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Tohoku 2021 (or 2022)
 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead

Japan is such a magnet! Been to Hokkaido twice (4,5 weeks in total) and preferred the smaller resorts (much quieter!). Not sure 2021 will happen but whenever possible would like to try Tohoku (Iwate, Aomori areas).

I guess it would be similar to Hokkaido. Any tips on resorts, accommodation options, travel - ie flying to Aomori or Sendai - any advice is welcome!

Will rent a car as driving in Hokkaido was easy. Specific areas, resorts, onsens, lunch/dinner places - please share! Anticipate 15-18 days so could try 2-3 or even 4 different bases.
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snow conditions
 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person

I was hoping to go to Tohoku last season, but bailed due to the reports of low snow.

It's not exactly the same area (Akita), though nearby, but I've had some really great skiing at Tazawako. Very Japanese, very snowy, no westerners (though next season that probably won't be a concern!), no-one skiing offpiste other than I and the two friends I was with (the instructors looked at us weirdly as they took the chairlift up - they were lapping the perfect groomers to one side of it, we were lapping the untracked powder field right under it. Some great skiing off the back and down on to (then along) the access road too.

1. We stayed here (it has a really cool onsen): https://sanrokusou.com
2. There is only one restaurant on the mountain, so that's your lunch choice wink Excellent proper Japanese food though.
3. You would want to fly from Tokyo to Akita, then car I think (train may also be an option for part of the journey, but you will need a car or transfer to get to the resort.

Now they've removed the Flipbook/Storybook-form software I used the article doesn't really work anymore, and half of the media/videos now seems to be missing, but this might give you some idea of the place... https://www.fall-line.co.uk/skiing-tazawako-akita-japan/

Iain and Ryan also wrote the trip up in Ski Canada mag:

1. https://skicanadamag.com/heard-japan/
2. https://skicanadamag.com/tales-from-akita/

I've also been pondering a return this winter... I spent 3 weeks roadtripping around Hokkaido in 2014 and the reports of crowds have turned me off going back there a bit, but IF travel to Japan is possible this winter it could be like the old days again...
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snow report
 Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

Iwate
https://www.snowjapan.com/japan-ski-resorts/prefecture/iwate

Aomori
https://www.snowjapan.com/japan-ski-resorts/prefecture/aomori

Akita
https://www.snowjapan.com/japan-ski-resorts/prefecture/akita
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snow conditions
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I can tell you a little bit about Shizukuishi resort... they've held some world cup skiing there, and there's a giant Prince hotel on site - but I wouldn't recommend staying there as you'll have transport.
I was there for some geothermal drilling and stayed on for some skiing... as it seemed rude not to wink




When we were drilling we stayed at the Minshuku Takamiso
https://goo.gl/maps/w9aScQSgkJDvzsgr5
- a typical 2 star place, no en suite but the usual baths etc - very friendly, cheap and good simple meals - bonkers cheap draft beer too - can't be sure I remember the cost of a 1/2 L draft Asahi but it was seriously astonishing for a hotel, the small bottles of sake were I think 50 yen more than down the nearest 7 Eleven, so all good value and a good base for a few days maybe - there's a couple of other smaller resorts just nearby also



Shizukuishi resort itself has a cable car up from the Prince Hotel, plenty of parking


And wonderfully quiet as you'd expect during the week
ski holidays
ski holidays
 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

Did you wear your raspberry beret and drive a little red Corvette there?
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snow conditions
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You'll need to Register first of course.

Thanks guys! I have this stupid grin reading this all! Taking notes!

@Mike Pow, - very useful, but I much prefer your detailed insider tips! This last Feb Yubari was excellent! Smile
latest report
latest report
 Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

mooney058 wrote:
Thanks guys! I have this stupid grin reading this all! Taking notes!

@Mike Pow, - very useful, but I much prefer your detailed insider tips! This last Feb Yubari was excellent! Smile


Pleasure.

Not been to the area, so have no first hand knowledge.

Heard good things.
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snow conditions



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