Minakami Freeride Week
ENQUIRE NOWMinakami Freeride Week
Chase the pow while staying in a stunning onsen resort P/P
Discounts available when joining multiple weeks.
1st Feb - 8th Feb, 2025
Nestled in the heart of the Gunma Prefecture, Minakami is a hidden gem for adventurous powder lovers seeking an authentic Japanese experience. With its abundant snowfall, diverse terrain, and tranquil hot springs, Minakami offers an unparalleled blend of adrenaline-pumping slopes and serene relaxation.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time skier, Minakami has something for everyone. With an abundance of different sized ski resorts, all within 60min drive our stunning onsen resort, and all with its own perks. From exciting side and backcountry, to incredible treeruns or wide open slopes. There is something for everyone, and your guides are there with you every step of the way to give you an unforgettable experience! Discover where to find the best powder stashes, cozy restaurants, stunning onsens and traditional Japanese cuisine to fuel your adventures.
But skiing in Minakami is more than just hitting the slopes – it’s about immersing yourself in the rich culture and natural beauty of this stunning region. Take a break from skiing to soak in one of Minakami’s renowned hot springs, or explore nearby cultural attractions, traditional villages or taste the local sakes, which are concidered some of the best in all of Japan!
Day 01, 1st Feb
Welcome to Minakami! If this is your first stop, make your way to Jomo Kogen Station. This is fairly straight forqard with direct Shinkansen connection with Tokyo, it’ll take you just over an hour to get there. Our guide(s) will be there to meet you at Jomo Kogen Station, and drive you to Minakami Matsunoi Onsen Resort. Check in, settle in and relax at your own leisure. Go for a stroll around the hotel, try find all the different onsens, explore the Japanese garden or go for a walk around the town. Once everyone’s checked in we’ll go for a walk to town, grab a drink and go over the plan for the week.
- If you’re joining us from Nozawa a private transfer is included
- Accommodation Matsunoi Onsen Resort, western room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
- We can arrange transport from Jomo-Kogen station between 2pm – 10pm.
- Buffet Dinner
Day 02, 2nd Feb
First day on the slopes! After a delicious buffet breakfast, meet your guide(s) in the lobby who have loaded the van, and get ready to be shown to some of their favourite runs and stashes around the Minakami area. Even though the snow and weather will decide where we ride each day, the goal today is to head to Hodaigi Ski Resort. A fun, Japanese ski resort offering great terrain for all riders including beginners, intermediates, moguls, and some fun tree runs! It’s the perfect resort to warm up the legs, get a feel for your guides and fellow riders. We’ll have a full day guiding today, but at any time feel free to explore the resort at your own leisure. Having 3 guides will also mean we can split the group up if need be, but we’ll always aim to meet up for lunch, and for apres drinks (or soft-serve ice creams) after riding and before heading back to the hotel.
After your day skiing, relax, have a drink, then jump in the van back to the hotel where you can relax in one of the many, incredible natural onsens. After some down time, meet in the lobby for dinner, which is included in this week!
- Buffet breakfast at Matsunoi Onsen Resort
- Full day guiding
- Lift pass
- Private Transfers
- Accommodation Matsunoi Onsen Resort, western room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
- Buffet Dinner
Day 03, 3rd Feb
With the legs well and truly warmed up, we’ll spend today venturing further into the Minakami region. One of the options for the day is to head to a popular ski resort for day trippers from Tokyo – Gala Yuzawa. Reason for its popularity is it’s one of the only ski resorts that has its own shinkansen station! The gondola from the train station takes you up to the main Gala Yuzawa ski area which has some fun runs for any type of rider. Gala is also interconnected with Yuzawa Kogen, and Ishiuchi Maruyama. Combining the resorts, you can find plenty of fun terrain to keep you entertained for the whole day. Add the incredible amounts of snow this area receives and you know you’re in for a good time!
What better way to relax after a long day riding than visiting a traditional Japanese bathhouse. Located in Osenkaku, upstream of Tonaegawa. It follows the stream of Takaraga into the beautiful building surrounded by nature. We can spend hours here just looking at the beauty that surrounds the baths, listening to the relaxing sounds of the river and streaming water.
- Buffet breakfast at Matsunoi Onsen Resort
- Full day guiding
- Lift pass
- Private Transfers
- Visit to Takaragawa Onsen (additional Cost)
- Accommodation Matsunoi Onsen Resort, western room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
- Buffet Dinner
Day 04, 4rd Feb
With 2 full days riding under our belt it’s time to visit one of the snowiest, and steepest resorts in all of Honshu – Tenjindaira. This awesome little resorts is renowned for receiving massive amounts of snow! Most people don’t come to Tenjin to ride in the little ski area; they come to check out the amazing side- and backcountry. A chairlift takes you to the ridge where endless opportunities await! Being steeper, snow filled terrain this also goes paired with some obvious dangers, so your guides will be on hand to make decisions on what runs are safe. Please listen to your guides as your safety is paramount!
When all that powder scoring comes to an end, we’ll head to a local Sake Distillery where you get a tour around the place, learn how sake is made, and, of course ample time to try a few (3). Back at the hotel you have the rest of the night off to spend at your own leisure.
- Buffet breakfast at Matsunoi Onsen Resort
- Full day guiding
- Lift pass
- Private Transfers
- Visit to local sake distillery with tasting
- Accommodation Matsunoi Onsen Resort, western room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
- Buffet Dinner
Day 05, 5th Feb
It’s a rest day. One of the benefits of staying Minakami is that in addition to the skiing and snowboarding, the region offers various off-slope activities. Some of Japans best sake’s are distilled in this region, so it seems only fitting to visit a few breweries and see how it’s made. Other options are visiting local onsens, or visit nearby towns and just look around.
- Buffet breakfast at Matsunoi Onsen Resort
- Lift pass
- Private Transfers
- Lay Day Activities
- Accommodation Matsunoi Onsen Resort, western room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
- Buffet Dinner
Day 06, 6th Feb
With fresh legs we’ll jump in the van, and drive through a crazy long tunnel on the way to one of our favourite resorts in the area, Kaguro. This awesome freeride resort is perfect for those wanting to score some incredible treeruns, or open bowls. Crowds don’t really exist so you can do the same run over and over again without having to share them. For the adventurous ones, a short but stunning hike gets you into some fun side country, with large open bowls bringing you back to the lift.
After an incredible day riding we’ll head to a local onsen, with brown water.. Doesn’t sound appealing, but the minerals will heal any sore muscles in no time!
- Buffet breakfast at Matsunoi Onsen Resort
- Full day guiding
- Lift pass
- Private Transfers
- Visit to local sake distillery with tasting
- Accommodation Matsunoi Onsen Resort, western room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
- Buffet Dinner
Day 07, 7th Feb
It’s the last day riding around Minakami. There’s still plenty of resorts we haven’t visitied, so we can either choose to ride somewhere new, or revisit our favourite runs from the week. It’s up to you, and together with your guide decide todays plan of attack. After the last riding riding, we’ll “debrief” at the local bar, enjoy a few Asahi’s before heading out for dinner, either at the included hotel restaurant, or we can visit a very cool restaurant in town…
- Buffet breakfast at Matsunoi Onsen Resort
- Full day guiding
- Lift pass
- Private Transfers
- Visit to local sake distillery with tasting
- Accommodation Matsunoi Onsen Resort, western room with western beds and ensuite. (twin share)
- Buffet Dinner
Day 08
After an epic week freeriding around the best resorts around Minakami, it’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers and guide. The easiest way to get to your next destination is to train it back to Tokyo, and onwards to your lext destination. Your guides can drop you at Jomo Kogen Station after breakfast.
- Buffet breakfast at Matsunoi Onsen Resort
- Transfer to Jomo Kogen Train Station
Please Note: the above itinerary is only an example of what each day can look like. Together with your guide you’ll decide each day where to ride depending on snow and weather forecast. You’re free to join for as long or short as you want and can explore the resorts on your own as you choose.
To find out exactly what’s included please check the inclusions tab above.
-
Minakami Matsunoi Onsen Resort
This hotel is located on about 100,000 square meters of land upstream of the Tone River. With views of the Tone and Tani rivers and Oze, and a natural onsen pumping out 500,000 liters of water a day, this hotel prizes itself on its hot spring and its delicious cuisine. Great access, just 2 hours from Tokyo and centrally located to a big variety of different ski resorts, making it the perfect base for the Minakami Freeride WeekFeatures- 7 Nights, Western Room with Ensuite - Twin Share
- Daily Breakfast Included
- Daily Buffet Dinner Included
- Onsen resort with Multiple Indoor/Outdoor Onsens
- Private Onsens Available (Extra Cost)
Minakami Matsunoi Onsen Resort
This hotel is located on about 100,000 square meters of land upstream of the Tone River. With views of the Tone and Tani rivers and Oze, and a natural onsen pumping out 500,000 liters of water a day, this hotel prizes itself on its hot spring and its delicious cuisine. Great access, just 2 hours from Tokyo and centrally located to a big variety of different ski resorts, making it the perfect base for the Minakami Freeride WeekFeatures- 7 Nights, Western Room with Ensuite - Twin Share
- Daily Breakfast Included
- Daily Buffet Dinner Included
- Onsen resort with Multiple Indoor/Outdoor Onsens
- Private Onsens Available (Extra Cost)
INCLUDED
- 7x Nights accommodation in Matsunoi Onsen Resort – Western room room, western beds with ensuite (twin share)
- Onsen Resort with multiple indoor-, and outdoor onsens as well as private onsens
- Daily Breakfast
- Daily Buffet Dinner
- 5 Full Day Mountain Guiding
- Private transfers to/from resorts
- Return Jomo Kogen Train Station Pickups
- 5x Lift pass Minakami Region
- 1x Takaragawa Onsen Visit (Entry cost excluded)
- Sake Distillery tour with 3 tastings
EXLUDED
- Lunch
- Flights – Let your consultant know if they can help you lock them in
- Travel Insurance
- Rentals or Add-ons
EXPERIENCE + GEAR
This tour is for the high intermediate to experienced skier/boarder. The resorts we visit cater to a wide variety of levels, but to make the most of your holiday we recommend having a sense of adventure, an open mind and some interests in skiing/boarding powder. We’ll have multiple guides on hand so we could split the group up if need be and you can join them for as long or short as you want.
Groups Terms and Conditions
DEPOSIT: A NON-REFUNDABLE deposit for all bookings is required within 5 days of your confirmation to secure your booking, otherwise your reservation may be automatically cancelled. Some properties may a require deposit payment inside the standard 5 days and an increased deposit to secure the booking. Payment of a deposit indicates acceptance of these conditions. Tour leaders are responsible for checking all travel dates and arrangements are correct at time of confirmation. If there is a discrepancy Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch must be notified immediately. Subsequent changes may incur amendment and/or cancellation fees.
PAYMENTS: Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch will accept payments by the following methods. Credit card, or direct deposit into our bank account. Agent payments can be made via direct deposit. Please note: there is a 1.5% charge when paying with Visa or Mastercard.
PRICES
All quotes are in Australian dollars unless stipulated otherwise and are subject to change prior to us accepting your booking request. Prices are based on the quoted itinerary including where applicable, coach transportation, economy class airfares, rail travel, multi-share accommodation, resort lift passes, rental equipment, instructors, etc. Prices are also subject to change in accordance with the following provisions.
Note: coach, airline, and rail fares are subject to change without notice at any time prior to full payment. All government taxes and charges imposed by suppliers beyond the control of Liquid Snow Tours/Mountainwatch (including ticketing fees and airline fuel surcharges) are payable by you and are subject to change. If there are any increases in such taxes or charges, or if you request any itinerary changes or the number or mix of passengers changes prior to you making payment in full, which increases the price of your booking, we reserve the right to change the price at any time by giving you notice. You must pay the additional charges prior to the date of your departure.
Unless otherwise stated, the cost of travelling to or from departure points, flights, visas, airport taxes, port taxes, city taxes, items of a personal nature, laundry, additional beverages and consumables are not included in the tour price.
Exchange rates are subject to change without notice (based on currency fluctuations) until final payment has been processed. Once a booking has been made on your behalf, your booking is subject to deposit and final payment being made by due dates as outlined on your statement or your booking may be cancelled.
Cancellation within 30 days prior to departure will incur a 100% cancellation fee. No allowance or refund can be made for unused meals, accommodation, transport, vehicle rental, equipment hire, lift tickets, or any other unused package components once travel has commenced. If a person or persons cancel from Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch booking, they and the remaining people in the booking will be liable for the additional accommodation costs that result from the cancelling persons.
ACCOMMODATION: Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch reserves the right to substitute and confirm alternative accommodation of a comparable or superior standard if necessary should that described in the proposal not be available. Your consultant will communicate any possible changes prior to deposit payments being received.
NOT INCLUDED: All other costs, apart from those detailed in a quote/invoice, are at the clients’ own expense eg: passport and visa fees, inter-airport transfers, meals or any other items including those of a personal nature unless otherwise stated. If flight or other travel delays lead to missed connections, Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch cannot be responsible for train fares, taxis or other extra expenses.
RESPONSIBILITY: Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch acts only as an agent for the companies or persons (principals) providing or offering the means of travel, accommodation and other services (the principals’ services) and bookings are made subject to the terms and conditions under which the principal’s services are provided. Accommodation, flights, transportation and any other services are subject to availability at the time of booking. The principals reserve the right to change the prices of their services without notice. Confirmations and invoices are subject to re-issue if incorrect through error or omission and the passenger accepts liability to pay the correct costs for services. Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch reserves the right to cancel or withdraw any tour or passenger booking or to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of a Tour or passenger booking. This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of NSW, Australia.
LIABILITY: To the extent permitted by law, neither Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch nor anyone on its behalf can be held liable for any alterations, act or omission on the part of the service providers/principals for any consequential, loss, death, injury, accident, delay or damage occasioned to any person or their belongings (including baggage) in connection with the tour or holiday offers supplied by Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch whether or not such loss, injury or damage is due directly or indirectly to any default, negligent act, misrepresentation, breach of duty, or omission of the travel operator, their respective representatives, servants, contractors or agents. Matters outside the control of Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch may affect the services offered and Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch will not be responsible for any such matters. Programs, offers, tour prices, services and conditions are current at the time of publication of promotional material are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances, including increases in operating costs. Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch will not accept responsibility or liability for any traveller who contravenes the law or regulation of any country visited. Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch strongly advise against the use or possession of prohibited drugs in foreign countries and warns travelers that if found to be involved in the use or possession of illegal drugs on a Liquid Tours tour or travel package, we reserve the right to discharge the traveler from a tour. This is a zero tolerance policy.
FORCE MAJEURE: Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions, neither we nor any Third Party Supplier can accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our or the Third Party Supplier’s contractual obligations is prevented or affected by or you otherwise suffer any damage or loss as a result of force majeure. In these booking conditions, ‘force majeure’ means any event which we / the supplier of the service(s) in question / the Third Party Supplier could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include, whether actual or threatened, war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, epidemics, fire and all similar events outside the control of the party concerned.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: We require all travellers to have travel insurance. Please ask your travel consultant about our comprehensive policies or click HERE for an online quote
Another Japan year passes and yes Mountainwatch once again showed why they are the best travel Ski Company to travel with in Japan,great staff,excellent service,and a great bunch of girls and guys who give you the upmost attention while on your stay through the Japanese Alps. Thanks everyone again for a great holiday
Steve Japan
Rob was extremely helpful with our recent trip to Hakuba, Japan. All aspects of our organised trip were fantastic. Would highly recommend :)
Emma Japan
The Mountainwatch crew provided a hassle free experience from start to finish. Nothing was too difficult and they made the trip easy from start to finish.
Nigel Japan
Going on a trip with the Mountainwatch Travel crew was an epic experience. Having experienced riders guiding you through some amazing fun terrain, off the beaten track, with fun as a priority. As it should be. Off the hill was excellent to have someone with some local knowledge to show you around and keep you clued up. Basically, its a rad fun crew to tour with and it was well worth it. Hell yeah.
Chris Myoko, Japan
FAQ
You will be in very capable hands throughout this tour with our professional guides. Our local guide(s) have spent a lot of time riding around Japan so know the mountains very well and will be able to show you around all the best spots. Our guides will also be around to greet you on your arrival and be around to help you with anything you need when back at the hotel. We’ll make bookings at the best restaurants for those that want to join us for a great night out!
All the rooming is two queen bedrooms, twin share, shared with other members on the tour.
We aim to allocate rooms to guests of similar ages and genders.
Breakfast is included. Wifi is also freely available.
Approximately 2-4 weeks prior to your departure you will receive detailed information on your trip which includes your travel vouchers, airline and airport transfer information (if applicable), information on the respective resort, etc. Since this year we also have our head office in Queenstown so there will always be someone around to help in case of an emergency.
We can also add in airport transfers. If you don’t have your own skis/snowboards or just prefer to travel without, we can arrange rentals in Myoko.
Why not extend your stay at the resort or better yet, join us in Nozawa for week 2 of the freeride weeks.
We require all group members to have travel insurance when joining our tour. We strongly recommend arranging travel insurance at the time of booking, so you are covered against cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or accidents. We can arrange a quote for travel insurance so please contact your agent for further information or click here for an online quote. If you are using your own insurance please ensure it covers you for ski/snowboarding. Keep in mind Mountainwatch is in no way or form responsible or liable for anything that happens during your trip.
Our guides make calls on which resorts will be visited based on the best conditions. Calls can be made even the night before if there’s some unexpected weather conditions to be taken advantage of. Our lay day is also decided by the guides based on the weather conditions.
Most days we offer full-day guiding to give you the best experience possible. Of course, you don’t have to stay with the group and you are free to explore some further terrain, hit the powder stashes our guides have shown, or head back to town to enjoy the onsen or beer at your own leisure. Please make sure to tell the guide before heading off.
The Japan Freeride Weeks are open to everyone, whether you’re traveling solo, with mates or with your family. The Freeride Tours are most suitable for intermediate and above skiers and snowboarders. Because of our guide to guest ratio we can always split the group up when needed and meet back at the pub for Après drinks or lunch.
In advance of the tour we collect information relating to guests’ skiing/boarding levels, and the type of terrain they prefer to tackle. This information assists us in allocating guests into subgroups of usually 6-10 people. We aim to have guests of similar abilities teamed together to maximize the experience on the slopes. We’ll always aim to start and finish the day as a group and have the space during the day to split up if need be. It’s all about your experience and we want to make it as enjoyable as possible!
Our guides are on hand to assist with any queries/advice, they will be with you throughout the tour staying at the same accommodation. We also aim to set up a Whatapp or Facebook group chat to each other during our time in NZ. At the end of each day, we have a catch-up with the group to go through the day’s adventures, share photos and outline the next day’s plan of attack.
You will be in very capable hands throughout this tour with our professional guides. Our local guide(s) have spent a lot of time riding around Japan so know the mountains very well and will be able to show you around all the best spots. Our guides will also be around to greet you on your arrival and be around to help you with anything you need when back at the hotel. We’ll make bookings at the best restaurants for those that want to join us for a great night out!
Our guides make calls on which resorts will be visited based on the best conditions. Calls can be made even the night before if there’s some unexpected weather conditions to be taken advantage of. Our lay day is also decided by the guides based on the weather conditions.
All the rooming is two queen bedrooms, twin share, shared with other members on the tour.
We aim to allocate rooms to guests of similar ages and genders.
Breakfast is included. Wifi is also freely available.
Most days we offer full-day guiding to give you the best experience possible. Of course, you don’t have to stay with the group and you are free to explore some further terrain, hit the powder stashes our guides have shown, or head back to town to enjoy the onsen or beer at your own leisure. Please make sure to tell the guide before heading off.
Approximately 2-4 weeks prior to your departure you will receive detailed information on your trip which includes your travel vouchers, airline and airport transfer information (if applicable), information on the respective resort, etc. Since this year we also have our head office in Queenstown so there will always be someone around to help in case of an emergency.
The Japan Freeride Weeks are open to everyone, whether you’re traveling solo, with mates or with your family. The Freeride Tours are most suitable for intermediate and above skiers and snowboarders. Because of our guide to guest ratio we can always split the group up when needed and meet back at the pub for Après drinks or lunch.
We can also add in airport transfers. If you don’t have your own skis/snowboards or just prefer to travel without, we can arrange rentals in Myoko.
Why not extend your stay at the resort or better yet, join us in Nozawa for week 2 of the freeride weeks.
In advance of the tour we collect information relating to guests’ skiing/boarding levels, and the type of terrain they prefer to tackle. This information assists us in allocating guests into subgroups of usually 6-10 people. We aim to have guests of similar abilities teamed together to maximize the experience on the slopes. We’ll always aim to start and finish the day as a group and have the space during the day to split up if need be. It’s all about your experience and we want to make it as enjoyable as possible!
We require all group members to have travel insurance when joining our tour. We strongly recommend arranging travel insurance at the time of booking, so you are covered against cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or accidents. We can arrange a quote for travel insurance so please contact your agent for further information or click here for an online quote. If you are using your own insurance please ensure it covers you for ski/snowboarding. Keep in mind Mountainwatch is in no way or form responsible or liable for anything that happens during your trip.
Our guides are on hand to assist with any queries/advice, they will be with you throughout the tour staying at the same accommodation. We also aim to set up a Whatapp or Facebook group chat to each other during our time in NZ. At the end of each day, we have a catch-up with the group to go through the day’s adventures, share photos and outline the next day’s plan of attack.