SNOW SHOE TOURS

Escape the crowds on a private snowshoe tour through two of Japan's snowiest regions. Whether you're based in Minakami's deep-powder valleys or Shiga Kogen's ancient forest and panoramic ridgelines, our guides tailor every route to your group's pace and experience — from first-timers to seasoned winter trekkers.

Private tours only — The whole day moves at your pace.

• 3-hour private course: ¥33,000

• Each additional hour: +¥11,000

• Group size: 1–6 people

• Minimum age: 6 years old

Included: Guide fee, insurance, snowshoes, poles

Not included: Lift ticket (Shiga Kogen Higashidate Yama course only, food)

Japan's largest ski resort by day, Shiga Kogen hides a second world once you strap on snowshoes: ancient forest, frozen ponds, and ridgelines that see almost no foot traffic all winter.

Meet at the Shiga Kogen Guide Center or Ichinose Information Center, with hotel transfer available from the Chuo and Yakebitaiyama accommodation areas.

Ride the gondola up, then snowshoe the short final stretch to the summit for a 360° panorama that's yours alone — Shiga Kogen's ski slopes fall away below, ringed by the northern Japan Alps. Once the views are had, the descent turns playful: sledding down open slopes and diving into some of Honshu's finest powder.

Note: this course requires a lift ticket, purchased separately.

Shiga Kogen's forest has been protected as national park land for generations, and in winter, snowshoes are the only way into its deepest, quietest corners — trails no summer hiker ever sees. Guides lead you past a frozen pond, pause for animal-track spotting, and often build in a tea break deep in the woods, where the silence of the forest becomes the whole point of the trip.

Minakami is Canyons' home turf — one of Kanto's snowiest valleys, framed by the Tanigawa mountain range. Meet at the Canyons Minakami base.

Halfway along the same trail that continues to Ichinokura, this shorter course follows the Yubiso River through native forest, with sweeping views of the Tanigawa mountain range opening up along the way. A great fit for families or anyone wanting the scenery without the full-day commitment.

The full trek along the Yubiso River from Doai to the Ichinokura confluence — gentle, minimal-elevation terrain that makes it a good fit for snowshoe beginners despite the full-day length. Bring a packed lunch (not included) and enjoy it at a custom-made snow table with sweeping views across the Tanigawa mountain range, capped by the sheer ~1,000m rock face of Ichinokura-sawa, one of Japan's most storied climbing walls.

• Morning: 9:00 start

• Afternoon: 13:00 start

Shiga Kogen: Shiga Kogen Guide Center or Ichinose Information Center. Hotel transfer available from the Chuo and Yakebitaiyama accommodation areas.

Minakami: Canyons Minakami base.

• Waterproof jacket and snow pants

• Warm winter layers, gloves, hat, and goggles

• Sturdy snow boots

• Water and snacks