Kagura Backcountry Tour - Japan Snow Adventures

One of the easiest to access areas from Tokyo with a wide range of easy lift access and touring options.

The main resort we use in the Yuzawa area is Kagura. The top lift brings you close to 1900m so with just short hikes we can access the goodness that the snow around 2000m keeps in store. There is a huge range of backcountry options, many of which are only known by local guides and can provide some great dry powder even late into the season.
Kagura is one of the most popular areas for ski touring for Japanese backcountry enthusiasts. For this reason it is best to avoid weekends and public holidays as the main easy routes can get tracked out early.

Please note that this is a custom tour away from our home base of Nozawa. Prices will vary to cover transport and additional costs.

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The route will be chosen and customised by your guide to match you skill & experience level of your group

Routes and skill levels

Whether you are a newbie to backcountry looking to learn how to use all the gear and access some untracked powder, or a veteran of the BC looking for something steep and deep, we will find a group of others that have a similar amount of BC experience to you.

If you are looking for especially big days with big terrain, ask us about our private tours!

DEPARTURE/RETURN

If you are staying in Yuzawa, we will let you know the meeting point in the destination resort before the day of the tour. We can also arrange pick up and drop offs at local Yuzawa accommodations.

SEASON

Jan 15th – March 15th

MEETING TIME

Please arrive by 8:00AM

RETURN TIME

Approximately 16:00 .

REQUIREMENTS

The minimum age to join our tours is 13 years old.
Participants under 15 can only join a private tour.
Participants under 18 need a guardian to be present on the tour.
Participants under 20 need a signature from a parent or guardian.

Must be at least a level 5 on our ability level chart

A moderate level of fitness is required. The fitter the group the more extensive the touring options.

BRING

Ski/snowboard, boots, ski clothing, gloves, helmet, goggles, ski poles with BIG baskets, lunch, plenty of snacks and water

RENTAL

If you require rental equipment please advise when booking:

Snowshoes & poles set 1000 yen
Backpack 1000 yen
Split board & climbing skins 5000 yen/set
Touring skis & climbing skins 5000 yen/set

INCLUDED

Professional guide	Avalanche transciever
Probe	Shovel

The price is for up to 4 participants. Up to 6 participants can join with extra participants charged 22,500 yen per person.

NOT INCLUDED

Ski/Snowboard equipment

Lift ticket

Lunch

LIFT TICKETS

Lift tickets are not included in the price of the tour. Please wait until the morning of the tour to purchase lift tickets so that the guide can advise you on the type of ticket required.

8.00 AM – 8.30 AM: Orientation

Organise and check gear for the day
Discuss days conditions and planned routes with guides
Safety equipment introduction and instructions
Fill out mountaineers card

8.30 AM – 9.30 AM: Lifts

Take the lifts to the BC access point for the day and do basic beacon checks.

9.30 AM – 10.00 AM: Hike 1

A short hike will take you to the first powder area of the day.

10.30 AM – 10.45 AM: First run of the day

Time to crank that smile and enjoy the powder that “Snowzawa” is famous for.

10.45 AM – 11.15 AM: Hike 2

A short hike and lift ride will bring you back to the top of out BC area.

11.15 AM – 11.45 AM:Second run

Another pristine powder field ready for you to make your mark.

11.45 AM – 13.00PM: Hike and lunch

Another short hike, lift and then lunch before we take on the afternoon.

13.00PM – 15.00PM : More powder

Nothing better for after lunch than chomping into some more powder. Guides will make the most of conditions by choosing routes perfect for your group.