5-Day Japan Snowboard Trip｜ Yuzawa & Tokyo

Booking Requirements

• Minimum 2 guests required.
• Snowboard course open to ages 6+.
• Guests must check passport, visa, and Japan entry rules.
• Luggage limit: 1 checked bag up to 28” + 1 carry-on up to 20” per guest.

Flight Recommendations

Arrival Flight

• Choose a flight arriving at Narita before 4:00 PM so you have time for immigration, baggage claim, and the group meetup.
• The private transfer departs Narita Airport at 5:00 PM for your Echigo Yuzawa hotel.

Departure Flight

• We recommend a return flight departing Narita after 5:00 PM.
• Your private transfer leaves the Tokyo hotel at 2:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to check in at Narita.

Insurance Recommendations

Snow sports come with higher risks. For extra peace of mind, we recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes overseas medical coverage, snow sports coverage, and trip delay or cancellation protection.

Travel Tips

Communication, Internet & Power

• Calling the U.S. from Japan: 010 + 1 + phone number
  • Example: U.S. mobile 909-990-9266 → 010-1-909-990-9266
• Calling Japan from the U.S.: 011 + 81 + phone number
  • Example: Japan mobile 090-1234-5678 → 011-81-90-1234-5678
• Kagura and other high-elevation ski resorts may have weaker cell service in some areas due to mountain terrain.
• Japan uses 100V power and two-flat-pin outlets. Most U.S. two-prong plugs fit, but please check voltage compatibility for your devices.
• Japan is ahead of all U.S. time zones. During the winter season, Japan is 14 hours ahead of New York and 17 hours ahead of Los Angeles.

Warm Clothing

• Winter temperatures in Echigo Yuzawa are usually around 23°F to 37°F. We recommend dressing in layers.
• Please prepare thick ski socks, a neck warmer, a windproof beanie, lip balm, sunglasses or goggles, and waterproof non-slip boots.
• Regular sneakers can easily get wet or slippery in snow and are not recommended.
• Please bring your passport, flight details, Japanese yen, credit card, personal toiletries, contact lenses if needed, and any personal medication.

Meals & Dining

• Meals are not included in the trip price. Guests are responsible for their own meals at the hotel, ski resort, and local restaurants.
• Ski resort restaurants often close early, around 2:30–3:00 PM, so we recommend bringing snacks or light food.
• Tap water in Japan is generally safe to drink. If you need hot water, please use the electric kettle.
• Vegetarian standards in Japan may differ from those in the U.S. Dishes may contain onion, garlic, eggs, dairy, bonito flakes, or meat-based broth.
• Vegetarian options at ski resort restaurants may be limited, so vegan guests are encouraged to prepare their own food.

Hotel & Onsen Etiquette

• Japanese hotels usually do not provide luggage delivery to guest rooms. Guests are responsible for carrying their own luggage.
• Hotels strictly separate non-smoking and smoking areas. Smoking in a non-smoking room may result in a high cleaning fee.
• Onsen bathing is done fully nude. Swimsuits are not allowed, and towels should not be placed in the bath.
• Guests with tattoos may not be allowed to enter public baths.
• Pregnant guests, guests with heart conditions, guests who have been drinking alcohol, guests with an empty stomach, or guests with open wounds should avoid using the onsen.
• Please wash your body at the shower area before entering the bath. Each soak should be limited to around 15 minutes.

Entry & Local Payments

• U.S. passport holders can usually visit Japan for tourism without a visa for stays under 90 days.
• We recommend completing your arrival information on Visit Japan Web before departure and using the QR Code to speed up the entry process.
• We recommend exchanging some Japanese yen before leaving the U.S., as exchange rates at Japanese airports may be less favorable.
• Credit cards and mobile payments are widely accepted in Japan, but rural areas, ski resort restaurants, and small shops may still be cash-only. Please prepare enough Japanese yen.
• iPhone users can add Suica or PASMO to Apple Wallet for convenient train rides and small payments.