EXCLUSIVE
PREMIUM TOUR
Immerse Yourself in the Ultimate Japanese Snow Experience
This is our very first season running these exclusive Hikarigahara tours, and we couldn’t be more excited to share this unforgettable adventure with you! Gather your crew and join us for an exclusive, small-group snowboarding and skiing package in Joetsu just outside of Myoko, Niigata Japan. Designed for skill levels from intermediate to advanced, our 4-night, 4-day tour combines thrilling resort sidecountry /backcountry and snowcat tours, cozy accommodations in a traditional Japanese house, and the warm hospitality of our dedicated local team.
Hikarigahara 4-Night, 4-Day exclusive tours: An Authentic Japanese Adventure
Directed by Masanori Takeuchi, a legend of Japanese snowboarding, our exclusive tours take you on a journey through Joetsu Niigata, Japan, offering an intimate experience in a traditional Japanese-style house, with access to pristine backcountry terrain and local resorts. This unique experience combines traditional Japanese hospitality, Masanori Takeuchi’s legacy, and an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Japan's snow-capped mountains. The Yado Bar is 3 minutes by car from Takada IC, 5 minutes by car from Joetsu Myoko Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen, 5 minutes by car from Takada Station, and 10 minutes by car from Arai Road Station. Lotte Arai Resort, Seki Onsen Ski Resort, Akakura Kanko Resort Ski Resort, and Charmant Hiuchi Ski Resort can all be reached in 1-1.5 hours from the Yado Bar.
Itinerary: A Journey into the Heart of Joetsu Niigata Japan
WELCOME
DAY 1
Local Resort Exploration
DAY 2
Hikarigahara Cat Tour
DAY 3
Hikarigahara Cat Tour
DAY 4
Local Resort Exploration
DAY 5
NOTE
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15:00 PM – Pickup at Joetsu Myoko JR Station
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Airport Shuttle myokoshuttle.com
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Enjoy a warm welcome drink at Yado Bar
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Briefing for the days ahead
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Dinner: A delightful opening night dinner
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After dinner, unwind and relax at the Yado Bar, where you can enjoy drinks with fellow adventurers. Staff will be available to assist with anything you need to make your stay comfortable.
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Full-day guided exploration of the local resort and side country/backcountry areas weather and snow conditions permitted safety is the priority
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Experience a full-day Hikarigahara Cat Tour, venturing into pristine backcountry terrain
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Another full-day Hikarigahara Cat Tour, exploring more untouched backcountry slopes
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Finish your journey with guided skiing or snowboarding in the local resort’s side country or backcountry areas weather and snow conditions permitted safety is the priority
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Drop-off at Joetsu Myoko JR Station for your departure
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Additional Information:
🌸 Evening Dining Options: After a day of adventure, unwind with delicious meals at handpicked local restaurants. Our team can help your group choose the perfect dinner spots, from sushi to yakitori. (Note: Dinner is included on the first night only; other evenings are not included in the package fee, allowing you to tailor the experience to your tastes.)
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♨️ Onsen and Hot Springs:
Relax and rejuvenate in the area's renowned hot springs. Many of the local onsen are perfect for soaking away the day's adventures. If you have tattoos, please let us know in advance, as some bathhouses may have restrictions. We’ll guide you to tattoo-friendly options for a stress-free experience. (Note: Onsen access is not included in the package fee.)
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🌟 Our goal is to provide a seamless blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, ensuring every moment is unforgettable. If you book as a group of 4-6 you can decided as a group on where you want to ride and the style of terrain you looking for as long as it within reason and accessible.
About Masanori Takeuchi
About
A Legacy in Snowboarding
Masanori Takeuchi is not just a snowboarder; he is a legend. A visionary who has shaped the snowboarding scene in Japan, Masanori's influence goes beyond the slopes. His passion for the sport and dedication to his community inspired him to create Hikarigahara Cat Tours, providing others with the chance to explore some of the most breathtaking and untouched snow terrain in Japan.
The Hikarigahara exclusive tours are held in Masanori’s family home, a beautiful, traditional Japanese-style house once owned by his parents. This historic home serves as the perfect sanctuary for guests, offering a cozy and authentic retreat in the heart of the local community. The tours are run with the support of the local community, making it a truly local experience where you’ll feel like part of the family.
Accommodation: Traditional Japanese Comfort
Stay in a Traditional Japanese "Yado" – The Heart of Authentic Japan
Step into the timeless beauty of Japan's past by staying in Masa’s historic house, a traditional “Yado” nestled in the heart of Joetsu. This century-old home, lovingly preserved with modern comforts, offers guests the rare opportunity to experience authentic Japanese living. The personal touch of staying in a family-owned, traditional house makes your package even more enticing. Focus on the warm, welcoming atmosphere that comes with staying in a home with rich history.
Relax in the tranquil atmosphere of a tatami-matted room, where futons are carefully laid out each night in the age-old tradition of Japanese hospitality. These soft, plush futons offer a restful night’s sleep, allowing you to wake up rejuvenated and ready for the thrilling day ahead. Yado Bar offers the ideal space to unwind after a day of adventure. Sip on a drink, reflect on your time on the slopes, and enjoy the warm hospitality of our local team. Only you and the group will be staying at the Yado bar during the Tours giving you that extra comfort and relaxing space.
Package Details
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Accommodation: Yado Bar, a traditional Japanese house with modern amenities
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Guides: Experienced, friendly local guides with a maximum 4:1 client-to-guide ratio
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Lift Tickets on Local Resort Explorations
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Transportation: Daily ground transport provided
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Meals: Western-style breakfast each morning
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Welcome Dinner on Day 1 included
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Pricing: ¥398,000 per person for 4 days and 4 nights of riding
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Group Size: Exclusively for groups of 4-6 guests
What’s Not Included in the Package Fee
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Dinners (except on the first night)
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Food Snacks Lunches Drinks
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Onsen entry fees
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Alcoholic beverages or drinks at the Yado Bar
Book Your Adventure Today
Ready to experience Hikarigahara 4-Night, 4-Day Snowcat Tours for yourself? Spaces are limited, so make sure to book your tour today and be part of this unique, culturally immersive adventure.
Why Choose Hikarigahara Cat Tours?
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Authenticity: Stay in a historic Japanese house owned by Masanori Takeuchi, a snowboarding legend.
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Expert Guides: Local, experienced guides who are passionate about their craft.
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Backcountry Adventure: Explore some of Japan’s most breathtaking backcountry terrain.
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Local Community: A tour supported by the local community, making this an authentic, intimate experience.
DATES OF TOURS 2025
JANUARY
13th - 16th
20th - 23rd
27th - 30th
FEBRUARY
3rd - 6th
10th -13th
17th -20th
24th -27th
Meet Your Guides: Experts Dedicated to Your Adventure
At Hikarigahara Cat Tours, we believe in providing the highest level of care and guidance to ensure your experience is unforgettable. Our team consists of passionate, experienced locals who are committed to making your adventure in Japan truly special.
"Things to Bring"
and
"What's Not Available"
What to Bring
To ensure you’re fully prepared for an unforgettable experience, please bring the following:
Backcountry Gear (Required):
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Avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel
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Maybe some Verts
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Backpack with avalanche gear storage (30L-40L recommended)
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Backcountry skis or split board with skins majority of the sidecountry is ski in ski out so depending on the groups gear we can work with the resort days.
Personal Items:
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Proper winter clothing (waterproof jacket/pants, mid-layers, base layers)
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Helmet, goggles, and gloves/mittens
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Face mask or balaclava for cold weather
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Sunscreen and lip balm (high SPF)
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Snacks for full-day tours (optional)
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Reusable water bottle or hydration system
Other Essentials:
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Casual clothing for evenings
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Travel insurance details
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CASH as some local onsen and restaurants may not except card.
Important Notes
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This tour is designed for intermediate to advanced riders who already own their backcountry equipment and are comfortable in off-piste conditions.
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No rentals are available. Guests must bring their own backcountry equipment, including avalanche safety gear, backcountry skis or a split board, and skins.
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Snowboards, skis, and boots are not provided; please bring your own.
What’s Not Included in the Package Fee
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Dinners (except on the first night)
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Onsen entry fees
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Alcoholic beverages or drinks at the Yado Bar
Cancellation Policy
Booking Notes:
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Pre-Booking:
To secure your spot, please pre-book your package through our website. After booking, we will send you a confirmation email with your invoice and payment instructions. Payment must be completed within 7 days to confirm your reservation. -
Limited Spots:
As this is an exclusive small-group experience, spots are limited and fill up quickly. We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.
Cancellation Policy:
To make your booking as stress-free as possible, we’ve designed a fair and flexible cancellation policy:
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Cancellations Made 30+ Days Before the Start Date:
Receive a 100% refund (minus a ¥10,000 processing fee per person). -
Cancellations Made 15-29 Days Before the Start Date:
Receive a 50% refund of the package cost. -
Cancellations Made 14 Days or Less Before the Start Date:
Unfortunately, no refunds can be issued. -
Rescheduling Option:
If you need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, we offer a one-time opportunity to reschedule your trip to another available date within the same season, subject to availability. This option is only available for cancellations made at least 15 days before the start date. -
Weather Policy:
In the rare event of weather conditions preventing the operation of cat tours, we will adjust the itinerary to include alternative activities such as resort exploration. Refunds are not available for weather-related changes.