Example Itinerary

Piste-Carving and Storm-Chasing in Japan

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Skiing
Destinations
Japan

Ski enthusiasts often argue the age-old question: which is better - Hakuba or Niseko? But there is no need to choose when you can discover the highlights of both of Japan’s finest ski destinations on this 13-day adventure. From the fascinating city of Kyoto, travel to Hakuba for its fluffy powder and long mountain runs. From the bright lights of Tokyo, ride an overnight sleeper train to Niseko to take advantage of its gorgeous back-country skiing. Besides during Chinese New Year, when our selected resorts are very busy with tourists, these destinations offer plenty of space and a myriad of options whether you are an expert or beginner. Get well off the beaten track with a journey to Asahikawa, a centrally-located mountain town with access to at least six different resorts from which you can choose, based on the weather. Enjoy days spent on the slopes, carving up the powder, and evenings sampling delicious food and soaking in natural hot springs.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

• Habuka: Ski the long mountain slopes of Hakuba, a village in the Japanese Alps just outside Nagano.

• Niseko: The myriad of runs in Niseko, Japan's most famous ski resort, are known for an abundance of light powder snow.

• Asahikawa: Go storm chasing from your base in Asahikawa, Hokkaido's second-largest city, to find the best snow in the region - then warm up with a steaming bowl of Asahikawa ramen.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Kyoto

Touch down in Tokyo where you will be met by your guide and whisked seamlessly off on a bullet train ride to Kyoto where the journey truly begins. For tonight, relax and bed down in your comfortable hotel.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Nature: Aman Kyoto's palette is the inviting green of forest scenery and the warm, woody tones of shelter. So aligned with its surroundings, the hotel changes with the seasons; Taka-An's menu puts the spotlight on seasonal produce, while the floor-to-ceiling windows showcase how the passing months shape the landscape.

Culture: Kaiseki banquets, matcha and mochi afternoon tea, tranquil and contemplative gardens, indoor and outdoor onsen bathing facilities, options for futon bedding and tatami mat flooring – the entire property has been designed with an immersion in both nature and culture in mind, so guests can experience true Japanese hospitality.

Wellness: A stay at the Aman Kyoto is not just a quiet retreat to return to after a day of sightseeing in Kyoto, but also an oasis designed to replenish the body and mind. The in-house spa specializes in Shiatsu massage, onsen pools are fed by the mineral-rich waters of local hot springs, while private yoga sessions in a forest clearing release stress and tension.

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Aman Kyoto Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Nestled at the foot of Higashiyama Mountain, alongside a thousand-year-old ikeniwa pond, Four Seasons Kyoto is located just ten minutes from Kyoto’s city center, within the temple district, making it an ideal base from which to explore the nearby shrines and historic landmarks, as well as the more modern attractions of Japan’s elegant former capital.

History: Having opened it’s doors in October 2016, Four Seasons Kyoto - the second site for the Four Seasons brand in the country - may have been five years in the planning, but the atmosphere of urbane tranquility of the Zen inspired interiors has made an indelible impression on a city known for its sense of style and sophistication.

Service: Four Seasons Kyoto provides the very best in round-the-clock luxury service, complete with 24-hour concierge and room service, manned with English-speaking staff ready to cater for to guests’ wants and needs.

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Four Seasons Kyoto Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Sitting on the serene banks of the stunning Kamogawa river within walking distance of several famous streets and popular sights, this hotel couldn’t have a more perfect location. Plus, it’s only a 20-minute taxi ride from the Kyoto airport.

History: Paying homage to rich Japanese culture, the fourth Ritz-Carlton in Japan opened in Kyoto in February of 2014.

Service: Guests can count on dependable, high-level service at the Ritz-Carlton, where a luxury experience is guaranteed, complemented by extremely helpful staff.

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Ritz-Carlton Kyoto Preferred Hotel
About

Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto is tucked away next to Nijo-jo Castle, at the Kyoto home of the Kitake, a branch of the Mitsui Family. This land has been in the care of the family for more than 250 years.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Map

Hakuba

Spend the day exploring the culturally rich city of Kyoto, home to countless beautiful temples and Shinto shrines. Sample local delicious delicacies before re-boarding the bullet train for your first ski destination, Hakuba, in the Japanese alps. Relax here for the night in your comfortable, family-run accommodation.

Hotel Options
About

A mere 10 kilometers from the scenic, snowy Mount Shirouma and walking distance the Hakuba Happo-one ski resort lies the Hakuba Tokyu Hotel. The chateau inspired formal guest rooms and suites have high ceilings, elegant features, and balconies that furnish stunning views of Hakuba's natural beauty.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Hakuba
Hakuba

Day 3

Map

Hakuba

Spend the day getting to know the slopes, all of which are within easy reach of your hotel. Your guide will lead you to some of the finest mountain skiing spots in Japan and you can enjoy Hakuba’s long, sweeping runs. In the evening, relax your aching muscles in a traditional Japanese onsen.

Day 4

Map

Hakuba

Now that you’ve got your ski legs, spend the day carving up the slopes and reveling in Hakuba’s fluffy piste. Alternatively, if you prefer to take a break and get into nature, take a trip to Jigokudani to visit the wild monkeys who play in its hot springs. Treat yourself with another rejuvenating soak to round off the day.

Day 5

Map

Tokyo

Spend the morning getting in a few final runs on the slopes of Hakuba before boarding the train direct to Tokyo. Hit the town this evening for delicious Japanese cuisine and the chance to see the city’s bright lights. Immerse yourself in the action and bustle of Shibuya and Shinjuku before a good night’s sleep at your luxurious hotel; we recommend the beautiful Aman Tokyo.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Spread across the top six floors of the Otemachi Tower in Tokyo’s financial district, this lofty hotel presents city superb views and is just steps from Tokyo Station and Ginza shopping district.

History: This newly built-hotel is the first ever ‘city’ hotel from the luxurious Aman Resorts, a group that has over two dozen resorts in their portfolio spread across four different continents.

Services: The wealth of services here all take advantage of the stunning views, whether you’re treating yourself to a massage in the spa, enjoying fine Mediterranean cuisine in the 33rd floor restaurant or doing laps in the infinity pool.

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Aman Tokyo Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, is located 38 floors above street level in a district of Tokyo called Nihonbashi, a business district often referred to as the “center of Japan”.

History: Of all Tokyo’s business districts, the 400-year-old Nihonbashi is the only one that still retains much of its old world charm.

Service: This is the only hotel in Tokyo to have been awarded Six-Star International Diamond status by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, recognizing the hotel’s reputation for excellence.

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Mandarin Oriental Tokyo Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

High-tech: in-room amenities.

Pool: Large 65-foot swimming pool and equally sizable hydrotherapy pool.

Views: Superb views of the Imperial Palace.

Location: Within walking distance to the shopping paradise of Ginza.

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The Peninsula Tokyo Preferred Hotel
Tokyo
Tokyo

Day 6

Map

Tokyo

Today you will have the chance to explore the fascinating delights of Tokyo, from the madness of the fish market and the glamor of Ginza’s fashion district to the Meiji shrine and the Imperial Palace. After sunset, sample Tokyo's internationally renowned restaurant culture – from succulent pork tonkatsu to the perfect bowl of street ramen. 

Day 7

Map

Niseko

Rise early this morning and board your short, 90-minute flight from Tokyo to the New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido. After your arrival, your Remote Lands guide will escort you to your two-hour overland transfer to the charming ski town of Niseko. Arriving at midday, you will have the afternoon to unwind or, if you like, hit the slopes just outside the hotel. Your guide can introduce you to the best runs in the resort to ensure a great day of skiing. Relax in the evening with dinner and a soak in an outdoor hot springs.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

A Tale of Two Seasons: Whatever the season, it’s always an excellent time of year to visit Niseko. The area surrounding the Park Hyatt Niseko is home to the world’s best powder snow in the winter, and in spring and summer – or the “green” season, as locals say – it becomes a densely forested mountain paradise with cool, clear streams and a wealth of native flora and fauna.

Culinary Craftsmanship: The Park Hyatt Niseko features an astounding 11 restaurants, lounges, and bars, which serve entrees and cocktails in styles such as Robatta, Teppanyaki, Italian, and Chinese. Park Hyatt master chefs and sommeliers strive to offer guests the ultimate in sophisticated food, wine, and spirits.

Abundant Attractions on the Mountain: The Park Hyatt Niseko is a true “ski-in, ski-out” hotel, affording guests the ability to get right out to the slopes from the comfort of their rooms and suites. The Niseko “Weiss Powder Cat” can even be hired to privately motor you and your fellow skiers and snowboarders up the mountain in private fashion.

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Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono Preferred Hotel
About

Niseko’s high-end deluxe resort hotel, Ki, has the unique attraction of being the only hotel in the region offering ‘ski-in ski-out’ accommodation. The second floor takes guests to the ski valet service center where your equipment and boots are stored (and dried and warmed), enabling them to step from the hotel straight onto the slopes - and some of the finest powder-snow on the planet.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

This 5-star luxury resort hotel is located right on the slopes of Niseko Hirafu village, one of the most exclusive locations in Niseko, and features awe-inspiring views of Mount Yotei itself, as well as the majestic surrounding area. The Vale’s 49 ultra-chic hotel rooms range from studios through to two and three bedroom apartments and, of course, the award-winning super-deluxe penthouse apartments.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 8

Map

Niseko

Continue to explore Niseko’s myriad of runs. Access the back-country slopes or take the lift to the very highest point from which you can hike upwards another 30 minutes to the very top. Here, the views are astounding, and your choice of runs is endless.

Niseko
Niseko

Day 9

Map

Niseko

Spend the day perfecting your turns and form, or – if you like – take the 90-minute drive to Rusutsu and try your hand at a new set of runs.

Day 10

Map

Asahikawa

This morning, journey north to Asahikawa. While not a ski resort itself, this centrally-located town enjoys access to six other neighboring resorts from which you can choose. Your expert guide will help you select the best depending on the day’s weather.

Hotel Options
About

Located in Hokkaido’s second largest city, Asahikawa Grand Hotel is positioned in close proximity to Tokiwa Park, Asahikawa Museum of Art and Asahikawa City Museum. With a total of 237 rooms, Asahikawa Grand Hotel offers a variety of room types including Grand Double rooms, Japanese style rooms and suites.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 11

Map

Asahikawa

Wake up bright and early for a discussion with your guide about where the best skiing can be found today. The locals call it storm-chasing and the vast array of options in varying climates allows you to find the best snow, within easy reach.

Asahikawa
Asahikawa

Day 12

Map

Asahikawa

Spend a final day storm-chasing from your base in Asahikawa and in the evening, celebrate your achievements on the slopes with a grand dinner of delicious local fare.

Day 13

Map

Departure

Say your farewells to the alps of Japan this morning as you board your domestic flight to Narita International airport in Tokyo, ready for your journey onwards or homewards.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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