Japow Hakuba trip information

If you have landed on this page via an internet search then you may want to have a look at the overview for this trip here. This information package is for guests who have already booked a trip.

If you are signed up for a trip please read the following information carefully. It should answer most of the questions you may have.

If you get nothing else from this information package, please do the following:

  • Read and understand the waiver ahead of time. You don’t need to sign the waiver now, you will do that once you arrive for the trip.

  • Have a look at the gear list and make sure you are able to bring everything on the list.

The following information is included in this package:

  • Risk discussion

  • Mountain Rescue and Rescue Insurance

  • Medical Insurance

  • Food and Medical Issues

  • Pricing and Payment

  • Important Dates and Times

  • Booking Flights

  • Delays

  • Travel Considerations

  • Getting to Hakuba

  • Motoi Lodge

  • Tipping in Japan

  • Staying Connected

  • Japanese Food

  • Booze

  • The Skiing

  • Terrain and Trips

  • Staff

Risk

It is important to understand that no matter how well prepared we are there is still an element of risk to backcountry skiing.

You will all need to sign a waiver when you arrive at Motoi Lodge. Please read the waiver before the trip so you understand what the risks are and what you will be signing when you begin the trip.

Safety is our number one priority. You all trust the guides to be dialed in and to be able to rescue you in case of an accident, but it goes both ways. We need to trust you to be able to do the same for us! Our risk is shared, and if you prepare even just a little bit beforehand it is very helpful and the guide’s families thank you.

The most important person in managing your personal risk is YOU. There are a variety of ways you can manage risk on this trip:

  • Listen to the guides’ instructions and if you are uncertain of what is expected of you please ask!

  • Take an avalanche course with me! Click here.

  • Take the online avalanche course at the Avalanche Canada website. Click here.

  • Practice avalanche rescue prior to the trip. At the very least understand all of the functions of your avalanche transceiver and how to search for at least 2 burials. We would really appreciate if you practice with the entire kit before the trip: transceiver, shovel and probe. A full rescue practice where you work as a team and recover a couple of buried packs with transceivers in them would be best, but even working in the backyard doing a simple transceiver search, and making sure your shovel and probe are in good working order is helpful. Please practice before the trip, the safety of your fellow skiers and the guides rely on YOUR skills.

  • Speak up. If you see something you feel is hazardous, mention it to the group and the guides. If you feel uncomfortable with what you perceive is a risk, mention it to the group and the guides. The only way we can address your concerns is to know about them, discuss, and if necessary change what we are doing.

Skiing together as a group is all about trust in each other’s abilities. The more we trust each other the more fun we will have because that means that we can ski the most interesting terrain available to us with the current conditions.

Mountain Rescue and Rescue Insurance

I  nearly thirty years of guiding I have had only two guest evacuations from the field for minor injuries and one for a medical condition. The probability that we will need a rescue are low but if we do need one the financial cost could be high.

In Japan we may be charged for a rescue (depending on the situation). This could amount to many thousands of dollars. The other issue is the language barrier during a rescue.

I RECOMMEND you purchase a GLOBAL RESCUE insurance plan which can organize and pay for a field evacution. This company has translators who are able to organize a rescue in Japanese. Note that Global Rescue alone does not cover hospital bills after the evacuation is complete. When purchasing Global Rescue insurance you can buy the IMG TRAVEL INSURANCE option at the same time in the “ADDITIONS” section (not the “Total Care” option), this covers medical bills after the rescue and includes translation services.

Other insurance providers may include “air ambulance” services, but this may not mean “mountain rescue” involving a helicopter. They also will not be able to organize a mountain rescue or have Japanese speaking staff. Research any insurance options carefully as to what they include and do not include.

Please go to my Mountain Rescue page for more information and links to purchase insurance.

Medical insurance

Travel health insurance is ESSENTIAL as your Canadian plan will not cover all your expenses in case you need medical attention. Even a simple hospital visit will incur thousands of dollars in bills. Beware of plans that claim to cover mountain rescue as they may have a different definition of the term, make sure you question a representative carefully.

If purchasing Global Rescue insurance you can buy the IMG TRAVEL INSURANCE option at the same time in the “ADDITIONS” section (not the “Total Care” option), this covers medical bills after the rescue and includes translation services.

American health care plans may cover foreign travel, consult your provider.

See options on my Cancellation and Health Insurance page.

Food and Medical Issues

If you have any food allergies or strong preferences, or any pertinent medical issues, please make sure you include that when you make your payment. 

IF YOU HAVE ANY FOOD ALLERGIES OR OTHER ISSUES REGARDING FISH, SEAFOOD OR RICE THIS TRIP MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR YOU. IT IS VERY HARD TO AVOID THESE FOODS IN JAPAN.

PRICING AND PAYMENT

Pricing for 2024 is C$3400 per person. You will be contacted when payments are due.

The price includes:

  • One lead guide, one tail guide

  • Lodge accommodation

  • Transport to the skiing venues

  • Lift tickets

  • Breakfasts and dinners

  • Powder skiing!

It does not include:

  • Your transport to and from Hakuba

  • Lunches (we will make regular grocery store runs to buy lunch food)

  • Alcohol

  • Onsen (hot spring) visits

  • Tips for the lodge staff

Important Dates and Times

There are two trips for 2024. Both are 6 days of skiing and 7 nights accommodation.

  • Hakuba 1: Arrive Motoi Lodge by 6 PM January 20. Ski January 21-26. Depart January 27.

  • Hakuba 2: Arrive Motoi Lodge by 6 PM January 27. Ski January 28-February 2. Depart February 3.

All dates are in Japan Standard Time. Make sure you book travel for the correct dates.

day 0, evening

You need to be at Motoi Lodge in Hakuba at 6 PM the evening before the trip starts. Please let me know if you will be later. This night’s accommodation is included in the trip price. Once everyone has arrived we will have an orientation session and sign the waiver. Dinner is at 7 pm.

Someone may be able to pick you up at the bus or train station if you are arriving there, and bring you to the lodge. Taxis are also available.

day 1 - 6

Skiing!

A normal trip would involve 1 or 2 trips starting from roadside, with the rest of the touring days starting by riding lifts at local ski areas to access the backcountry.

day 7

We check out from the lodge and leave Hakuba in the morning. It is normal for us to make an evening flight out of Tokyo that day. Make sure you organize your exit transport before arrive. It is difficult to find the time to organize it during the ski week.

Booking Flights

Travel dates are a bit confusing because we cross the date line. Make sure you take this into account when you book flights.

I would recommend arriving in Japan at least a day early to help with overcoming jet lag.

You can fly into either Narita or Haneda airports.

Flights these days are more expensive than they have been in the past. Expect to pay between C$1700-2100 for Calgary-Tokyo flights. A bit less may be possible but the connections are generally terrible. We have always had luck getting less expensive fares by waiting until well into October and keeping an eye on fares daily.

Delays

There is always the possibility of delays with domestic travel in Japan and/or international travel. Please be prepared for this possibility by giving yourself time to get to Hakuba and do not schedule important events right after the trip. Domestically things usually are smooth, but I have had international flights get delayed by up to 24 hours in the past.

Travel Considerations

  • Ensure passports are up to date with the expiry date well after the trip ends.

  • The Japanese government‘s border quarantine measures have been revised and it is no longer necessary to present a valid vaccination certificate or certificate of inspection. This may change though, up until April 2023 Japan required THREE doses of COVID vaccine to enter the country.

  • Although most airlines will allow the canisters and batteries for balloon packs on the aircraft there are special regulations involved. Please check with your airline well before you arrive at the airport.

  • Although credit cards are now accepted for most payments, it is worthwhile to have some cash on hand in Japan. I usually have about $200 with me. There are ATMs in the airports, train and bus stations, and the ubiquitous 7-11 stores. Not all ATMs will accept your card, if you find one that does make sure you pull enough out to last you the trip. The end of trip tip for the lodge staff needs to be in cash. C$75-100 would be an average amount for a tip. If tipping please give it to me and I will present it in a culturally acceptable way.

Staying in Tokyo

There are of course many places to stay in Tokyo if you decide to spend some time in the city. I have always stayed at the Yaesu Terminal Hotel. It is surprisingly affordable and just a couple minutes walk from the main train station, Tokyo Station. So if coming from Narita, Haneda, or Hakuba by train you can walk to the hotel from the station, as long as you can transport your baggage by hand.

Getting to Hakuba

There are several options to get to Hakuba from the airport or Tokyo.

Direct Shuttle from Narita or Haneda airport to the Motoi Lodge: easiest, but most expensive

Chuo Taxi runs a shuttle which will meet you at the airport and drive you directly to the Motoi Lodge. This is the easiest method, but adds a 5-6 hour drive to the end of the flight. We used to be able to book this individually, but as of September 2023 this service was available for a private taxi only with prices in the C$850 range. If you have a larger group you are traveling with it may be economical.

Click here for info.

Direct Bus FROM narita or haneda AIRPORT to Hakuba Town: easy, inexpensive, fewer departures

Nagano Snow Shuttle runs direct buses from the airports to Hakuba Station, with three departures a day from Haneda. From Narita they also have three bus departures, and two departures in a bus/train/bus combination.

Choose the Hakuba Valley destination. 

About 5 - 6 hours and $90-135 one way. Click here for info. 

Narita airport to Tokyo

Shuttle service: click here. About $75, 1 hour.

Train: click here. About $30, 1 hour.

Haneda airport to tokyo

Look at options for taxi, train or bus: click here. 30 minutes.

Bullet Train FROM Tokyo to Nagano, bus from Nagano to Hakuba Town: inexpensive and fast

From Tokyo you can take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagano Station, then transfer to a bus that will get you to Hakuba town. From there you will need to take a taxi to the Motoi Lodge, or if someone from the lodge is available we can come pick you up.

The easiest way to arrange this is through the Nagano Snow Shuttle website. If booking through this service you need to start at Tokyo Station (the station in downtown Tokyo, a few minutes walk from the Yaesu Terminal Hotel).

Alternatively you can also arrange your own train and bus combination from Tokyo, Ueno, or Omiya Stations in Tokyo. For precise times, fares and platform numbers click here.

For information on how you can buy a train ticket once in Japan click here. It is easiest to buy a ticket from the desk rather than one of the automated kiosks. You do not need reservations and you can not buy train tickets online beforehand.

Click here to decide whether you want to buy a reserved or non-reserved ticket.

Once at Nagano station, go to the east exit and then go outside and descend to street level. Find the Shinanoki Higashiguchi store in the same building to buy a bus ticket for Hakuba Train Station - this train station is the easiest place to arrange a pick up from the Motoi once you arrive in Hakuba. There is a good soba shop right beside this store if you need lunch. The bus bound for Hakuba destinations leaves roughly every hour from 8:20 to 20:30 and costs 2000 yen. Please check with the Alpico website for updated times and info - click here. The last departing bus to Hakuba from Nagano station is at 20:30 – you have no public transport options to Hakuba after this time.

No matter which way you arrange the train/bus combination it is about 2 hours on the train and an hour on the bus.

In should be about $125 one way for the train-bus combination.

Other options

There are other train and bus options if you want to do some research online.

From the hakuba bus or train stations to the lodge

  • I may be able to arrange a pick up for you if you let me know well ahead of time when and where (which station) you will be.

  • Alternatively you can call the Motoi at +81 0261-72-5245 once you arrive in Hakuba, and if someone is available they will come get you.

  • Or you can get a taxi from the train or bus stations.

Motoi Lodge

We will be staying at the Motoi Lodge in Hakuba. Click here for their website.

The address is:

14718-199 Ochikura, Hakuba, Kita Azumi, Nagano, Japan 399-9301

Phone number is:

+81 0261-72-5245

The lodge is in a quiet forest near the Tsugaike ski area, about 10 minutes drive from Hakuba. It is run by Hajime Kobayashi and his family. It has a similar vibe to a backcountry lodge in BC. Breakfasts and dinners will be at the lodge and is included in the price. The food is outstanding. 

tipping in Japan

Japan does not have a tipping culture. An exception to this rule is when staying at an accommodation like the Motoi Lodge. A tip for the lodge staff of C$75-100 for the trip will be appreciated. If you wish to tip please give it to me and I will present it to Hajime-san in a culturally acceptable way.

The guides are paid well and do not need to be tipped.

Staying Connected

There are a few ways you can stay connected in Japan:

  • The lodge has wireless that you can connect to with your device.

  • If you have an unlocked smart phone you can get a SIM card delivered to the hotel. The best plan seems to be to get a SIM that gives just data and if you want to make calls you can use an app on your phone. Try b-mobile: click here.

  • Getting voice coverage seems difficult in Japan unless you are a resident. There is an option on the b-mobile site but you have to get it after you arrive in the country and in 2020 it was expensive. Other options include renting a phone in the airport when you arrive. You can research this option with a Google search.

  • Many phone plans in North America allow roaming overseas. It can be expensive, especially if you don't organize it ahead of time. Consult your local carrier.

  • There are numerous other options, do some Googling to see what you come up with. Just make sure it will work in Japan.

Japanese Food

Breakfast and dinner is provided at the lodge and is included in the trip cost you have paid. Eating in Japan can be an adventure - virtually all traditional meals, including breakfast, involve fish, rice, root vegetables and pickled vegetables. If you have any strong food preferences or allergies please let me know as soon as possible. We can only allow for special diets with notice well ahead of the trip, and some special diets are unfortunately very difficult or impossible to accommodate (EG fish allergies).

You provide your own lunches. We will make a couple of shopping trips over the week and there are some fridges available at the lodge. Are we all ready for mystery rice balls? Game on!

Booze

Alcohol is not included in the trip price. There is plenty available in Japan!

In the lounge/dining area of the Motoi you may only consume alcohol that was purchased there. Alcohol purchased outside the lodge may be consumed in your room.

The Skiing

I have never seen it snow anywhere like I have seen in Japan. If the weather systems set up right (a low pressure sitting NE of Hokkaido and a high pressure sitting over Siberia creating a N or NW flow coming over the Sea of Japan), we will get 5-50 cm (or more…) of cold blower pow every day (my first night ever in Japan it snowed 65 cm in town overnight). Many weeks will see over 2 m of snow fall at higher elevations, although it can be less as well. We ski in the trees during these stormy periods.

In between the storm systems we can get clear weather, which would allow us to travel further afield and to higher elevations. We can also get a (usually) shorter-lived warm system where the snow is denser but still good skiing. This warm system often precedes the colder snow, which sets up well for more stable avalanche conditions.

There are seldom persistent weak layer avalanche problems in Japan, although they are not unheard of and usually consist of faceting crust issues. If there are avalanche problems it more often means we are navigating around storm slab, wind slab, or loose dry avalanches.

That all said, we need to be prepared for avalanche conditions that may limit where we can go or weather that may create some poor skiing. This holds true for any ski trip in any mountain range in the world. In Japan that could include rain.

In my experience any week of a ski season anywhere in the world could be the best or worst week of the winter. I can't guarantee the snow or weather conditions, but I can guarantee that I will provide a unique mountain and cultural experience that should include some good skiing and often includes fantastic skiing! If we go into the trip with the expectation of an enjoyable week spent in the mountains with friends we will not be disappointed.

Terrain and Trips

The mountains are predominantly volcanic in origin, although in Hakuba the mountains are not the pyramidal-shaped peaks you may associate with volcanoes. The range is steep and jagged and it has never been glaciated. As a result the terrain is heavily modified by water erosion. This means ridges and spurs with steep walled gullies and valleys are the norm, although there are also areas of more planar terrain. Terrain traps are almost always in play and you must be aware of where you stop, avoiding these traps as well as you can.

The defining feature of Japanese skiing are the forests. They are nothing like we find in western Canada. It is open deciduous forest, tree density is far less than in Canada and, combined with no limbs on the lower part of the trunk, it has a very open feel. It is truly beautiful to float through the powder in this mystical forest. There is also open alpine terrain at higher elevations that offers great runs.

Some of our trips will start at one of the various ski areas and a ride up the lifts. Then we tour from there.  The last run may be down the piste. We will also be starting tours from the roadside.

Expect tours that involve an average of 1200 m elevation gain over the day and 6-8 hours in duration. This may include several shorter runs or one long one. The pace is often slow as trail breaking can be a lot of work!

Staff

There are two guiding staff for the week:

  • Margie Smith: Margie will be tail guiding for the week. She will help out at the back of the group, help break trail when the old mountain guide gets tired, and generally just keep me in line. Margie has been a ski patroller, paramedic and emergency room nurse and presently is the Site Administrator for Banff Mineral Springs Hospital. She has completed her Canadian Avalanche Association Level 1 course and the CAA Avalanche Search and Rescue course. She has extensive backcountry skiing experience. Margie still rolls up her sleeves and helps in the ER when it gets busy and is also an accomplished mountain bike racer.

  • Mark Klassen – That’s me. I’ve been working as a ski patroller, avalanche forecaster and guide since the mid 80’s. In the summer I guide mountaineering and rock climbing. I’ve been a fully certified ACMG/IFMGA mountain guide since 1996. Click here for my bio.

Questions?

If you have any questions let me know! Email me.

The bottom Line

If you get nothing else from this information package, please do the following:

  • Read and understand the waiver ahead of time. You don’t need to sign the waiver now, you will do that once you arrive for the trip.

  • Have a look at the gear list and make sure you are able to bring everything on the list.

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