Itinerary

This tour starts in Tomamu and finishes in Asahikawa.

Day 1
Meet at Tomamu train station (approx 3:30 pm) where you will then be transferred to your accommodation for dinner (just a few minutes away from the station). 
Overnight: Tomamu

Day 2
Today ski the Tomamu backcountry, depending on snow conditions and group size, you will get your legs by using the lifts for some sections.
Overnight: Tomamu

Day 3
Choose from another day at Tomamu, or travel to a nearby remote backcountry area, based on snow & weather conditions. Evening transfer to Furano.
Overnight: Furano

Stay in a variety of accom....

...powder skiing like this...

...exploring!

Day 4-5
Ski the backcountry of the Yubari range, on the southern end of the Furano ski ground. You'll use the lifts to gain the high point, check in with the patrol, and then head for the spectacular summit of Nishi Dake or nearby slopes.
Ovenight: Furano

Day 6
Early morning departure from Furano for Kitami Pass by private mini bus (approx 2 hours). We spend the rest of the day skiing near the pass to some very accessible powder bowls. After skiing, transfer to the accommodation in Sounkyo Gorge (approximately 35 minutes). In the evening, view the Sounkyo ice festival.
Overnight: Sounkyo Gorge

Day 7
Today the group has the option of skiing at the base of Kuro Dake, in the Sounkyo Gorge, or returning to nearby Kitami Pass, depending on snow & weather conditions. After skiing transfer to Asahikawa, approx. 1 hour.
Overnight: Asahikawa

Day 8
After a leisurely breakfast, depart for Asahikawa Station or airport by bus. Own arrangements.

Tomamu backcountry..

..the touring is relatively low angle..

..ahh and more delightful BC rewards.

Accommodation

JIJ use mixed Japanese western style accommodations so you can be assured of the chance to experience authentic local food and hospitality. The Backcountry Delights Tour moves around to several locations. The following properties are where the tours usually stay, however they may vary due to availability but these will be typical of the alternatives.

	Asahikawa Hotel Paco is most commonly used in Asahikawa (or JR Inn if not available). The hotel is a 3-star property located right in town. Rooms are western with a private en-suite and the property has a Japanese bath house on-site. There is also a restaurant, bar and free wifi available.
	Tomamu/Ochiai Pension Ing is a lovely little family run Japanese pension with western-style beds and shared bathroom facilities. It has a nice onsen, communal lounge area with TV and offers free wifi. A daily breakfast is served in the private dining area.
	Furano Pension Furanui is located in the heart of Furano village among restaurants and bars. Rooms are basic Japanese-style and all have a private toilet & basin. There is an indoor Japanese bath house on-site which is a nice way to start and end the day. The property also has a common lounge area.
	Sounkyo Lodge Yamanoue is a traditional Japanese hotel located in the town of Sounkyo Onsen. Here you will find indoor & outdoor hot springs and traditional Japanese cuisine. Rooms are Japanese-style.

Typical Japanese-style room

...most accommodations have onsens..

...experience superb Japanese cuisine

Rates, Inclusions & Add-Ons

Rates Notes

• rates/invoice currency is in Japanese yen or Australian dollars - convert to your currency here
• displayed prices are per person twin-share room
• displayed prices include tax
• please enquire for a quote for a customised private trip

Inclusions

• Your own qualified guide (max 1:6 ratio)
• 7 nights twin share accommodation (couples get a private room)
• 7 breakfasts & 4 dinners
• All transfers in private 4wd minivan
• Transfer from Tomamu station to accommodation

Add-ons

• Ski touring gear hire (10% discount)
• Avalanche safety gear hire (10% discount)
• Private single room upgrade (subject to availability)

Not Included

• Flights - search for cheapest flights here
• Travel insurance - buy travel insurance online here
• Lunches, dinners (apart from those mentioned in the inclusions), alcohol and snacks
• Ski gear and avo safety gear rentals (10% discount available)

Journey Into Japan (JIJ) Terms & Conditions

DEPOSIT & FULL PAYMENT

• Deposit is $AUD250 per person.
• All deposits are non-refundable.
• Final balance due: 60 days prior to departure.
• All payments are in Australian Dollars (AUD)

CANCELLATION BY YOU

• more than 60 days prior to departure, full deposit forfeited.
• 60 to 30 days prior to departure, 50% of trip cost is forfeited.
• Less than 30 days 100% forfeited.
• JIJ insist you take out travel insurance at time of sending your deposit.

CANCELLATION BY JIJ
JIJ reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to departure. In this case you will receive a full refund. You will not be entitled to make any further claim for compensation, damages, expenses, loss of time or inconvenience.

GROUP SIZE 
Trips costs are based on optimum group sizes. If we don’t get the required number of people (4 for all trips), you will be notified as soon as possible and offered the choice of: 

a) A full refund of the money you have paid.
b) A transfer to another date at no cost to you.
c) Paying a surcharge.

ROUTE & ITINERARY CHANGES 
Due to various factors, such as weather, group ability, gov’t legislation affecting routes and other unforeseen circumstances we reserve the right to alter itineraries if necessary. In most cases itinerary alterations will be advised prior to depature.

ITEMS NOT INCLUDED
Please refer to specific trip descriptions for inclusions. Please note that emergency evacuation costs, visa/passport charges, extra meals, alcohol, all items of a personal nature or excess baggage charges are not included.

ITINERARY AND TRIP COSTS
Journey into Japan reserves the right to make any changes to trip dates, itineraries and costs without notice.

A little walk up the hill....

...Sounkyo near Kurodake...

...and amazing Japan powder!