Ski bus tours departing from Tokyo | Morning and evening departures, and tours with translated guides

Why a bus tour is recommended for skiing from Tokyo

There are several ways to get to ski resorts from Tokyo, including by train, rental car, or bus tour. Each has its own characteristics, but if you prioritize ease of travel and safety, a bus tour is a particularly convenient option.

Here we will introduce three reasons why ski bus tours departing from Tokyo are recommended.

No need to worry about transferring

While Tokyo has a well-developed transportation network, there are many train and subway lines, and some people may find it difficult to transfer if it's their first time using them.

Bus tours take you directly from the meeting point in Tokyo to the ski resort, eliminating the need to change trains multiple times like you would with a train. The major advantage is that you don't have to carry heavy ski equipment and you don't have to worry about getting lost.

As long as you make it to the meeting place and time, you can travel between Tokyo and the ski resort just by taking a bus, so even those who are new to Japanese ski resorts can participate with peace of mind.

Relax during your trip

Another appealing feature of bus tours is that you can relax in your seat while traveling. You can even sleep while traveling, so even tours that depart early in the morning or late at night will not feel like a burden.

Another unique feature of the bus is that you can travel while enjoying the scenery and chatting with friends.

Unlike trains, you don't have to stand while traveling, and there is space to put your luggage, so you can travel relatively comfortably even for long periods of time.

You can go to ski resorts that are difficult to get to

Some ski resorts in Japan have limited train and bus service, making them difficult to access on your own, and even just researching transportation options can be a hassle.

Bus tours have routes that go directly to the ski resorts, making it easier to get to ski resorts that were previously difficult to reach.

Another appealing feature is that you can visit not only famous ski resorts but also relatively quiet ski resorts, which broadens the range of destinations. Since you don't have to arrange your own transportation, it's also suitable for those who are worried about travel arrangements.

The difference between morning and evening departures on ski bus tours

There are two types of ski bus tours: "morning departures" that depart in the morning, and "night departures" that depart in the evening.

Since travel times and length of stay vary, it's important to choose one that fits your schedule. Here we'll explain the differences between morning and evening departures in an easy-to-understand way.

Morning bus tour

Morning bus tours depart Tokyo in the morning and arrive at the ski resort around noon. After enjoying skiing in the afternoon, the tour departs the ski resort in the evening and returns to Tokyo in the evening.

The advantage of a morning bus tour is that it's easy to join as a day trip. Since you don't need to stay overnight near the ski resort, you can minimize your luggage. You can also get a good night's rest at a hotel in Tokyo, making it easier to plan the next day.

This type is suitable for those who want to enjoy skiing casually for a short period of time.

On the other hand, roads tend to be congested on weekends and holidays, which can cause delays in arriving at the ski resort. Also, skiing hours are only available in the afternoon, which may not be enough for those who want to ski for a long time.

Night bus tour

Night bus tours depart Tokyo at night and arrive at the ski resort early in the morning. This allows you to enjoy skiing or snowboarding from the morning, making it ideal for those who want to ski throughout the day.

The advantage of a night bus tour is that you can ensure plenty of time to ski. Since you can ski from morning until evening, it's ideal for people who want to have plenty of time to practice. Another attractive feature is that after enjoying sightseeing and dining in Tokyo during the day, you can use the time you spend traveling by bus to get some sleep.

On the other hand, since night bus tours require you to rest on the bus, some people may find it difficult to get enough sleep while traveling. If you are concerned about your sleeping environment, bringing a neck pillow, eye mask, earplugs, etc. can help reduce the strain on your trip.

Ski bus tours available from Tokyo!

We will introduce recommended ski bus tours that you can take from Tokyo.

There are also tours with English and Chinese guides, so even first-time visitors can participate with peace of mind.

[Gunma Prefecture] Features of Tambara Ski Park and Recommended Tours

Tambara Ski Park is a ski resort located in Gunma Prefecture. One of its attractions is its high altitude and excellent snow quality. There are plenty of beginner-friendly courses, making it easy for even those with no prior skiing experience to try their hand.

In addition to the gently sloping family course, there is also "Tamba Land," an area dedicated to playing in the snow and sledding, making it popular with families. There is a wide selection of rental equipment, so you can minimize your luggage by renting ski wear and skis on site.

In addition to restaurants, the ski resort also offers private rooms for rent, making it a great place to relax during your break.

One-day bus tour (accompanied by English/Chinese guide)

If you're not confident in your Japanese, but still want to enjoy skiing, we recommend a one-day bus tour accompanied by an English- or Chinese-speaking guide. This tour departs Tokyo in the morning and offers approximately five hours of skiing and snow fun at Tambara Ski Park.

The price includes a lift ticket, rental ski or board set, and rental clothing. A guide will be on hand to assist you if you run into any problems, so even those new to skiing in Japan can participate with peace of mind. The tour departs from the ski resort in the evening and arrives near Shinjuku Station, giving you plenty of time to enjoy a meal and relax at the hotel.

Tour details and reservations here

Snow play + all-you-can-eat crab & strawberry picking tour (accompanied by English/Chinese guide)

This bus tour is recommended for those who want to enjoy not only the ski resorts but also the flavors of winter in Japan. After enjoying playing in the snow, you can experience all-you-can-eat crab and strawberry picking.

Enjoying fresh crab to your heart's content and picking and eating sweet strawberries yourself will be an unforgettable experience. This tour combines skiing, gourmet food, and fruit picking in one day, making it even more special if you join with family or friends. English and Chinese-speaking guides will accompany you, so even those with language concerns can participate with peace of mind.

Tour details and reservations here

Snow play + all-you-can-eat crab & Ashikaga Flower Park illumination tour (accompanied by English and Chinese guide)

If you want to enjoy both gourmet food and sightseeing, this tour is recommended. It also includes a tour of the illuminations at Ashikaga Flower Park, which has been designated a Japanese Night View Heritage Site, allowing you to enjoy the fantastic scenery that can only be seen in winter.

Enjoy playing in the snow and eating all-you-can-eat crab at the ski resort during the day, then head to Ashikaga Flower Park at night. The light displays that fill the park are a sight to behold, and are popular with those who enjoy taking photos.

This tour will also be accompanied by an English and Chinese guide who will provide thorough support throughout your trip.

Tour details and reservations here

[Tochigi Prefecture] Hunter Mountain Shiobara Features and Recommended Tours

Hunter Mountain Shiobara in Tochigi Prefecture is a ski resort with 12 courses that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers alike. Surrounded by nature, you can ski down long courses up to 3,000 meters long, leaving you feeling refreshed and refreshed.

At the kids' park, children can safely play and enjoy winter activities such as sledding and building snowmen. There is also a hot spring facility nearby, so you can soothe your tired body after skiing. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops, making it an attractive place to spend a comfortable day trip.

Snow play and free stroll around Ouchi-juku (lunch included) (English and Chinese guide included)

The Hunter Mountain Shiobara bus tour allows you to experience both snow play and sightseeing. After enjoying snow play, you will visit Ouchijuku, a representative tourist destination in Tochigi Prefecture.

Ouchi-juku is known as a post town during the Edo period, and is a spot where you can feel the history of Japan with its remaining old buildings.

You can enjoy strolling through the streets that make you feel like you've traveled back in time to old Japan, taking photos and learning about Japanese history.

Another attractive feature is that a boxed lunch is provided, so you don't have to worry about lunch. English and Chinese guides will accompany you, so you can enjoy sightseeing at the ski resort and Ouchijuku with peace of mind. This is a popular tour where you can experience both skiing and Japanese culture.

Tour details and reservations here

[Nagano Prefecture] Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort Features and Recommended Tours

Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort is a ski resort in Nagano Prefecture. There are 14 courses, mainly for beginners, and you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding while taking in the view of Mount Asama that stretches out before you.

There are also schools specializing in Chinese and for children, so you can improve your skills at a level that suits you. At the shopping mall adjacent to the ski resort, you can enjoy shopping after skiing. There are also restaurants and cafes, so you can enjoy a fulfilling time throughout your stay, not just skiing.

One-day bus tour

This day trip bus tour departs Tokyo in the morning and heads to Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort, where you can enjoy skiing for about seven hours. In addition to plans that include lift tickets, there are also plans that allow you to rent a board set or carving ski set.

The buses feature comfortable, relaxed seats, and each seat is equipped with an outlet or USB port. Another great feature is that you can charge your smartphone while traveling and enjoy social media or videos.

You can easily enjoy skiing in one day as you depart in the evening and return to Tokyo.

Tour details and reservations here

[Nagano Prefecture] Features of Fujimi Panorama Resort and Recommended Tours

Fujimi Panorama Resort is a ski resort in Nagano Prefecture. As the name suggests, not only can you see Mt. Fuji, but the appeal is its location, which offers a panoramic view of the Yatsugatake Mountains. With an 85% chance of clear skies, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in a spectacular setting on clear days.

With courses suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers, a kids' park with plenty of attractions, and snow trekking, this ski resort is the perfect place to fully enjoy winter.

One-day bus tour

The appeal of the day trip bus tour to Fujimi Panorama Resort is that you can enjoy the ski resort for about six and a half hours.

In addition to plans that include lift tickets, there are plans that allow you to rent a board set or carving ski set, and even ski wear.

There are restaurants and shops at the ski resort, so you don't have to worry about lunch.

Tour details and reservations here

[Niigata Prefecture] Maiko Snow Resort's Features and Recommended Tours

Maiko Snow Resort is a ski resort in Niigata Prefecture. It is a large-scale ski resort with 26 courses, the longest of which is approximately 6,000 meters. Its attractive feature is that it has courses that can be enjoyed by a wide range of skiers, from beginners to advanced skiers.

It also has activities such as snowmobile driving and banana boat riding, making it a great place for the whole family to enjoy. The day-trip ski center is directly connected to the slopes and is equipped with facilities such as rental shops, changing rooms, lockers, and ticket offices.

One-day bus tour

A day trip to Maiko Snow Resort by bus departs Tokyo in the morning and arrives at the ski resort before noon. With approximately six hours of skiing time, you'll be able to spend the whole day at Maiko Snow Resort, which has many slopes, without getting bored.

In addition to plans that include lift tickets, there are also plans that include rentals and ski lessons. This tour is also suitable for those who want to take advantage of the variety of courses and enjoy skiing.

Tour details and reservations here

Ski bus tours from Tokyo with Orion Tours!

If you are looking for a ski bus tour from Tokyo, we recommend Orion Tour, which has a wealth of experience in bus tours.

There are also plans that include an English or Chinese guide, making it a popular choice among tourists visiting Japan.

Here are three reasons why you should choose Orion Tour.

You can book not only bus tours but also your entire travel itinerary.

On the Orion Tour website, you can book not only ski bus tours, but also hotels and other sightseeing tours all in one place. This makes it convenient to plan your trip to Japan efficiently, as you can make all your travel arrangements on one website.

For example, even if your trip has a complicated itinerary, such as taking a day trip on a ski bus tour from Tokyo and then sightseeing in Tokyo the next day, you can make a reservation all at once through Orion Tour.

There are tours with English and Chinese guides.

Some tours are accompanied by guides who speak English or Chinese, so even those who are not confident in their Japanese can rest assured. The guides will not only teach you how to use the ski resort, but also provide information about Japanese culture and tourism.

If you have any problems, you can get immediate support, so it's also suitable for people traveling in Japan for the first time.

Easy to use with lift ticket included

Orion Tour's ski bus tours include a lift ticket in advance, so there is no need to purchase a separate lift ticket at the ski resort, making it a safe option for those who are worried about operating ticket machines or communicating in Japanese.

In addition, some plans include rental equipment and ski lessons, eliminating the need to make separate reservations. This makes it easy for even first-time skiers to participate.

Enjoy skiing on an Orion Tour bus tour

If you're heading to ski from Tokyo, a bus tour is convenient. You don't have to worry about changing trains or carrying heavy luggage. There are morning and evening tours available, so you can choose one that fits your travel schedule.

Orion Tours offers several ski bus tours, including those with English and Chinese guides. They also offer plans that include gourmet food and sightseeing in addition to skiing, allowing you to fully enjoy a winter experience unique to Japan.

Take an Orion Tour bus tour to enjoy skiing in winter in Japan and spend an unforgettable time surrounded by white snow and beautiful mountain scenery.