BACKCOUNTRY TOURS
NOZAWA, MYOKO, MINAKAMI, YUZAWA
Discover untouched power with Canyons expert-guided tours
Looking for the best backcountry skiing in Japan? Canyons offers unforgettable guided ski tours to Japan’s hidden powder stashes, with over 20 years of experience in safely leading skiers and snowboarders through some of the most epic terrain the country has to offer.
Explore Japan’s top backcountry ski destinations
Nozawa Onsen (Group and private tours available)
Discover the best of Japan backcountry skiing with our Nozawa Onsen backcountry tours, featuring easy access to world-class tree runs, deep powder, and breath taking terrain. With elevations ranging from 550m to 1650m, Nozawa offers everything from lift-accessed powder bowls to long touring routes perfect for both intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Myoko (Private tours only)
Myoko is renowned for having one of the deepest snowpacks in Japan, making it a top destination for backcountry skiing and snowboarding. The dramatic volcanic terrain of Mt. Myoko offers a variety of touring options from deep tree runs to expansive alpine bowls perfectly suited to your group’s skill level and fitness. Whether you're an experienced skier or new to backcountry touring, Myoko delivers unforgettable powder adventures.
Yuzawa - Kagura (Private tours only)
Kagura’s top lift reaches nearly 1,900m, giving access to prime powder zones with just a short hike. Thanks to its elevation, light and dry snow can often be found well into spring. The area offers a wide variety of backcountry terrain, including hidden lines known only to experienced local guides. For the best conditions, we recommend touring on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and tracked-out routes.
Minakami - Mt Tenjin (Private tours only)
Known as Tenjin, Tenjindaira Ski Resort offering some of the best alpine and tree line terrain in Japan. Paired with incredibly consistent powder snow, it’s one of the top destinations for backcountry skiing in Japan. Tenjin’s backcountry terrain is best suited for advanced to expert riders who love steep trees, deep powder, and technical alpine lines
Book your Tenjin backcountry tour with Canyons and gain exclusive early access, a 30-minute head start before the ropeway opens to the public. Get untouched powder runs while others are still queuing.
Why book your backcountry tour with Canyons?
Small Group Tours: More fresh lines, less waiting.
Professional Guides: Internationally certified, locally experienced.
Custom Itineraries: Routes adapted to your ability and goals.
Multiple-Day Adventures: Explore multiple resorts and zones.
Ready to book?
Canyons is your trusted partner for Japan backcountry tours, offering safe, thrilling, and deeply memorable experiences in the Japanese Alps.
Whether you're new to backcountry touring or an experienced rider chasing deep powder, we’ll tailor the perfect adventure for your level.
What level am I?
BC Fitness Level | Downhill Ability Level | BC Experience Level
Meet our Guides
Toshi Shiokawa
Head Guide
Toshi guides year-round in Japan and has explored many of Japan's best backcountry touring areas. His passion for the outdoors and backcountry is contagious! Not only will you have an awesome day but your knowledge will be taken to the next level!
Country: Japan
Guide Experience: 9 years
Licenses: Japan Ski Guide Level 1, Canadian Avalanche Association Level 1, Wilderness First Aid, CIC A. Guide
Pete Ozich
Head Guide
Pete has been guiding in Japan for over 10 years. He has spent hundreds of days exploring every nook and cranny of Nozawa’s backcountry. Pete is obsessed with finding the best snow and safest lines for our backcountry groups. He also regularly teaches avalanche awareness courses
Country: New Zealand
Guide Experience: 18 years
Licenses: New Zealand Mountain Guides’ Association Ski Guide, Avalanche Risk Management Level 6, Professional Member of Canadian Avalanche Association, Pre Hospital Emergency Care.
Fergus Cussell
Guide
Fergus has been living in Japan for the last 9 years guiding Canyoning tours in Summer and Snowboarding in the Winter. Always looking for fun lines and sharing the stoke with everyone!
Country: United Kingdom
Guide Experience: 9 years
Licenses: Canadian Avalanche Association Level 1
Mike Harris
Head Guide
Mike has been guiding in Japan during both summer and winter for over 20 years. He speaks fluent Japanese and has an extensive knowledge of the Japanese mountains, culture and nature. He is also quite knowledgeable on Japan craft beers and sake and doesn’t mind sharing a few at the end of a pow day!
Country: New Zealand
Guide Experience: 20 years
Licenses: MMGA, Canadian Avalanche Association Level 1, Wilderness First Aid, CIC guide, NZRA Grade 4/5 guide
Embrace the adventure, and let Canyons guide you to Japan's ultimate backcountry ski experience!
| Backcountry Tour Details | |
|---|---|
| Tour duration | 7 hours |
| Price | 100,000 JPY private tour * *Price based on a 4 person tour, 22,500JPY/extra person (max of 8 people) Ask us about multi day discounts for private tours! |
| Registration & Payment | @Nozawa Onsen Ski School (Hikage Gondola) on the day before tour (or earlier) OR Using online booking form below (recommended) @Canyons Minakami base (Tenjin tours) |
| Meet time | 8:00 @ BC meeting area |
| Includes | Guide fee, Transceiver, Probe, Shovel |
| Additional costs | Lift ticket, rental equipment (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.) |
| Participation requirements | Age 13 and older (Participants under 20 must have signature of guardian or parent.) We require all participants to be at least level 1 on the downhill ability level chart below. |
| Fitness | Please be aware that a certain level of fitness is required for our backcountry tours. Typically there will be 10-20 minutes of hiking per every minute of skiing. We require all participants to be at least level 1 on the fitness level chart below (and level 3 if you wish to use snowshoes on a group tour) |
| Bring | Ski/snowboard, boots, ski clothing, gloves, helmet, goggles, ski poles with BIG baskets, drink, snacks, sandwich/food Snowshoes & poles OR Split board/touring skis and skins |
| Season | Jan 15th – March 15th |
| Note | Tours to other resorts are only available as private tours. Tours including a participant aged 15 or under are only available as a private tours. Private tours are based on the cost of 4 people. |
| Backcoutry rental equipment | Backpack 1000yen Snowshoe & Poles 1000yen Poles with big baskets 1000yen Touring skis and skins 5000 yen Split board and skins 5000 yen Note: Touring skis and splitboards are strongly recommended. Snowshoes can be used as an alternative to touring gear. |
| Insurance | Insurance is not inlcuded in tour so we recommend ALL tour participants have travel insurance. |
Backcountry Tour Flow
All participants sign up, organise BC rental equipment and guides check everyone’s gear.
The group takes the gondolas and lifts to the top of the mountain, then leaves the ski area to head to the deep snow.
The guide(s) assess everyone’s ability and choose appropriate routes, maximizing POW time.
Time to refuel for the afternoon session.
More BC bliss!
Everyone returns rental gear, then off for a refreshing beverage.
Need more Information?
Visit our dedicated backcountry tours website here
What level am I? BC Fitness Level | Downhill Ability Level | BC Experience Level
Have further questions? FAQS