r/japow

Hi

I am thinking of going to myoko kogen this winter around mid to late feb. From what I have heard it gets loads of snow and its great as its close to many other resorts and has a nice town. However I do have a few questions:

I have heard that the powder is very heavy, even more so than Hakuba, is it that noticeable?

Also how is the terrain, are there cool places to hike to and get untouched powder with cool lines?

How strict are they on ducking ropes and doing side country and do they have any side country gates similar to niskeo, hakuba or furano?

How is the competition for fresh tracks?

I saw that myoko gets more snow that furano and similar to Rusutsu, but if I really want powder is it comparable to Hokkaido?

Finally, do you think that Myoko will get impacted by the el nino as it is low altitude.

Thanks in advance

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to buy a new pair of skis. I’m heading to Japan next winter, but I need to upgrade my setup (I’m still rocking old race skis as my daily drivers, haha).

I’m looking for something around 110mm underfoot so I can enjoy the deep powder but still use them back home in the French Alps.

My stats & info:

• Height/Weight: 183 cm (6'0") / 75 kg.
• Level: Advanced. Former (very?)-low-level racer, now focused on freeriding for the past few seasons.
• Terrain: Deep powder in Japan + freeride and occasional piste in the Alps.
• Budget: $250 - $400 (looking for used/previous seasons' models).

After some research, I’ve narrowed it down to these models:

What would you recommend? Do you have any experience with these models? Is there anything else I should consider ?

Thanks in advance :)

https://preview.redd.it/k5suuvherl0h1.png?width=1566&format=png&auto=webp&s=c2a1b8a6e03080ac5d763cc6bdd8d31086706075

https://preview.redd.it/cwykbtkgrl0h1.png?width=1570&format=png&auto=webp&s=2219962958680f93b6af79a1ff79485d97063b82

https://preview.redd.it/0ols9hcirl0h1.png?width=1566&format=png&auto=webp&s=633fe1e531dbad8f2c6f23c7c001d66ceb00a5c2

Hello! I'm planning a trip to Japan, and I'd like to see the trees with red foliage in the fall (Momiji) and also see the snow. So, I made the following schedule to december 2026:

• dec 1 – dec 5: Osaka and Kyoto
• dec 6 – dec 9: Tokyo
• dec 10 – dec 12: Sapporo

Do you think it's possible to see autumn and snow with this plan?

Hi! We are considering Club Med for part of our Japan ski trip in Feb 2027. It will be two adults, a 10 year old and a 14 month old travelling. 1 x experienced snow boarder, 1 x beginner skiier, 1 x kid beginner snowboarder.

- Does anyone have a recommendation for either Club Med Tomamu or Club Med Kiroro Grand?

- Is it worth it? It seems so expensive! We have to hire equipment on top of all other costs

Thanks so much

Hi

I really want to go to Rusustsu but the vale is way too expensive and I want a few local restaurants, where would you recommend staying that is close to rusutsu. right now all I can think of is kutchan so do you have any other suggestions?

I've skied in Japan two years back, got a guide in Hokkadio and skied Furano and Niseko area doing mostly backcountry but we did ski on-piste as well. I was with my daughters so in total the trip was very expensive. We stayed in downtown Furano and Niseko and with the guide it was something I cannot pay for again.

This coming year my wife and I are going, we want to rent a car stay in fairly inexpensive accomodations and drive to various mountain say 45 to 90min ride per day.

Was thinking about renting in Sappora and driving to various mountains from there base on who had the best snow conditions.

Someone I met told me they stayed in Moriako in the Tohuko region and skied the mountains in that area.

Question: Can anyone recommed one area over the other and for what reasons?

I'm travelling solo in January and want to ride Madaroa, Tangram, Nozawa Onsen, and maybe Yakebi. I have 11 days and hope to get 8 to 9 days riding. I am thinking of getting an affordable hotel room close to the station in Nagano and using public transportation to access the resorts. I would prefer to not drive in heavy winter conditions solo and reluctant to rent a car. Is this plan feasible?

Hi all, looking for some advice/recommendations.

Group of 8 guys (all 35+) who usually head down to Queenstown each year for a week of skiing/boarding. Next year we’re thinking of mixing it up and heading to Japan to experience some proper snow/runs, but not too sure on the best place to base ourselves.

We’re not chasing a big party scene these days, but would still love somewhere with a few good bars and solid food options.

Skill levels range from intermediate through to advanced.

Budget-wise, we normally spend around $1700nzd-pp all-in for a Queenstown trip (flights, accom, food/drinks, lift passes, car hire, etc). For Japan, we’re thinking closer to $2700nzd-pp — keen to know if that’s realistic or way off.

Would really appreciate any recommendations on resorts/areas to stay, or general tips from people who’ve done a similar trip.

Cheers!