Otaru Sea to Summit Powder Experience
Escape the crowds and enjoy the deep powder snow of western Hokkaido
The Otaru Sea to Summit Powder Experience is a premium 7-day, 6 night, fully guided small group, powder snow tour based in the historic fishing port of Otaru. Escape the crowds and enjoy the deep powder snow that has made Japan a world-renowned ski and snowboard destination. Located between Mt Tenguyama and the Sea of Japan, Otaru provides the ideal base to access the resorts of western Hokkaido which experience minimal crowds, have excellent terrain, and typically receive over 800 inches of light dry powder snow. Immerse yourself in authentic Japanese culture, enjoy amazing cuisine, unwind in traditional onsens, and stay in boutique lodging. Cap off your adventure with a night in Hokkaido’s snowy capital Sapporo, dining at the historic Sapporo Brewery and exploring the annual Sapporo Snow Festival (31 Jan -6 Feb 2027 tour).
Highlights
- Ski and snowboard some of the lightest, driest, and deepest snow in Japan at the uncrowded resorts of western Hokkaido
- Explore lift accessed deep powder sidecountry and inbound powder stashes with our world class guides in a small group setting
- Stay in boutique lodging in Otaru’s historic Canal District
- Enjoy amazing Japanese cuisine in Hokkaido’s seafood capital
- Relax in a local Japanese onsen (hot spring) after your day in the powder
- Spend a night in the city of Sapporo, staying in luxury lodging and dining at the historical Sapporo Brewery
- Tour the giant snow and ice sculptures at the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival (31 Jan – 6 February Tour)
- Enjoy seamless stress-free travel
- Experience authentic Japanese culture, connect with like-minded people, create lasting memories, and enjoy the warm and friendly hospitality that Japan is famous for
Dates and Prices
24 – 30 January 2027 – $5,495 – Waitlisted, please contact us
31 January – 6 February 2027 – $5,795 – Waitlisted, please contact us
(includes Sapporo Snow Festival)
7 – 13 February 2027 – $5,495
14 – 20 February 2027 – $5,495
One of the Snowiest Regions in Japan
Western Hokkaido is one of the snowiest regions in Japan. Resorts in this area typically receive 800 plus inches of snow each year. Winter storms make their way from Siberia and pick up moisture crossing the Sea of Japan. When these storms hit the mountains of western Hokkaido, they release copious amounts of light, dry powder snow. Most of this snow arrives in the months of December, January, and February.
Historic Boutique Lodging
Old world charm meets modern amenity at our stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Otaru’s historic canal district. This renovated historic building is just a few minutes’ walk from the many seafood restaurants on Otaru’s “Sushi Street”, and close to the Otaru Beer Brewery and Tanaka Sake Brewery. This charming hotel has a wonderful restaurant serving traditional Japanese and Western style buffet breakfast in the morning, coffee and pastries in the afternoon, and beer, wine and spirits in the evening. Breakfast is included with your stay. There is ski and board storage, and a ski tuning room available for your use. Complete your epic Japan ski tour with a night at the luxurious Michelin One-Key, Hotel Sosei Sapporo, before departing the island of Hokkaido. A wonderful buffet breakfast is included with your stay. All lodging is double occupancy. Single rooms are available with a supplement. Please contact us for more information.
Uncrowded Resorts and Deep Powder Snow
Ski and snowboard the resorts of Kiroro, and Sapporo Kokusai as well as some of our smaller local favorites that are typically off the gaijin radar. Your guides will assess the conditions each morning and transport you to the best location for that day. Our professional ski and snowboard guides will introduce you to the amazing lift accessed sidecountry and inbounds powder stashes. If conditions are favorable, expect to spend the majority of your time skiing and riding deep powder snow in these sidecountry zones. Expect some short boot packing to access the best sidecountry powder snow.
World Class Guides
Our professional English-speaking guides are some of the world’s best. Not only are they expert skiers and snowboarders, they are also personable, approachable, and dedicated to ensuring your trip is safe, memorable and fun. Your safety is their top priority, and they will show you the best that this region has to offer. Throughout your stay our tour hosts and guides will be on-site to provide any assistance when needed.
Friendly Small Group Setting
We pride ourselves on personalized service in a small group setting. Our maximum guide to guest ratio for this tour is one to six. Our experience has shown us that this is the ideal group size to provide a personalized experience and an opportunity for a fun and rewarding interaction within the group.
Private Otaru Tours for Families and Friends
Bring together four or more friends or family members and make this Otaru Sea to Summit Powder Experience your own. Our signature tours provide the starting point for a private Japan ski and snowboard adventure, with the freedom to go at your own pace. Whether you’re chasing powder with friends or planning a multigenerational Japan adventure, we’ll help create a trip that works for everyone. Balance time on the mountain with local cuisine, soothing onsens, and cultural discoveries, leaving room for different interests and abilities, and plenty of shared moments. Your people, your pace, your Japan adventure.
Hokkaido’s Seafood Capital
Otaru’s famous “Sushi Street” is made up of numerous seafood restaurants, from casual izakaya’s to high end omakase dining. In addition to the amazing seafood, you will find great soba, ramen, soup curry, yakitori and tempura. Otaru’s desserts are also world renowned, from small confectionery shops selling exquisite cakes and sweets to the famous LeTAO stores with their luxurious offerings. Don’t forget the locally produced premium Japanese beer, sake and Single Malt Yoichi Whisky. Your tour includes all dinners at our favorite local restaurants in Otaru. Our final night in Sapporo concludes with a Jingisukan (Genghis Khan) dinner at the historic Sapporo Brewery (vegetarian options are available). You’re going to love the food almost as much as the powder.
Local Onsen Hotsprings
We typically finish our day of skiing and riding with a visit to a local onsen. These are the natural Japanese hot springs that are specially designed to please the eye and soothe the body and mind. They contain natural mineral water which is both healing and relaxing. This will very likely become a welcome part of your daily routine after a great day skiing and riding deep Hokkaido powder.
Authentic Japanese Culture and Hospitality
Away from the crowds of the more well know resorts, you will experience authentic Japanese culture and hospitality, while skiing and snowboarding some of the best snow in Japan. You will find western Hokkaido to be a safe and friendly destination where traditional Japanese culture and hospitality prevail.
Travel Made Easy
Traveling in Japan can sometimes be challenging. Our pre-departure support offers personalized guidance on flights, travel, visas, Tokyo stopovers, extending your stay, and anything else you may need to make your Japan travel experience seamless and stress free.
Who is this Tour Best For?
The Otaru Sea to Summit Powder Experience is best suited to advanced skiers and snowboarders of all ages looking to experience deep powder snow and authentic Japanese culture, away from the crowds of Japan’s major resorts. If you are confident making turns off-trail in powder snow and in trees on advanced terrain, this is a good fit for you. If you have questions about the suggested ability level for this tour, please contact us.
Start Your Journey Today
Experience the legendary powder, exceptional hospitality, and incredible cuisine that first drew us to Japan more than 20 years ago. Our firsthand knowledge and a passion for Japan’s mountains and culture shape every detail of your adventure. From memorable days on the mountain to relaxing onsens and thoughtfully curated lodging, we bring everything together for a seamless, personalized experience. Join a small group tour or create a private journey with friends and family, knowing you’re in experienced hands. Contact us today and let’s begin planning your unforgettable Japan ski and snowboard adventure.
What’s Included with Your Tour
- Luxury Lodging
5 nights double occupancy lodging in central Otaru at a historic boutique hotel in the Canal District and 1 night at the luxurious 5-star Hotel Sosei in Sapporo - Fully Guided Skiing and Snowboarding
5 days fully guided skiing and snowboarding including private transport and personal snow safety equipment. - All Lift Passes
We provide lift passes for all western Hokkaido resorts. - Professional Guides
Professional English-speaking Ski and Snowboard Guides with a maximum guide to guest ratio of 1:6. - All Breakfasts
A delicious buffet breakfast is provided at all lodging properties. - All Dinners
5 group dinners at our favorite local Otaru restaurants and a Genghis Khan dinner at the historic Sapporo Brewery. - Local Onsen Visits
Visits to local onsens post skiing and riding. - Airport Meet and Greet
Meet and greet at Sapporo Airport Chitose. - Private Transfers
Private group transfer from Sapporo Airport Chitose to your lodging and return. - Sapporo Snow Festival
Guided tour of the Sapporo Snow Festival (31 Jan – 6 Feb Tour). - On-site Tour Host
Your tour host is available on-site to provide assistance as needed. - Travel Assistance
Pre-departure and on route travel assistance and support.
Why Book with JAPOW
JAPOW specializes in premium ski and snowboard travel experiences throughout Japan. Our carefully crafted journeys combine legendary powder snow, authentic Japanese hospitality, luxury lodging, expert guiding, and the local knowledge to create extraordinary and memorable experiences for our guests.
We first visited Hokkaido more than 20 years ago and were instantly captivated by the legendary snow, the unmatched hospitality of the Japanese people, and the incredible cuisine. While much has evolved since then, these three elements remain at the heart of every tour we create.
Don’t take our word for it, read our 5-star reviews on Google and hear from our past guests who’ve experienced the JAPOW difference.
Tour Exclusions
- Flights
We offer travel assistance for your flights to Japan however we leave the booking to you. - Lunches
During the day you’ll join your guide and fellow guests for a casual group lunch at a convenient and delicious mountain venue tailored to the day’s location. - Travel Insurance
We ask that all our guests carry appropriate travel insurance to cover any delays, loss or injury prior to or while on this tour. - Ski and Snowboard Equipment
As we will be located away from the larger resorts, we ask guests to bring their own ski or snowboard equipment for this tour. If you’re wondering what gear will best suit the conditions, we’re happy to provide recommendations on equipment that can enhance your experience and make your trip even more enjoyable.
Book Early
Don’t miss out on the Otaru Sea to Summit Powder Experience. We strongly encourage you to book early to secure your place on this curated Hokkaido powder adventure.