Ski Trips for Beginners from Tokyo | 3 Safe Bus Tours

Ski trips from Tokyo | Why bus tours are recommended for beginners

There are several ways to get to ski resorts from Tokyo, including by train, rental car, or bus tour.

Here are three reasons why bus tours are recommended for beginners.

Easily accessible from Tokyo by direct bus

By taking a day trip bus tour, you can travel smoothly from the meeting point in Tokyo to the ski resort.

If you take the train, you will need to change trains multiple times, and once you arrive at the station, you may need to take a bus or taxi to get to the ski resort. It is a big burden to walk on snowy roads while carrying heavy luggage, and you may also worry about getting lost around the station or within the ski resort.

On a bus, you can leave your luggage and just sit back and arrive at your destination, and you can even sleep during the trip to conserve your energy. The fact that you can get to your destination while reducing the burden of travel is a major advantage of bus tours.

Advance reservations are required and no procedures are required on the day

With Orion Tour's bus tour, all you need to do is make a reservation in advance and the round-trip bus, lift ticket, clothing and equipment rental will be arranged all in one place .

If you make your own arrangements, you will need to book transportation and local services separately, which can be a hassle when it comes to scheduling, checking in fees, and checking in on the day.

With a tour, you can start skiing as soon as you arrive, so you don't have to waste time checking in and paying on site.

Also, since you can know the cost in advance, you can rest assured that you won't incur any additional costs once you arrive. You can use your limited time to just ski and play in the snow.

No need to worry about language barriers as you will be accompanied by an English or Chinese guide

Tours are accompanied by guides who can speak English or Chinese and will assist with transportation, reception, facility use, etc. At Japanese ski resorts, guidance is mainly given in Japanese, and English-speaking staff are not always available. If you cannot communicate in the language, procedures may take a long time or you may not be able to fully understand the contents.

If you choose a bus tour with an English or Chinese-speaking guide, you can rest assured that you will receive the necessary information in your native language. You will also be able to find out how to receive your lift ticket and how to use the facilities on the spot, so you can move around without getting lost.

If you have any problems, you can consult someone immediately, and you can enjoy skiing and playing in the snow without any unnecessary worries.

A thorough comparison of three ski trips for beginners departing from Tokyo

Tour Name	Departure point	Travel time	Fee	What's Included	Features
Tambara Ski Park One-Day Bus Tour	Shinjuku	11 hours	14,800 yen	Round-trip bus lift ticket Rental ski set or snowboard set Rental clothing	All equipment and lift tickets are included, so you can come empty-handed and practice at your leisure during your five-hour stay.
Hunter Mountain Shiobara Snow Play & Ouchijuku Free Walking Day Trip Bus Tour	Shinjuku	11 hours 30 minutes	19,800 yen	Round-trip bus lunch box Hunter Mountain Shiobara lift ticket *This is a snow play experience tour that is not intended for skiing or snowboarding.	Enjoy playing in the snow and sightseeing in the historic town. Lunch is included so you don't have to worry about meals.
Able Hakuba Goryu & Hakuba47 Night Departure Day Tour	Funabashi, Tokyo, Ikebukuro	Approximately 24 hours (departure at night, return the next day)	34,000 yen	Round-trip bus lift ticket Rental ski set or snowboard set Rental clothing Lessons	Small group lessons are limited to 6 people, and even beginners can easily learn. The lessons depart in the evening, allowing you to use your time effectively the next day.

1. [Shinjuku departure and arrival] Tambara Ski Park day trip bus tour

The Tambara Ski Park One-Day Bus Tour allows you to experience skiing and snowboarding at Tambara Ski Park, which is about 3 hours from Tokyo.

At Tambara Ski Park, you can experience the fluffy snow unique to Japan, known as "Japow." Most of the slopes are designed for beginners to intermediate skiers, so even first-timers can enjoy skiing with confidence.

You'll be accompanied by an English- or Chinese-speaking guide, and you'll spend about five hours on-site, so you can practice in a relaxed atmosphere. The package also includes a lift ticket and equipment rental, so even if you don't have your own equipment, you can still participate. This tour is recommended for those who want to enjoy their first skiing experience in comfort.

The unique charm of this tour

The Tambara Ski Park day trip bus tour has many points that are recommended for beginners.

Rental equipment and lift ticket included, so you can participate empty-handed

The Tambara Ski Park day trip bus tour includes a lift ticket, ski equipment, and ski wear rental. The equipment and wear are well-maintained and adjusted to your liking by local staff.

The great thing about this tour is that you can participate empty-handed without having to bring your own ski or snowboard equipment. Since you don't have to carry heavy luggage, it will reduce the burden of your trip. On the way back, you can relax on the bus without having to worry about your luggage.

You can practice thoroughly with a 5-hour stay

The Tambara Ski Park day trip bus tour departs Tokyo early in the morning, allowing you to spend about five hours at the ski resort. This extra time allows you to practice skiing at your own pace. For beginners, we recommend practicing the basics in the morning and then skiing on the actual slopes in the afternoon.

There is also a restaurant within the ski resort, so you can take a break and relax depending on how tired you feel. There is plenty of time to stay, so you can enjoy skiing without any stress even on a day trip.

Tour details and reservations here

Tips for beginners at Tambara Ski Park

Tambara Ski Park is a ski resort located in the Tambara Plateau in Numata City, Gunma Prefecture. With a full range of facilities, even first-timers can enjoy the resort with peace of mind. Here we will introduce two points that make it easy for beginners.

80% of the courses are beginner and intermediate

There are eight courses on the slopes of Tambara Ski Park, 80% of which are for beginners and intermediate skiers. Many of the courses are gentle with almost no slope, making them easy for even beginner skiers to try.

The wide courses are great because you can concentrate on practicing without worrying about your surroundings. Many of the courses are gentle, so once you get used to skiing, it's a good idea to try a different course.

Enjoy powder snow at an altitude of 1,500m

Located at a high altitude, Tambara Ski Park is a ski resort known for its excellent snow quality.

The day after it snows at night, you can enjoy the powder snow to your heart's content. The low temperatures mean the snow doesn't melt easily, meaning there are many days when you can ski in good conditions.

The opening period varies depending on the season, but it is long, from late November to around May, so you can enjoy skiing until early spring despite being close to the Kanto region.

2. [Departing and arriving at Shinjuku] Hunter Mountain Shiobara Snow Play & Ouchijuku Free Stroll Day Trip Bus Tour

The Hunter Mountain Shiobara Snow Play & Ouchijuku Free Stroll Day Trip Bus Tour is a tour where you can enjoy playing in the snow at Hunter Mountain Shiobara and then stroll around Ouchijuku in the afternoon.

The first stop is Hunter Mountain Shiobara, where you can enjoy playing in the snow, such as sledding and making snowmen.

In the afternoon, you can stroll through Ouchi-juku, a town lined with buildings with traditional roofs, and experience Japanese history and culture. English and Chinese-speaking guides will accompany you on this tour, allowing you to experience both snow play and Japanese culture at the same time without having to worry about language barriers.

The unique charm of this tour

We will introduce two unique attractions of the Hunter Mountain Shiobara Snow Play & Ouchijuku Free Walk Day Trip Bus Tour. As this tour combines snow play and sightseeing, you will be able to spend a fulfilling day.

Enjoy playing in the snow and sightseeing in an Edo period post town at the same time

On this tour, you'll enjoy playing in the snow in the morning, then stroll through the historic townscape in the afternoon. The attraction is that you can experience both the snowy scenery and Japanese culture in one day, with minimal travel stress, and you can spend the whole day without getting bored.

Ouchijuku is an area in Shimogo Town, Fukushima Prefecture, that retains the atmosphere of an old post town. The old scenery is still preserved, and you can get a feel for Japanese culture and history while strolling around.

Lunch box provided so you don't have to look for lunch

Packed lunches are provided on the tour, so you don't have to worry about finding somewhere to eat on the spot.

Finding a restaurant in an unfamiliar place can be time-consuming, but if you have lunch prepared in advance, you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind.

Another appealing feature is that you can concentrate on playing in the snow or sightseeing without having to think about meals. Another benefit of bento is that you can easily enjoy traditional Japanese seasonings.

Tour details and reservations here

Hunter Mountain Shiobara: Tips for Beginners

Hunter Mountain Shiobara is a large snow resort in the Tokyo metropolitan area, located in Nasu Shiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture.

The park is equipped with facilities such as a snow play area and restaurant, as well as playgrounds, schools and dining options for children.

You can enjoy playing in the snow even if you don't ski.

Hunter Mountain Shiobara has a variety of facilities where you can enjoy playing in the snow even if you don't ski.

There is a playground for children, a sledding slope, a moving walkway, and a tubing course, and the attraction is that you can use them for free and have fun as you like.

The area also has a large, snow-covered open space where families and groups can enjoy playing in the snow, building snowmen and having snowball fights.

Located in an area blessed with good weather, there are many sunny days.

Nasu-Shiobara, where Hunter Mountain Shiobara is located, is an area known for having relatively many sunny days.

There is a good chance you will be able to play in the snow under the blue sky, and it is also a great place to take photos.

Playing in the snow on a sunny day will lift your spirits and make for a memorable experience. Another attractive feature is that there are many sunny days, making it easy to schedule a tour.

3. [Departing from Funabashi, Tokyo, and Ikebukuro] Able Hakuba Goryu & Hakuba47 Evening Day Tour

The Able Hakuba Goryu & Hakuba47 night departure day tour is a night departure day tour that includes ski and snowboard school.

This is a small group plan for only 6 people, so families and groups can take lessons together.

The school has staff who can speak English or Chinese to help you, so you can participate without worrying about language barriers.

Hakuba Goryu & Hakuba47, which you will visit on this tour, is a large-scale ski area with 24 courses, 14 lifts, and 2 gondolas. Its world-renowned snow quality and magnificent views of the Northern Alps are its attractions.

This itinerary departs at night and allows you to enjoy school and free time the next morning, making it ideal for those who want to ski efficiently even on a limited schedule.

The unique charm of this tour

Here we will introduce two unique attractions of the Able Hakuba Goryu & Hakuba47 night departure day tour.

Private lessons limited to 6 people allow for quick progress

The tour includes a small group lesson limited to six people, where the instructor will carefully teach you how to ski and give you detailed tips.

Unlike large group lessons, you can progress at your own pace, making it easier to improve your skills. If you join with a friend or a group, you can enjoy the joy of improving together.

During lessons, staff who can speak English or Chinese will be on hand to assist you, so you can participate without worrying about language barriers. Lessons are tailored to each level, from beginners to intermediates.

Depart at night or make a day trip to avoid wasting time the next day

The tour departs at night, so you can enjoy plenty of skiing from the morning. Traveling at night means you're less likely to get caught in traffic, so you don't have to worry about your skiing time being cut short by traffic jams.

In addition, because this tour does not include overnight stays, it will not interfere with your plans for the next day. This plan is safe for those who have work or other plans the day after their trip.

Tour details and reservations here

Hakuba Goryu & Hakuba47 Tips for Beginners

Hakuba Goryu and Hakuba47 are large-scale ski resorts where you can enjoy the scenery of the Northern Alps. Here are two tips for beginners.

Boasting world-class snow quality

Hakuba Goryu and Hakuba47 are located at high altitudes, where the snow does not melt easily, so you can experience powder snow. The untouched areas of Hakuba47 are particularly popular, with many people visiting just for the quality of the snow.

The snow is smooth enough for even beginners to enjoy skiing and snowboarding. The soft snow means that even if you fall, it won't hurt, so beginners can relax and enjoy themselves.

Enjoy the spectacular views of the Northern Alps and a gentle beginner's course

At Hakuba Goryu & Hakuba47, you can enjoy both spectacular views of the Northern Alps and gentle beginner courses.

The best place to enjoy the spectacular view is where you disembark the gondola. There is a restaurant, rest area, and observation deck, from which you can get a panoramic view of the Northern Alps.

Hakuba 47 has signs for beginners scattered throughout its gentle slopes. If you follow the signs, you won't have to worry about getting lost on the trail, so you can ski safely.

Beginner's Ski Trip FAQs

We've compiled information that beginners should know in advance when going on a ski trip, including language issues, what to bring, and how to make and cancel reservations.

You'll enjoy your ski tour more if you resolve your concerns before joining.

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

Even complete beginners can participate.

All three of the tours introduced here are designed for beginners . In particular, the majority of the courses at Tambara Ski Park are for beginner and intermediate skiers, so even first-timers can enjoy them with peace of mind.

The Hakuba Goryu & Hakuba47 tour also includes small group lessons, so even beginners can receive careful instruction. Even if you have no experience, you can learn the basics of skiing, so feel free to join us.

Q2. Are English and Chinese spoken?

Depending on the tour content, support is available in English and Chinese .

On the Tambara Tour and Hunter Mountain Tour, English- and Chinese-speaking guides will accompany you and help you with lift ticket collection, how to use the facilities, etc. On the Hakuba Goryu & Hakuba47 Tour, you can receive support from English- or Chinese-speaking staff during lessons.

One of the attractions of Orion Tours is that they have a system in place where you can get advice if you have any problems, so you can participate without worrying about language.

Q3. Can I participate alone?

You can participate in the Tambara Tour and Hunter Mountain Tour alone . This makes it easy for people who want to enjoy skiing on a solo trip or who can't make schedules with friends to join. If you participate alone, you can also enjoy interacting with other participants.

On the other hand, the Hakuba Goryu Tour is a small-group tour limited to six people, so it is best to join with friends or a group. The conditions vary depending on the tour, so be sure to check before booking.

Q4. What do I need to bring?

Basic equipment can be rented, but you will need to bring your own accessories. While these can be purchased locally, it is convenient to prepare them in advance .

The main accessories you'll need are a hat, gloves (ski gloves), and goggles or sunglasses. 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 a good idea to bring as they improve visibility on sunny or windy days when the snow reflects off the snow.

Q5. How many days in advance can I make a reservation? Can I cancel?

Reservation periods vary depending on the tour, so be sure to check the official website or tour page .

Tours can be cancelled, but cancellation fees may apply depending on the time of year.

The cancellation fees are as follows:

・Up to 20 days before departure: Free ・From 20 days to 7 days before: 20% of the travel cost
・From 7 days before to the day before: 30% of the travel fee
・The day before: 40% of the travel fee
・On the day: 50% of the tour price
・Non-participation after the start of the trip or without notice: 100% of the trip fee

Please check the official website of each tour for detailed information. If there is a possibility that your plans may change, be sure to cancel early.

Ski trips departing from Tokyo are safe for beginners! Enjoy Japan's snow with a tour with multilingual support

This time, we've introduced three beginner-friendly ski tours that depart from Tokyo and introduced the appeal of each in detail.

Orion Tour's plans include smooth transportation to the destination, equipment rental, and multilingual support depending on the tour content, so even beginners can enjoy themselves with peace of mind.

Use the information introduced here to find a tour that suits you best and enjoy Japan's snow to the fullest.