After a few years of traveling to the Powder Promised Land of Japan, we wanted to share a few pro tips and tricks with you guys. Here is the Ultimate Guide to Riding in Japan: Pow, Culture & Onsens
Skip the Read. Watch the Slay At Home video.
There’s a reason Japan has earned a legendary status in the global shred scene. Between its bottomless pow, surreal landscapes, and deep-rooted cultural hospitality, it’s no surprise that every backcountry rider dreams of dropping into the Japanese Alps or Hokkaido’s dreamy tree lines.
We’ve been lucky enough to make the trip more than a few times and we gathered the Weston fam, including a few of our Guide Team and crew of riders, to share stories, tips, and deep beta from multiple seasons chasing snow and culture in Japan.
Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Why Japan?
Let’s start with the obvious: the snow. They don’t call it “Japow” for nothing. Storm after storm unloads light, dry powder that stacks up like nowhere else. The riding’s as surreal as the scenery; pillow lines in ancient birch forests, steamy volcanic hot springs, and rice fields blanketed in snow.
But the riding is just the start. Japan offers a full cultural reset:
- Warm toilet seats that play music.
- 7-Elevens that rival gourmet food trucks.
- Onsen culture that’ll change how you recover post-tour.
From the sushi trains to the vending machines (yes, some dispense beer), everything about Japan feels like a treat for the senses.
When to Go
The best window? Mid-January to mid-February for the deepest and most consistent snowfall.
If you're aiming for mountaineering lines, late February through March gives you longer days and better visibility for bigger objectives like Mt. Yōtei or Asahi-dake.
Want to roll the dice on fewer crowds and score cheap lodging? Early December or early March can still deliver, but bring flexibility and a “we’ll figure it out” mindset.
Pro Tip: Avoid the New Year’s holidays (both Japanese and Chinese) if you don’t love lines and crowds.
Who to Go With
Choose your crew wisely. A trip to Japan can be the dream (or a logistical nightmare) depending on group dynamic. Ideally, you want:
- Aligned fitness levels
- Similar skill sets
- Shared objectives (backcountry vs. resort, adventure vs. après)
- People who don’t mind getting naked in an onsen
No, seriously. Onsens are a daily thing. You’ll get to know your friends on a deeper level.
And if you’re tight on time or just want to maximize the trip? Hire a guide. It’s the fastest way to get the best terrain, deepest pow, and insider local beta, plus they know where to eat.
Where to Ride
Japan is stacked with zones. Here’s a breakdown:
HOKKAIDO
- Niseko – Popular for a reason. Nightlife, lift-accessed pow, and solid infrastructure. Can get crowded.
- Furano – Underrated gem with tons of terrain and fewer crowds.
- Asahidake – Wild, volcanic, steamy terrain. Big lines. Alpine vibes.
- Kiroro – Epic sidecountry. Be sure to have a plan—or a guide.
- Kurodake – Tram access, long runs, spicy terrain. Very real.
- Shimokawa / Shimamaki – Remote cat skiing heaven. Steep, deep, and wild.
HONSHU (MAIN ISLAND)
- Hakuba Valley – The Japanese Alps. Bigger lines, bigger mountains. A must-do for mountaineers.
- Myoko Kogen – Deep snow, old-school vibes, and easy sidecountry access.
- Nozawa Onsen – Epic terrain meets rich culture. Onsens in town are a huge plus.
How to Get Around
Rent a van (but read this first):
- You’ll need an international driver’s permit. Get one before you leave your home country.
- Drive on the left.
- Pack a plug adapter (2-prong for most electronics).
- Most vans max out at 7–10 people depending on license type.
Having a van = pow chasing freedom. But if you're staying at a mega-resort like Niseko or Hakuba, public transit and shuttles can get you by.
What to Bring
- Beacon, shovel, probe – Japan's backcountry is still the backcountry.
- Solid, Splitboard or touring skis – Snowshoes work, but you’ll burn energy. Skinning is the move.
- Crampons + ice axe – If you're targeting volcanoes like Yōtei or Asahi-dake.
- Layers – Japan is wet and cold. Bring your full kit.
- Travel insurance + medical – Just in case.
Oh, and don’t bring edibles or weed. Japan has a zero-tolerance policy. You will go to jail.
Get on the JAPOW!!!
Pro Tips from the Crew
- Hire a guide on Day 1. Even if it’s just one day, you’ll get a week's worth of info.
- Convenience stores are king. Lawson, 7-Eleven, and Family Mart will become your best friend. From sushi to hot coffee to weirdly delicious gummies—don’t sleep on them.
- Stay respectful. Learn a few words in Japanese. Be polite. Respect local culture. And please, don’t get naked and throw snowballs across the onsen wall.
- Tattoos? Some onsens are strict. Do your homework or call ahead.
Bucket-List Objectives
- Mt. Yōtei (Hokkaido) – Japan’s Mt. Fuji. 6,000 feet of climbing. Ride the crater. Epic beyond words.
- Kurodake (Hokkaido) – Tram-accessed gnar. Steep couloirs, wild alpine terrain.
- Asahi-dake (Hokkaido) – Volcano, steam vents, wild weather. Amazing but serious.
- Karurudake + Taisetsuzan Range – Remote, wild, and worth the effort.
- Rishiri Island – A volcano rising out of the ocean. Serious mountaineering. Bring a guide.
Cultural Highlights
- Onsen life. There’s nothing like soaking in a natural hot spring after 5,000 vertical feet of riding.
- Sushi trains. Conveyor-belt sushi is cheap, fun, and ridiculously fresh.
- Izakayas. Japanese pubs where the food hits just right.
- Sake. Hot or cold. In juice boxes. From vending machines. Yes, it’s a thing.
Final Words
Japan is not just another snow destination, it’s an experience that sticks with you long after the trip ends. Whether you’re chasing blower pow, a big volcano summit, or just a killer meal with your crew, this place delivers.
Come with an open mind, a solid plan, and a humble respect for the mountains and culture, and you’ll leave already dreaming about your next trip back.
Pro Tip: Interested in joining us for a future trip? Want help dialing in your setup before you go? Drop into Weston HQ or hit us up at info@westonbackcountry.com
See you in the land of the rising pow.
Watch The Video:
Weston owner, Leo Tsuo sits down with the team to discuss terrain beta, travel tips and some fun memories in this special edition of the Slay At Home series!
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