Onsen or, alternatively, also include time in a second ski resort. Does Nozawa Onsen or Myoko Kogen appeal?
Visiting Tokyo and Kyoto ticks off the main sightseeing spots. However, for a deeper delve in to Japan, then perhaps you could also include (or replace) these with Takayama, Kanazawa or somewhere else a little more off-the-beaten-track. And for a stay in a rural and remote ryokan, then we have many options up our sleeve other than the (touristy) Hakone region.
Don't have the full two weeks, then straight to Zao Onsen for four or five days skiing and then back to Tokyo for a couple of nights. Boom. Done. A great one-week / 10 day ski holiday, ticking all the boxes.
How much would this holiday cost?
Obviously, cost depends on which accommodation you choose, how many excursions and activities you want to book, whether you wish to include ski hire and local backcountry guides, etc.
An indicative lead-in price for this two-week itinerary would be circa £3,700 to £3,900 per person, including on moderate accommodation (mid / low season), transfers, lift passes in Zao Onsen, Japan rail pass, and economy class flights from the U.K.
If you were to move the dates to January (but still avoiding Christmas & New Year / Chinese New Year), this would then rise by approximately a couple of hundred pounds per person. And, of course, if you wanting the finest, most luxurious accommodation then....the sky's the limit really. Zao Onsen and the Hakone region have some very fine (and expensive) ryokans and Tokyo and Kyoto...well, you know!
We don't have to include international flights. However, by keeping it all within one package, your arrangements would then be protected under our ATOL licence.
Different Snow strive to offer the most competitive prices in all instances. However, we pride ourselves first and foremost on quality - we are an independent specialist tour operator and, therefore, are not beholden to any supplier. We make our decisions based only on who's best in each and every instance.