[From Shinjuku / Day Trip] Kita-Yatsugatake Snowshoe Tour: Ride the Ropeway to 2,238m for an Easy 3 km Winter Walk (Free 14-Piece Gear Rental)
[From Shinjuku / Day Trip] Kita-Yatsugatake Snowshoe Tour: Ride the Ropeway to 2,238m for an Easy 3 km Winter Walk (Free 14-Piece Gear Rental)
This Tour is For You If...
- Want an easy, hassle-free way to reach a breathtaking "winter wonderland above the clouds" at over 2,200 meters?
- Longing to strap on snowshoes and experience the magical, floating sensation of walking across fluffy, untouched powder snow—no prior winter experience or special skills required?
- Eager to witness the deep, crystal-clear skies known as "Yatsugatake Blue," set against sparkling frost-covered trees and a sweeping panorama of the Japan Alps?
- Looking for a safe, comfortable winter adventure where beginners and those concerned about stamina can enjoy stunning alpine scenery without strain?
Tour Highlights
Key Point 1: [Ascend into the Sky via Ropeway] Skip the Rigors of Winter Mountaineering! Direct Access to a Winter Wonderland at 2,237m in Just Minutes
"I would love to experience a true winter wonderland, but I lack the stamina and skills for hours of steep climbing..." This tour completely eliminates those concerns.
Hop aboard the Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway from the base station, and in just a few minutes, you will be whisked away to the summit station at 2,237 meters. The moment you step through the ticket gates, you will be greeted by an overwhelming snow-covered paradise and sweeping winter vistas unique to elevations above 2,000 meters that you could never experience in the city.
Without the grueling hardships of hardcore winter mountaineering, anyone can safely and effortlessly step into this spectacular world of snow above the clouds.
Key Point 2: [Incredible Fun with Every Step!] No Special Skills Required! An Exhilarating Snowshoe Walk Across Fluffy Powder Snow
"Can simply walking on snow really be that much fun?" Those who wonder this are often the ones most captivated and amazed the very instant they take their first step.
The greatest charm of snowshoes is their effortless accessibility—anyone can strap them on and enjoy the experience immediately without prior training or technique. Even on deep, fluffy snow, you will not sink in, giving you a magical, buoyant sensation as if you are floating over the snow. Nothing compares to the exhilarating feeling of crunching across untouched, pure-white powder on your own two feet.
Our guides and staff provide thorough instructions on how to put on the gear and walk comfortably, ensuring peace of mind even for snow novices and those who rarely exercise. From children to seniors, rediscover your playful spirit with an unforgettable snow adventure.
Key Point 3: ["Yatsugatake Blue" & Sweeping Panoramas] Deep Azure Skies and Stunning Vistas Overlooking the Japan Alps
The Yatsugatake area boasts one of the highest clear-sky rates among Japan's main island winter mountains.
Known among outdoor enthusiasts as "Yatsugatake Blue," the striking contrast between the crystal-clear, deep ultramarine sky and the pristine white snow below is simply breathtaking. Emerge from magical forests draped in delicate rime frost into an unobstructed, expansive alpine panorama.
Weather permitting, a luxurious view unfolds before you, offering a sweeping look across the majestic Southern, Central, and Northern Japan Alps.
Key Point 4: [Designed with Safety for Beginners & Seniors] No Dangerous Steeps! Leisurely Enjoy the Gentle Terrain Around Tsuboniwa
The route for this tour is an easy, comfortable snowshoe trek lasting about 2 hours in total.
With no perilous cliffs or grueling climbs, this route meanders gently around "Tsuboniwa," a snow-covered natural lava plateau. Even seniors, beginners, or those concerned about their fitness can comfortably complete the walk without getting out of breath.
Pause along the way to play in the snow, snap commemorative photos against magnificent winter backdrops, and savor the splendor of the snow mountain entirely at your own pace.
Key Point 5: [Full 14-Piece Pro Hiking Gear Rental Included] Partnered with "Yamadoogu Rental-ya"! Worry-Free Snow Experience with Zero Advance Preparation
Proper cold-weather and hiking equipment is essential to safely and comfortably enjoy mountain environments over 2,200 meters in winter.
However, purchasing snowshoes and winter outdoor gear on your own from scratch costs over ¥100,000 in total, posing a significant hurdle for casual travelers.
On this tour, we partner fully with Japan's premier outdoor equipment rental specialist, "Yamadoogu Rental-ya." From snowshoes and trekking poles to windproof/waterproof rainwear, high-performance boots, fleece jackets, packable down layers, and snow goggles, we provide 14 carefully selected professional gear items 【completely free of charge】.
Board our direct charter bus from Shinjuku and embark on an authentic winter mountain adventure with virtually hands-free convenience.
To ensure even first-time hikers can fully enjoy snowfield trekking with total peace of mind, this premium 14-piece set—including snowshoes, which typically incur high rental fees—is provided completely free of charge. (*Estimated retail value: over ¥100,000)
- 1. Rainwear / Outer Shell (Top & Bottom) (Windproof, waterproof, and breathable performance outerwear)
- 2. Hiking Gaiters (Ankle covers to keep snow and small stones out of your boots)
- 3. Hiking Backpack (20–30L capacity designed to distribute weight comfortably)
- 4. Thermal Fleece Jacket (Insulating mid-layer to maintain core body temperature during activity)
- 5. Packable Down Jacket (High-insulation layer to prevent sudden chills during breaks)
- 6. Trekking Poles (Set of 2 poles providing stability and balance on snow)
- 7. Hiking Boots (High-cut boots offering firm ankle support and reliable traction)
- 8. Winter Snow Gear (Snowshoes) (Specialized gear for walking effortlessly across fluffy powder snow)
- 9. Thermal Winter Gloves (Protects hands and fingers from freezing winds)
- 10. Trekking Pants (Flexible, quick-drying mountain pants crafted for effortless movement)
- 11. Compression Tights (Support tights that minimize muscle vibration and fatigue)
- 12. Hiking Knee Supports (Pair of knee sleeves to soften joint impact while walking)
- 13. Sunglasses (Protects eyes from strong winter UV radiation and cold gusts)
- 14. Snow Goggles (Ensures clear visibility against snow reflection and blustery conditions)
Please bring personal items that touch your skin directly: a thermal knit beanie, a quick-drying base layer shirt, thick hiking socks, and your own lunch and drinks. No expensive gear is required.
* As there are no changing facilities on-site, please change into your compression tights and trekking pants at the highway service area stop. For further details and important precautions, please refer to the "Tour Information & Important Notes" section below.
Tour Status Calendar & Prices
Tour Itinerary
| Day | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| Day Trip |
Yamatoya Building (Shinjuku) (Depart 7:30 AM) = <Chuo Expressway / Rest stop & change into winter clothing at highway service area> = Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway Sanroku (Base) Station (Upon arrival, gear prep & pick up snowshoes) = Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway = Sancho (Summit) Station (Elevation 2,237m) ... Tsuboniwa Area (Snowshoe trekking, snowfield walk & lunch break on your own) ... Sancho Station = Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway = Sanroku Station (Return rental gear, depart approx. 3:30 PM–4:00 PM) = <Chuo Expressway / Rest stop at highway service area> = Shinjuku Station West Exit (Estimated arrival at 7:30 PM)
[Breakfast: Not included] [Lunch: Not included] [Dinner: Not included] [Hiking Time: Approx. 2 hours] [Total Activity Time: Approx. 3 hours]
* Luggage not needed for the hike (such as suitcases) can be stored on the tour bus / luggage compartment free of charge.
|
[About the Itinerary]
* All departure and arrival times listed above are estimates. The schedule may be subject to significant delays due to weather conditions, road accidents, or traffic congestion. Please note that we cannot compensate for taxi fares, accommodation expenses, or other costs incurred due to transportation delays or late arrivals.
[About "Activity Time"]
* "Activity Time" refers to the overall duration of the mountain program, including not only actual walking time, but also preparation, rest breaks, lunch, photo opportunities, gear fitting, putting on and taking off traction gear, and restroom stops. Actual walking time will be shorter than this estimate.
[Meals & Drinks]
* Meals are not provided on this tour. Please make sure to bring your own lunch, trail snacks (such as rice balls, sandwiches, energy bars, or chocolate), and drinks (approx. 500ml–1L of water or hot tea) prior to departing Shinjuku or purchase them during the highway service area rest stop.
Tour Price (Per Adult) & Conditions
| Price | ¥29,980 |
|---|---|
| Departure Dates | Feb 1, 2027 – Feb 28, 2027 |
| Minimum Participants | 15 people |
| Maximum Capacity | 45 people |
| Mountain Guide | Accompanies from Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway Station |
| Tour Conductor | None *A tour assistant will accompany the bus transfer (will not join the hike) |
| Luggage Storage | Items not needed for hiking can be left on the bus or in the luggage compartment |
| Meals | None (Not included) |
| Accommodation | None (Day trip) |
| Transportation | Chartered bus (HINA Bus or equivalent) |
| What's Included | Chartered round-trip bus fare, ropeway round-trip ticket, mountain guide fee, hiking gear rental, consumption tax & applicable fees |
Tour Information & Important Notes
Age Requirements & Health Conditions
This tour is open to healthy participants aged 6 and older up to under 85 years old.
Participants under 15 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Participants under 20 years old joining unaccompanied are required to submit a parental consent form, so please notify us in advance.
If you currently have or have a history of cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, please consult your physician before booking.
Complimentary Hiking Gear Rental
This tour includes a complimentary full 14-piece professional hiking gear rental (valued at approx. ¥100,000) provided in partnership with "Yamadoogu Rental-ya."
[How to Request Rental Gear]
A link to the "Rental Request Form" will be provided in your tour booking confirmation email. Please register your boot and clothing sizes via this link at least 5 days prior to departure.
[Pick-Up & Return]
All rental gear will be handed to you upon check-in on the morning of the tour. Gear can be returned directly to the tour bus luggage compartment after descending the mountain or upon arriving back in Shinjuku.
* Rental gear pick-up and return are only available on the day of the tour. Advance delivery to your accommodation/residence, in-store pick-up prior to the tour, or returns by mail after the tour cannot be accommodated.
[Size Selection Guide]
・Hiking Boots: Because you will be wearing thick hiking socks, please select a size 0.5 cm larger than your regular shoe size (or 1.0 cm larger if you have wide feet or a high instep).
・Rainwear & Outerwear (Top & Bottom): Because you will layer these over thermal tops and fleece jackets, please select one size larger than your usual clothing size.
This tour is not completely "hands-free." Items worn directly against the skin, as well as meals and drinks, are not included in the rental package. Please be sure to bring the following items yourself:
1. Thermal Knit Hat / Beanie (Warm enough to cover the ears *Mandatory*)
2. Base Layer Shirt (Synthetic, quick-drying material. *Cotton fabrics and heat-generating thermal shirts such as Heattech are not recommended as they retain moisture and cause severe chills.*)
3. Thick Hiking Socks (Essential for cushioning, blister prevention, and keeping feet warm)
4. Lunch, Trail Snacks & Drinks (Approx. 500ml to 1L of water or hot tea)
Safety Management & Weather/Snow Conditions
Safety is our highest priority on this tour. Depending on weather and trail conditions—such as snowfall, high winds, heavy snow accumulation, or icy trails—the mountain guide may decide to turn back before reaching the destination or switch to an alternate, safer trail. Thank you for your understanding in advance.
Cancellations & Modification Fees
If you need to modify or cancel your booking for personal reasons, the following cancellation fees will apply:
20 to 8 days prior to departure: 20% of tour fee
7 to 2 days prior to departure: 30% of tour fee
1 day prior to departure (day before): 40% of tour fee
Day of departure (prior to departure time): 50% of tour fee
After departure time or no-show without prior notice: 100% of tour fee
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