A one-day ski tour from Tokyo! Experience Japow with an English or Chinese guide

What is "Japow"? Why is it loved around the world?

Japanese snow is called "Japow" and is popular with skiers and snowboarders all over the world. This word is a combination of "Japan" and "Powder Snow," and refers to the fluffy, light snow quality that is unique to Japan.

While snow overseas is often dry and coarse, Japanese snow is characterized by its moderate moisture and soft, fine texture . As a result, snow flurries up when you ski, making it feel like you're gliding on clouds.

Related article: Enjoy Japow skiing and snowboarding [including tips for planning your trip]

Even beginners can enjoy the snow with peace of mind! Departing from Tokyo with an English or Chinese guide

In addition to Hokkaido and Nagano, you can also experience Japow in the Kanto area, which is easily accessible from Tokyo.

The " Tanbara Ski Park Day Tour " organized by Orion Tours, which we will introduce, allows you to enjoy skiing and snowboarding empty-handed, and comes with an English and Chinese guide, making it a great option for beginners.

Even if you are unsure about Japanese etiquette or the language, you can participate with peace of mind.

Tambara Ski Park Day Trip Bus Tour with English or Chinese Guide (Departing and Returning from Shinjuku) | Ski or Snowboard Rental + Lift Ticket Included (Numata City, Gunma Prefecture)

This is an easy-to-enjoy bus tour plan that includes lift tickets, ski or snowboard, and clothing rental.

Departing Shinjuku in the morning, you will arrive at Tambara Ski Park in about 3 hours . You will have about 5 hours of free time to enjoy the fluffy powder snow of Japow to your heart's content.

You can also take photos in the snow and take a break at the attached cafe and restaurant, making it a fulfilling day out even on a day trip.

Approximately 80% of the courses are for beginners and intermediate skiers, so families with children and beginner skiers and snowboarders can feel at ease.

Tour details and reservations here

[English/Chinese Guide Accompanied] (Departing/Returning from Shinjuku) Tambara Ski Park Snow Play, 50 Minutes All-You-Can-Eat Crab, and 30 Minutes All-You-Can-Eat Strawberry Picking Day Trip Bus Tour

Even if you're not good at skiing or snowboarding, you can still enjoy our winter-only day trip plan, which offers a wide range of activities, including playing in the snow, gourmet food, and strawberry picking.

Your first destination is Tambara Ski Park, home to the snow play area "Tamba Land." Even if you don't ski or snowboard, you can freely enjoy the soft snow by sledding or making snowmen.

Afterwards, enjoy a luxurious lunch at Fruit Village Harada Farm. In addition to 50 minutes of all-you-can-eat crab, you can also enjoy 30 minutes of all-you-can-eat strawberry picking.

English and Chinese-speaking staff will accompany you, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about language barriers.

Tour details and reservations here

A day trip is a great way to enjoy the ski tour to Tambara Ski Park!

Tambara Ski Park, which can be reached on a day trip from Tokyo, is an attractive ski resort with good snow quality and easy access.

In addition to a wide variety of courses that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers alike, the park also offers a wide range of facilities and services . Here we will introduce the reasons why people choose Tambara Ski Park.

Snow Country is accessible from Tokyo in about 2-3 hours

One of the attractions of Tambara Ski Park is the excellent balance of scenery, facilities, and snow quality.

The best thing about this place is the fluffy powder snow. In just a short time, you can travel from the city center to Snow Country and experience authentic Japow .

The snow-white slopes are perfect for taking photos, and on clear days you can see all the way to the distant mountains.

There are rest areas, restaurants, rental equipment, and schools available, so you can enjoy a comfortable stay in any situation.

This ski resort is perfect for solo travelers as well as those traveling with family and friends.

Excellent value for money with lift ticket, main equipment and meals included

Another appealing feature is that you can easily enjoy Japan's snow in a comfortable environment where everything you need is provided.

The tour fee includes lift tickets and rental of major equipment, so you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding without worrying about additional costs .

Many ski tours allow you to rent clothing, boots, boards, etc. locally, so you can participate empty-handed. This is cheaper than arranging it yourself and eliminates the hassle of travel and preparation.

If you are visiting a ski park for the first time, you can rest assured that the staff will carefully guide you on and off the lifts.

Recommended experience spots for those who want to enjoy snow other than skiing

Even if you don't ski or snowboard, there are plenty of spots in Japan where you can enjoy the snow .

You can enjoy special winter experiences such as bathing in hot springs while admiring the snowy scenery and playing in the snow. Orion Tours also offers unique day trips that combine snow play with sightseeing.

We also have an article introducing snow play facilities and scenic spots that you can visit on a day trip from Tokyo, so be sure to check that out as well.

Related article: A day trip from Tokyo! Introducing new snow play spots where you can enjoy Japan's snow

Other day tours for foreigners

Our final recommendation is a popular plan that allows you to enjoy both playing in the snow and experiencing Japanese culture.

[English/Chinese Guide Accompanied] (Departing/Returning from Shinjuku) Hunter Mountain Shiobara Snow Play & Ouchijuku Free Stroll Day Trip Bus Tour | Lunch Box Included (Shiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture)

This popular winter-only tour departs from Tokyo and lets you enjoy both snow activities and Japanese culture . At Hunter Mountain Shiobara, you can sled and build snowmen on the fluffy snow. Even those who don't ski can safely experience winter nature.

Afterwards, you'll have free time to stroll around Ouchi-juku, a town lined with traditional thatched-roof houses. The townscape is enveloped in a snowy landscape, and you'll feel as if you've traveled back in time to old Japan. An English- and Chinese-speaking guide will accompany you, providing an easy-to-understand introduction to the cultural highlights.

Tour details and reservations here

In addition to skiing, Orion Tours also offers a variety of seasonal day bus tours for visitors to Japan.

Choose from plans that combine strawberry picking, hot springs, and seasonal cuisine to suit your travel style. For example, there are plenty of seasonal attractions, such as cherry blossom viewing in spring, sightseeing at Mt. Fuji in summer, and autumn leaves and fruit picking in autumn.

It's perfect for family trips or group trips with friends, allowing you to easily experience Japan's four seasons.

If you're interested, please see the details below.

See other day tours

How to choose a day trip ski tour from Tokyo

There are many different types of day-trip ski tours departing from Tokyo, and many people may find it difficult to decide which plan to choose.

Comparing prices, support options, and access methods will make it easier to find the plan that's right for you.

Here we will introduce in an easy-to-understand manner the points you should know when choosing a tour .

Compare prices and included services

When choosing a day ski tour, check what is included in the price . Whether lift tickets, rental equipment, or meals are included will vary depending on the tour company.

Even if it looks cheap at first glance, be careful as there may be additional charges when you get there.

Beginners can rest assured by choosing a plan that includes equipment rental and lift tickets.

If you have experience skiing or snowboarding, you can save money by checking whether you can bring your own equipment and choosing a plan that focuses on transportation costs.

Differences in access methods

The means of access you choose will depend on your travel style.

Bus tours are great for those traveling long distances for the first time, as they are easy to get around from departure to return , and are often reasonably priced.

There are no transfers and no need to carry heavy luggage.

On the other hand, plans using the Shinkansen are recommended for those who prioritize comfort and shorter travel times. However, many ski resorts are often reached by bus from the nearest Shinkansen station.

Consider the number of participants and their purpose

When choosing a tour, you can't go wrong if you choose one that suits the number of participants and the purpose of your trip.

For beginners and families, we recommend a bus tour with an English or Chinese guide .

They also provide support for transportation and rental procedures, so it's a relief for those taking part in a bus tour in Japan for the first time or those who are concerned about the language barrier.

On the other hand, those who bring their own equipment or are comfortable with Japanese can also enjoy a plan that allows them to freely arrange their transportation and time.

If you are traveling in a group, it is convenient to coordinate your schedule by going on the same tour.

[From Tokyo] 6 things you need to know to enjoy a day ski tour

Once you've booked a day trip from Tokyo, it's time to get ready for the day. To make the most of a day trip, it's important to check your clothing, what to bring, departure time, and other details.

Here are six useful points to know so that even beginners can participate with confidence.

What to wear and what to bring

Ski and snowboard wear, boards, boots, etc. can be rented locally , so you don't have to carry around heavy luggage, making it easy to participate even while traveling.

When renting, you may be able to add accessories (gloves, hats, goggles, etc.), so it's a good idea to check the plan details before booking.

However, don't forget to bring your own winter jacket and thick socks.

Also, if you use a smartphone at the ski resort, it's useful to have a mobile battery, as the battery will quickly run out in the cold.

Recommended travel period

In general, the best season for ski resorts in the Kanto region, including Tambara Ski Park, is from December to March .

The snow quality is best in January and February, so you can enjoy the fluffy snow. If you take proper precautions against the cold and choose clothes that are easy to move in, you can stay comfortable.

It tends to get crowded on weekends and holidays, so we recommend attending on weekdays.

From March onwards, temperatures begin to rise and there are some warm days during the day, so it's a good idea to check the snowfall amount on the official website when planning your trip.

Check out the food on the slopes

At Japanese ski resorts, you can enjoy meals known as "slope food" or "geremeshi" at restaurants and food courts.

Slope food (gere-meshi) refers to warm and delicious meals eaten on the slopes.

In addition to standard menu items such as curry and ramen, local gourmet dishes made with local ingredients are also popular.

If you check the menu on the official website of the ski resort you are visiting in advance, you can eat smoothly even when it is busy and save time.

When to make a reservation

The ski season usually starts around December, and the resorts tend to fill up early during the New Year holidays and on weekends .

To secure your preferred dates, we recommend making your reservation as soon as your travel plans are decided.

On Orion Tour's official website, you can easily check and book dates and plans. If you find a tour that interests you, it's a good idea to check it out early.

Prepare for an early morning departure

Day ski tours often depart early in the morning , so make sure you get ready the day before to avoid being late.

If you don't have time to eat breakfast, it's a good idea to prepare and bring snacks and drinks the day before. You can also check the meeting place and the nearest station exit on a map app the day before, or walk around the area to avoid getting lost on the day.

The meeting points for Shinjuku and Tokyo Station are particularly large and it's easy to get lost, so be sure to allow yourself plenty of time. Don't forget to dress warmly in preparation for the chill in the early morning hours.

What to do during the day tour

If you spend your travel time relaxing, even a day trip can be a fulfilling experience.

If you take a nap on the bus to conserve your energy , you won't need to use up too much energy once you arrive. Asking your guide about local spots and Japanese culture will make your trip even more memorable.

It's a good idea to take a nap on the bus on the way back to prepare for the journey to your accommodation . You can also organize the photos you took and post them on social media to enjoy looking back on your trip.

Frequently asked questions before joining a day trip ski tour

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions before joining a day ski tour.

Use this as a reference to alleviate any worries you may have before setting off, such as "Is it okay for beginners?" or "Can I participate alone?", and enjoy Japan's snow with peace of mind.

Is it okay if I'm a beginner at skiing or snowboarding?

Don't worry if you're new to skiing or snowboarding. An English or Chinese speaking guide will accompany you and provide thorough support, from rental procedures to the basics of skiing.

In addition, at Tambara Ski Park, which Orion Tours will guide you to, about 80% of the slopes are beginner to intermediate courses, so even beginners can feel at ease.

Is there a chance there will be no snow?

Tambara Ski Park is located at an altitude of 1,250 to 1,550 meters, so there is stable snowfall from December to March each year, allowing you to experience fluffy Japow.

Even if there is little natural snow, we have an artificial snow machine to ensure there is plenty of snow, so you can visit without worrying about a lack of snow.

Can I participate alone?

Of course it's okay.

Orion Tour's one-day ski tour is a great activity to enjoy even if you join alone. You can ski freely, take photos, and spend the time at your own pace.

Also, on a day ski tour, conversations tend to naturally occur among travelers with the same goal, and these unexpected interactions can become memorable memories of the trip.

Reliable support in English and Chinese! Experience Japow with ease on a one-day ski tour from Tokyo!

The appeal of a one-day ski tour is that you can enjoy Japan's snow in just one day, even while staying in Tokyo . Experience the fluffy snow of Japow and you'll definitely feel the specialness of Japanese winter.

The Tokyo one-day ski tour organized by Orion Tour comes with an English and Chinese guide, so even first-timers can participate with confidence.

Why not enjoy Japan's snowy mountains to the fullest on a one-day ski tour that requires no preparation and is easy to enjoy?