Great value! Night departure day trip ski bus tour! Introducing recommended plans and how to choose
Night-departing day-trip ski bus tours allow you to depart after school or work and start skiing the next morning. They're easy to join without having to stay overnight, and they're incredibly cost-effective and efficient. In this article, we'll thoroughly explain the benefits of night-departing day-trip ski bus tours, as well as some recommended tours!
What is the appeal of a night-time day trip ski bus tour?

Nighttime day trips on ski bus tours have many appealing features, such as allowing people who are busy with school or work to enjoy skiing efficiently and keeping costs down. Let's take a closer look at some of the specific benefits.
The biggest attraction is "good value for money"
The biggest appeal of night-time day-trip ski tours is, without a doubt , their "good value for money." Compared to regular ski tours that include hotel accommodation, costs are significantly lower because there are no accommodation fees. Depending on the tour, there are plans that cost less than 10,000 yen including the lift ticket, making them a great value for the wallet.
Many plans come with special perks such as rental discounts and ski school discounts, making them perfect for those who want to enjoy skiing casually and value for money.
It's OK to come after work! Make effective use of your weekends
Another appeal of night-time day trip ski bus tours is that they are easy to participate in even for those with limited time off or tight schedules.
In the Tokyo metropolitan area, you can meet at a terminal in Shinjuku or Ikebukuro after school or work, hop on the bus, and then just sleep until you arrive at the slopes the next morning! You can enjoy a full day of skiing from the morning, and then return to Tokyo in the evening or night, so if you leave on a Friday night, you can get plenty of rest the next day.
The key point is that it's easy to balance school and work while enjoying your private life.
No need to stay overnight and preparation is easy!
One of the attractions of night-time ski bus tours is that you can participate lightly and with less luggage, since you don't need to stay overnight. If you choose a plan that includes rentals, you can rent skis, snowboards, and boots locally, so you can participate "almost empty-handed." Packing your luggage is much easier, and the burden of preparing before the tour is reduced.
Also, there is no need to go through hotel check-in and check-out procedures, so even those who are not used to traveling will find it easy to participate.
Another great thing about this resort is that you can ski on the fresh snow slopes first thing in the morning.
Many ski tours that depart at night have plans that allow you to arrive at the slopes just before or after the lifts start operating, meaning you can aim for the best conditions for the first runs of the morning . This increases your chances of enjoying the freshly groomed slopes, or the fluffy powder snow immediately after a snowfall.
Intermediate and advanced skiers can enjoy the fresh snow on the slopes, where they can easily go at high speeds, and start their run in excellent conditions.
Is it true that day trips on ski bus tours that depart at night are tough?

Many people may be worried that "night buses will be tiring" or "if I don't get enough sleep, I won't have the energy to ski."
It is true that old-fashioned narrow seats and buses with few facilities can make passengers feel uncomfortable, but in recent years there has been an increase in plans that focus on comfort, such as special ski bus vehicles and deeply reclining "spacious seats."
If you choose a bus that is designed with ample legroom and equipped with facilities such as blanket rentals and USB charging, you'll be able to take a good nap or relax while traveling to your destination.
Additionally, many tours dim the lights during the late night hours to create an environment that's conducive to sleep. Furthermore, many buses are designed with high backs to support the neck and lower back, making it easier to get a good night's sleep than on regular express buses. If you prepare sleep aids such as a neck pillow, eye mask, and earplugs in advance, your image of "night departure = tiring" should change dramatically.
How to choose a perfect night-time ski bus tour

From here on, we will explain the points you should pay particular attention to in order to find the perfect one for you from the many night-time departure day trips by ski bus. By referring to these points, you can have a comfortable skiing or snowboarding trip.
Choose by departure point
The first thing you'll want to check is your departure point . There are tours available that depart and arrive from various locations in the greater Tokyo area, including Tokyo, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Yokohama, Omiya, and Chiba, so the key is to choose a location that's easy to get to from your home or workplace. If you're heading straight after work, choosing a terminal that's easily accessible from your office will help you avoid rushing before departure.
If you are meeting up with friends, it is recommended to choose a station that is easy for everyone to meet up at.
Check the comfort! Choose by bus facilities
The comfort of a night ski tour will vary greatly depending on the facilities of the bus you're using for transportation. Things to pay particular attention to are the seat reclining angle and seat width . Since you'll be rocking around on the bus for a long time, it's a good idea to choose a bus with "three rows of independent seats" or "wide seats" that provides privacy and allows you to relax.
It's also a good idea to check whether each seat is equipped with an outlet or USB port so you can charge your smartphone or other electronic devices. Buses that offer Wi-Fi on board are also recommended, as they allow you to enjoy watching videos and other activities while traveling.
Choose based on slope level and variety of courses
It's also important to choose a slope that suits your level . Beginners will feel safe at a slope with plenty of gentle slopes and a good number of ski schools, while intermediate and advanced skiers will be more satisfied with a slope with long runs, ungroomed areas, and plenty of parks.
Another appealing feature of slopes with a large number of runs, lifts, and gondolas is that crowds tend to be dispersed, meaning you can ski all day without getting bored. Be sure to check the official website or tour page for information beforehand.
Cost performance is important after all! Choose based on price
Cost-effectiveness is also important when choosing a tour. Even for tours to the same ski resort, prices vary depending on the tour date, departure point, and included perks, so it's best to compare the contents and price as a set. It's a good idea to compare and consider the overall value, such as "lift tickets included" or "rental discounts included."
Also, many plans are more reasonably priced during the early skiing season and on weekdays than during the peak season, so if you're looking to keep costs as low as possible, be sure to check them out!
Great value! 4 recommended day trips to the slopes and ski bus tours departing at night

Below, we will introduce popular slopes that depart at night for day trips, as well as recommended ski bus tours that offer excellent value for money. All of these tours depart from the Tokyo metropolitan area and are easy to join, so be sure to check them out.
Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort | Includes lift tickets for all 18 ski resorts
Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort is one of Japan's largest snow resorts, with many ski resorts spread across the area. The appeal of this resort is the scale of the area, allowing you to freely ski at all 18 of Shiga Kogen's ski resorts with a common lift ticket.
With many areas at high altitudes and good snow quality, you can enjoy powder snow in stable conditions throughout the season. There are plenty of courses for beginners to advanced skiers, so you can enjoy skiing at any level.
Orion Tour's night-time day trips use buses with spacious "spacious seats" and allow you to use the facilities at Hotel Heights Shiga Kogen after arrival! A hot spring bath is included, so you can soothe your tired body after skiing. If you choose the rental plan, you can also rent three small items, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy a ski tour empty-handed.
Recommended tour: Day trip to Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort, departing at night
https://yoyaku.orion-tour.co.jp/orion/TourDetailSki?tc=2021821900060&rtc=80
Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort | 21 lifts! BOA boots and brand-name items available for rental
Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort in Nagano Prefecture is one of Japan's largest ski slopes, and was the venue for the Nagano Olympics in 1998. Boasting a total of 21 lifts and gondolas, the resort offers a wide variety of courses that will satisfy even intermediate and advanced skiers.
For day trips departing at night, there are plans that focus on rental quality, such as boots equipped with the latest BOA system and rental brand-name clothing, so even those who prefer to rent equipment can enjoy a comfortable skiing experience. There are also discount benefits for day trips to hot spring facilities.
Furthermore, although the number of seats is limited, you can upgrade to a higher bus class for free, so this is also recommended for those who want a comfortable seat with more legroom.
Recommended tour: Night departure day trip to Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort
https://yoyaku.orion-tour.co.jp/orion/TourDetailSki?tc=2021853900010&rtc=80
Tsugaike Mountain Resort (Tsugaike Kogen) | Popular with beginners for its gentle slopes! Special tour discounts available for rentals
Tsugaike Mountain Resort is known for its wide runs and gentle slopes, making it a popular ski and snowboard resort for beginners and families. In particular, the Bell-Ringing Hill Slope at the foot of the mountain is an ultra-wide, gentle slope measuring 1,200m across, making it perfect for practice!
The night-time day tour includes a lift ticket and some plans offer special tour rental discounts, making it a great option for those who want to rent skis, boots, and clothing all at once. It also includes a hot spring bath on the way back, and the bus is equipped with "Nobinobi Seats," which are wider and more comfortable than regular buses, making it a tour with plenty of appeal.
Recommended tour: Night departure day trip to Tsugaike Mountain Resort (Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort)
https://yoyaku.orion-tour.co.jp/orion/TourDetailSki?tc=2021855900010&rtc=80
Madarao Mountain Resort (Madarao Kogen & Tangram) | 100% natural powder snow
Madarao Mountain Resort is known for its abundant snowfall, made with 100% natural snow, and the finest powder snow . A combined ticket allows you to ski at the adjacent Tangram, and you can also enjoy the spectacular views from Lake Nojiri Terrace. There are plenty of courses for beginners, but tree runs and ungroomed areas are also popular, so even intermediate and advanced skiers will be satisfied.
Nighttime day trip ski bus tours include not only lift tickets, but also plans that include rental sets, clothing, and accessories, and you can also use the hot spring baths for just 500 yen . This is a recommended slope for those looking for good quality snow or who want to try a different course than usual.
Recommended tour: Night departure day trip to Madarao Mountain Resort (Madarao Kogen & Tangram)
https://yoyaku.orion-tour.co.jp/orion/TourDetailSki?tc=2021831900010&rtc=80
Tips for enjoying a comfortable night-time ski bus tour

If you're going to take the trouble to join a tour, you want to make the most of it in the best conditions. Here are some tips to make your nighttime day trip ski bus tour even more enjoyable.
Choose a well-equipped bus and enjoy a good nap!
To enjoy skiing in the best conditions, it's important to choose a bus that allows you to take a comfortable nap . Buses with seats that recline deeply, seats with ample width and space between seats, and seats with footrests allow you to sleep without having to curl up too much, which will help reduce fatigue the next morning.
It's also a good idea to stretch your body a little before boarding the bus. Some buses may have blankets available for rent, so be sure to check beforehand.
Neck pillows, eye masks and other items are also available.
To make your night bus trip more comfortable, it's essential to have some handy items to help you sleep well. A neck pillow is a must-have item, as it reduces strain on your neck and stabilizes your posture. An eye mask and earplugs are also great for blocking out the lights and surrounding noises inside the bus, making it easier to fall asleep.
It is also recommended to prepare disposable masks, throat lozenges, moisturizing lip balm, etc. to prevent the interior of the car from becoming dry and to avoid getting sick.
You can relieve your fatigue by choosing a slope with hot spring facilities!
Choosing a ski resort with hot springs or bathing facilities on or near the slopes is also a key factor in making a day trip ski tour that departs at night more comfortable. After skiing, you can warm up your body in the hot springs or large baths, thoroughly wash off the sweat, and then get on the bus for the return trip, allowing you to spend the time traveling in a relaxed state.
If you want to get a good night's sleep on the bus on the way back or don't want to be tired the next day, you should also check whether the tour includes access to hot springs.
Choose wisely and enjoy a comfortable day trip ski bus tour departing at night!

Night-time day-trip ski bus tours tend to give the impression of being a hassle to travel through, but they also have many benefits. By carefully choosing a tour that suits your needs, such as bus facilities and slopes, you can save money and time while enjoying the ultimate snow-covered mountain experience.
Using the tips and tricks introduced in this article as a guide, why not try a night-time day trip ski bus tour this winter and enjoy skiing efficiently?
Orion Tour's domestic travel is all about snowboarding and skiing! We offer a variety of access options, including morning and evening bus plans that allow you to easily depart from the Tokyo metropolitan area, as well as plans by Shinkansen or personal car. We also offer great value accommodation packages that include lift tickets and easy day trips, so everyone from beginners to advanced skiers can enjoy the slopes with peace of mind.
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.