Itinerary

Day 1
Morning transfer to Asahidake (Hokkaido's highest mountain/volcano). Here you will find some of the deepest, driest powder snow on earth! Tonight you will stay at Asahidake and will have the opportunity to have an outdoor hot spring bath at your accommodation.

Tour #1 transfers from Furano and picks up the group from tour#2 at Asahikawa station (approx 2pm).
Overnight: Asahidake

Day 4-7
For the next four days you will explore the amazing terrain of Asahidake (with the assistance of a ropeway - 100 person cable car) and each night at the Japanese log-style mountain lodge. The lodge has a small onsen and there are several hotels nearby that have some of the best onsens you will find in Japan. They are well worth a visit and a great daily ritual! Dinner is served each night at the lodge, as is breakfast each morning. A packed lunch is also provided each day whilst at Asahidake.
Overnight: Asahidake

Day 8-12
You will explore the massive area of the Tokachidake range which is also renowned for its deep and consistently dry powder snow. There is no lift assistance here. You will earn your turns from start to finish each day and will be rewarded with some of the most incredible skiing you will have ever experienced. The hot springs at Tokachi are also fabulous so this is likely to become part of your daily ritual. See more information about Tokachidake here.
Overnight: Tokachidake

Powder!

..and become an onsen addict...

..earn some turns!

Day 13
In the morning after breakfast you will transfer to Sounkyo Gorge (via the Outdoor shop in Asahikawa where you will be able to pick up more BC supplies if needed), arriving late afternoon for check-in (to a very traditional Japanese-style hotel with superb hot springs) and dinner. After dinner there will be an opportunity to visit the local ice festival.
Overnight: Sounkyo Gorge

Day 14
Early morning departure to Tomamu (approx 90 mins) for a full day of skiing at Tomamu ski resort. After skiing you will be chauffeured to Furano to your accommodation and dinner.
Overnight: Furano

Day 15-16
You will chase the powder. Your guide will decide on where the best conditions are each day at one of the following locations; Furano, Asahidake, Tomamu, Tokachidake or some other nearby area that might have some secret stashes on/and/or off-piste. Each night will be back in Furano where you can party on or put your feet up for a well-earned rest.
Overnight: Furano

Day 17
Early morning departure from Furano to either Asahidake or Kamui (depending on where the best conditions are). After skiing you will head to Asahikawa for a final farewell dinner and the opportunity to let your hair down in one (or more) of the hundreds of bars in town.
Overnight: Asahikawa

Day 18
After breakfast (mid morning), you will depart for Asahikawa station or airport by private bus.

NOTE: make sure your departure from Asahikawa is no earlier than midday and/or your departure from Chitose is no earlier than 1:30pm.

Accommodation

JIJ use mixed Japanese western style accommodations so you can be assured of the chance to experience authentic local food and hospitality. The Ultimate Powder Backcountry 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.
	Asahidake Lodge Nutappu is a family run property located just a short walk to the ropeway (cable car). It is a rustic log cabin with its own restaurant and bar and segregated men's/women's indoor and outdoor onsen. There are several other hotels nearby that also have some superb public onsens (but they do cost to get in) but worth a look!
	Tokachidake  Accommodation at Tokachidake is typically at Kamihoroso which is a lovely traditional Japanese mountain lodge. It has a superb outdoor hot spring with spectacular views and offers traditional Japanese multi-course cuisine for dinner and a western Japanese buffet breakfast in its dining area. Rooms are Japanese-style (futons on the tatami floor) with private ensuites. Free wifi is available in the common areas.
	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

Inclusions

• Experienced and qualified guide (max 1:6 ratio) & all transport
• 17 nights twin share accommodation
• 17 breakfasts & 13 dinners
• 3 full day lift tickets
• All transfers to and from Furano or Asahikawa & back to either Asahikawa or Chitose airports
• Private 4wd mini-van transport

Add-ons

• Ski touring gear hire (10% discount available)
• Avalanche safety gear hire (10% discount available)

Not Included

• Flights - search for cheapest flights here
• Travel Insurance (compulsory) - buy travel insurance online here
• Lunches, dinners (apart from those mentioned in the inclusions), alcohol and snacks
• Ski gear and avo safety gear rentals
• Some additional lift passes will need to be purchased as you go

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.