Ski tour departing from Tokyo | Chinese and English guides included, even beginners can feel at ease!

Why a one-day bus tour is recommended for skiing from Tokyo

If you're heading to a ski resort from Tokyo, we recommend taking a day trip bus tour .

If you join a tour, you will travel directly by bus, so you don't have to worry about transportation. You will also be accompanied by a guide who can speak English and Chinese, so even first-time visitors can enjoy the tour with peace of mind.

Here are three reasons why we recommend a day trip bus tour.

1. Direct buses allow easy access without transfers

You can get to ski resorts from Tokyo by train, but there are many transfers, and you may need to take an additional bus or taxi from the station to the slopes. Traveling on snowy roads with large luggage can be difficult, and you may feel uneasy in unfamiliar territory.

On the other hand, a day trip bus tour will take you directly from the meeting point in Tokyo to the ski resort without any transfers . You can arrive at your destination just by sitting down and leaving your luggage behind, and you can even take a nap on the bus.

2. Tours must be booked in advance! No need to go through any procedures on the day.

If you go on your own, you will need to make separate arrangements for transportation, lift tickets, rental equipment, etc. This often means that it can take time to coordinate schedules, confirm payment methods, and complete on-site registration procedures.

On the other hand, if you join a tour, round-trip bus tickets, lift tickets, clothing, and equipment rentals are all included in the package . There are no on-site procedures required, so you can start skiing as soon as you arrive.

The tour price is clearly stated from the start, so you don't have to worry about any hidden costs. With everything prepared in advance, you can just focus on enjoying the skiing on the day.

3. An environment where you can enjoy yourself without worrying about language barriers

Japanese ski resorts primarily use Japanese, and while there may be English-speaking staff, they may not always be able to help.

Some budget tours do not include a guide, and you may find it confusing to check in and rent equipment on site.

If you want to enjoy your time without worrying about language barriers, we recommend choosing a tour with an English or Chinese guide . You can receive instructions in your native language about how to receive your lift ticket and how to use the facilities, so you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding with peace of mind.

[Recommended No. 1] Tambara Ski Park Day Trip | Skiing and Snowboarding Experience Plan

Tambara Ski Park in Gunma Prefecture is easily accessible from Tokyo and is known for its excellent snow quality . It offers a variety of courses that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers alike.

All four of the day tours introduced here are multilingual plans with English and Chinese guides. Choose from a variety of activities to suit your preferences, including skiing, playing in the snow, viewing illuminations, and historical walks.

The first of these is a tour that allows you to spend plenty of time at the ski resort and is recommended for those who want to experience skiing and snowboarding in earnest. We will explain the appeal of these four tours in detail.

Tour details and reservations here

Advantage 1: Attentive support from English and Chinese guides

On the Tambara Ski Park day tour, an English- or Chinese-speaking guide will accompany you all day . They will carefully explain the rules of the ski resort and how to purchase lift tickets and rental equipment, so you won't get lost even if it's your first time at the ski resort.

Since the guide will always be with you on the tour, you can rest assured that you can immediately ask for help if you have any problems.

Advantage 2. A comprehensive rental kit so you can participate empty-handed

The tour fee includes a ski lift ticket, rental equipment, and ski wear vouchers . The rental equipment is well-maintained and of high quality, and the staff will carefully adjust it to fit your physique.

There is also a wide variety of rental wear available , so you can choose the one that suits your taste. What's great about this event is that you can participate empty-handed, even if you don't have any ski or snowboard equipment.

You won't have to carry heavy luggage like you would if you were traveling alone, which reduces the burden of traveling and allows you to enjoy the comfort that only a tour can provide.

3. Tambara Ski Park is the perfect slope for beginners

Located at a high altitude, Tambara Ski Park, where you can experience the fluffy powder snow of Japow, is also popular for its wide range of courses. Approximately 80% of the courses are designed for beginners to intermediate skiers, providing an environment where even children and first-time skiers can ski safely .

Of course, there are also many challenging, undulating courses for intermediate to advanced skiers, making this a ski resort that can be enjoyed by people of all levels.

4. Enjoy a 5-hour stay for plenty of time to ski

The Tambara Ski Park day tour departs from Tokyo early in the morning, allowing you approximately five hours at the ski resort .

There is plenty of time, so you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at your own pace without feeling rushed.

[Recommendation No. 2] Tambara Ski Park: Snow Fun, All-You-Can-Eat Crab, and Strawberry Picking Tour

The "Tanbara Ski Park Snow Play x All-You-Can-Eat Crab x Strawberry Picking Tour" is a recommended tour for those who want to enjoy playing in the snow without skiing or snowboarding .

In addition to playing in the snow and sledding at Tambara Ski Park, the package also includes all-you-can-eat crab, a delicacy of Japanese winter, and strawberry picking.

Transportation, activities, and meals are all included in the tour price, so you don't have to worry about additional expenses. This tour is perfect for those who want to enjoy both snow activities and Japanese cuisine in one day.

Tour details and reservations here

Attraction 1: Enjoy playing in the snow even if you're not good at skiing

Even if you're not good at skiing or snowboarding, you can easily get in touch with snow. Within the slopes, there is a dedicated snow play area called "Tamba Land," where you can easily play in the snow with activities such as sledding, tubing, making snowmen, and having snowball fights, so it can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to adults.

You can experience the light and fluffy powder snow unique to Japan, Japow, making playing in the snow even more fun. Even if you don't do winter sports, you can still enjoy Japan's winter snow.

Feature 2: Enjoy Japanese winter cuisine with 50 minutes of all-you-can-eat crab

For lunch on the tour, we offer a luxurious 50-minute all-you-can-eat crab plan , allowing you to enjoy the flavors that symbolize winter in Japan.

Crab is a typical winter food in Japan, known for its firm flesh and rich flavor. On this tour, you can eat as much plump crab as you like.

It's a rare opportunity to enjoy all-you-can-eat crab, a luxury ingredient. There is a time limit, but 50 minutes will allow you to enjoy the crab to your heart's content.

Feature 3: Experience seasonal flavors with 30 minutes of all-you-can-eat strawberry picking

After enjoying the crab, you can enjoy 30 minutes of all-you-can-eat strawberry picking for dessert .

The strawberries available at the farm are two varieties called "Yayoihime" and "Kaorino," both of which are large and have a high sugar content.

Strawberries in Japan are in season from winter to spring, when they are very sweet and juicy. The experience of picking and eating freshly picked strawberries on the spot will be a special memory of your trip.

Advantage 4: Efficient travel, meals, and experiences all in one package

The Tambara Ski Park Snow Play + All-You-Can-Eat Crab + Strawberry Picking Tour allows you to efficiently visit the ski resort, restaurant, and strawberry farm in one day .

You won't have to go through the trouble of finding a restaurant, which would be difficult if you were to make your own arrangements, so you won't waste time.

Also, since a tour guide will be there to show you around, you won't have to worry about getting lost and you can make the most of your time.If you want to enjoy playing in the snow, gourmet food, and fruit picking all at once while reducing the burden of travel, be sure to join a tour.

If you want to enjoy the illuminations, we recommend the Tambara Ski Park x Ashikaga Flower Park Day Trip Bus Tour!

For those who want to enjoy winter-only tourist spots in addition to playing in the snow, we recommend a one-day bus tour that visits Tambara Ski Park and Ashikaga Flower Park.

Ashikaga Flower Park is one of the Kanto region's leading illumination spots , with 5 million LED bulbs illuminating the entire park. The attractive lighting displays are themed around flowers and nature.

The tour is accompanied by an English- or Chinese-speaking guide and includes snow play and 50 minutes of all-you-can-eat crab. Admission to all attractions and meals are included in the price, eliminating the need to purchase tickets on-site.

This tour, which allows you to enjoy playing in the snow, savoring the flavors of Japanese winter, and visiting popular tourist spots at night, is perfect for those who want to fully enjoy winter in Japan in a limited amount of time.

Tour details and reservations here

Enjoy playing in the snow and experiencing Japanese culture! Hunter Mountain Shiobara x Ouchijuku Day Trip Bus Tour

This popular tour allows you to enjoy playing in the snow at Hunter Mountain Shiobara, one of the Kanto region's leading snow resorts, and freely stroll around Ouchi-juku, known as a post town from the Edo period .

Hunter Mountain Shiobara, located at an altitude of approximately 1,600m, has excellent snow quality and a spectacular view. You can enjoy sledding and making snowmen on the fluffy snow. A boxed lunch is provided, so you can spend the day without worry.

In the afternoon, you can walk through the traditional thatched roof streets of Ouchi-juku and experience Japanese culture and history. An English and Chinese guide will accompany you, so this is a recommended tour that allows you to experience both snow and Japanese culture at the same time without having to worry about language barriers.

Tour details and reservations here

Three things you should know about your first skiing or snowboarding experience

When you try skiing or snowboarding for the first time, it's important to prepare in advance.

Here are three things you should keep in mind when trying skiing or snowboarding for the first time .

Let's take a closer look at each of these.

1. Prepare the necessary items

To enjoy skiing or snowboarding comfortably, it is important to prepare in advance. In addition to rental equipment, you should also bring the following items with you .

A hat will protect your head from the cold and cushion the impact if you fall. Gloves should be waterproof, as your hands may get wet if you fall. Goggles are also recommended, as they reflect the snow on sunny days and improve visibility on windy and snowy days.

If you are concerned about the size or waterproofness of your favorite hat or gloves, we recommend bringing them with you.

Depending on the tour, small items (gloves, hats, goggles, etc.) may be included in the rental. There are also plans that allow you to rent additional items, so it's a good idea to check the details before booking.

By preparing the necessary items in advance, you can start skiing without panicking when you arrive at your destination.

2. Choose the right outfit

Choosing the right clothing is important when skiing or snowboarding. The following four items are essential: You may be able to rent a helmet.

Ski clothing can be found at Uniqlo, Workman, and 100-yen shops. You can find affordable, warm items, so be sure to stock up before you go skiing or snowboarding.

3. Learn basic etiquette for safe enjoyment

To enjoy skiing and snowboarding safely, it is important to follow basic etiquette .

Let's take a look at some basic etiquette.

If you follow basic etiquette, you and those around you can enjoy skiing safely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We have compiled information you should know before joining a ski or snowboard tour.

Here are six frequently asked questions and their answers.

Q1: I am a complete beginner. Can I participate?

Even complete beginners can participate.

The ski resorts and snow play areas visited on the tour are well-equipped for beginners and families to enjoy.

There is also support from English and Chinese-speaking guides, so even first-timers can feel at ease.

Q2: I don't speak Japanese. Is that okay?

It's okay if you can't speak Japanese.

Your tour will be accompanied by an English- or Chinese-speaking guide throughout the day, allowing you to communicate in your own language.

Your guide will provide all the necessary explanations, such as how to receive your lift ticket and how to use the facilities, so you don't have to worry about language barriers.

Q3: How many days in advance can I make a reservation? Can I cancel?

Tour reservations will open in December.

Cancellations can be made through the website before payment.

The cancellation fees after payment are as follows. Please note that if you cancel your participation, additional fees will be charged.

Q4: Can I participate alone?

The tour can be taken by one person.

Even if you want to enjoy skiing on a solo trip or if your schedule doesn't match up with friends, you can easily participate, so you can apply with confidence.

You may also meet other participants on the tour who enjoy skiing or snowboarding, and you may enjoy unexpected interactions, such as conversations during travel or breaks.

Q5: From what age can children participate?

Children from the age of 6 can participate.

If a child rate is available, children between 6 and 11 years old can participate at the child rate.

Q6: What happens if the tour doesn't run?

If the tour is cancelled due to insufficient snowfall, you will be notified by noon two days before departure.

Each ski resort is located at a high altitude, and there is usually a steady snowfall from early December, so there is little need to worry about a lack of snow.

Additionally, artificial snow machines are installed, so tours usually run as scheduled.

In principle, tours will be held if part of the slopes are open. If the tour is cancelled, you may be offered a change to another ski resort, but if you do not wish to change, the tour fee will be fully refunded.

Enjoy the snow on a ski tour from Tokyo with peace of mind, accompanied by an English or Chinese guide!

In this article, we've introduced multilingual guided ski and snowboard tours departing from Tokyo, as well as information you should know when joining the tour and frequently asked questions.

Orion Tours offers a variety of options, including tours that allow you to enjoy skiing and snowboarding for an extended period of time, and tours that combine snow fun with gourmet food .

Tours with English- or Chinese-speaking guides allow you to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, playing in the snow, and sightseeing without having to worry about language barriers. Rental equipment is included at no additional cost, so even those experiencing snow for the first time can enjoy a comfortable stay.

Please use the information we have provided to help you choose the tour that's best for you.