YOUR GUIDE TO JAPAN
Welcome to Japow-Wow with SYB
You didn’t just sign up for a vacation; you signed up for an adventure that will leave you changed. You said yes to the neon-lit energy of Tokyo, the mind-blowing art of TeamLab Planets, and the legendary powder of Hokkaido. You’re about to explore the Land of the Rising Sun with a crew of strangers who won’t feel like strangers for long.
Together, we’ll share world-class ramen, witness sunrises that demand your attention, and find ourselves in moments that make us laugh until we can't breathe. You’ll challenge your body through morning movement in the park, quiet your mind in snowy mountains, and open your heart to a culture where ancient tradition meets the future. Somewhere between the steam of a natural onsen and the energy of a late-night karaoke session in Golden Gai, something inside will shift.
This isn’t just a trip. It’s a reminder of how alive you can feel when you let go, lean in, and embrace the magic of Japan.
🗓️ Detailed Itinerary
Don’t get too attached to the plans here... to improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often. Ski mountains may change based on weather or if the group wants to push harder, or explore more!
✈️ Arrival & Departure Details
The Japan trip begins in the bustling heart of Tokyo and ends in the snowy paradise of Hokkaido.
Arrival (Day 1): Fly into Tokyo International Airport (Haneda or Narita). Try to arrive at our host hotel, The Knot Tokyo Shinjuku, by 3:00 PM for check-in. Orientation begins at 5:00 PM.
Hokkaido Transition (Day 3): Your domestic flight from Tokyo to Hokkaido is included in the trip cost. We will provide an SYB shuttle to the airport for this flight.
Departure (Day 9): The trip ends in Hokkaido. Do not book your return flight from Tokyo! Ensure your flight home departs directly from New Chitose Airport (CTS) or another Hokkaido hub.
🤌🏽 Rules for the Trip
1️⃣ Your SYB leaders are your hype crew, support team, and problem-solvers all in one. If you need anything, big or small, go to them first.
2️⃣ Buddy system always. Whether we’re on the trails, in town, or dancing on tables, never wander off alone.
3️⃣ Save the blackout nights for another vacation. We’ve got packed epic days, you’ll want to be fully present for every second.
4️⃣ No drugs, no weed (yep, even if you think you’re “chill”).
5️⃣ Your energy is everything. Positivity is contagious, and your vibe truly shapes the group.
6️⃣ You must sign the waiver at www.surfyogabeer.com/waiver before arriving.
7️⃣ Please check-in with your details; flights, dietary needs, emergency contact, etc here: www.surfyogabeer.com/bookings
8️⃣ Travel insurance is mandatory. Make sure you’re covered before you go.
9️⃣ Respect the local culture and the environment. We’re guests here so let’s keep it classy and leave it better than we found it.
🔟 Be on time. Respect the schedule and your fellow adventurers. We run on good vibes, not island time.
❄️ Japan Island Adventure Essentials
Packing right means less stress and more "full send" moments on the slopes. From the neon lights of Tokyo to the chest-deep powder of Niseko, you’ll want a mix of city-ready style and high-performance snow gear. The "Japow" experience is legendary, but it requires the right setup to stay warm and dry.
✅ Don't forget
- Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your trip date.
- Cash (Yen): Japan is still heavily cash-based; you'll need physical yen for local spots and smaller bars.
- Base Layers (The "SYB Setup"): Synthetic or merino wool only (no cotton!) for both tops and bottoms.
- The Outer Shell: A high-quality waterproof jacket and pants with a powder skirt (essential for deep Hokkaido snow).
- Low-Light Goggles: Flat light is common in Niseko; amber or rose lenses are lifesavers for visibility.
- Waterproof Snow Boots: Choose tall, grippy boots for navigating snowy town streets.
- Onsen Kit: A small travel towel for our natural hot spring visits.
- Tech Protection: A power bank (cold drains batteries fast!) and a waterproof phone pouch.
- Personal Care: Heavy-duty moisturizer and SPF lip balm to combat the dry, alpine air.
- Theme Night Gear: One epic outfit for our legendary themed après-ski party.
✅ Our fav products
- Base Layers: Smartwool or Icebreaker for technical merino that stays fresh for days.
- Outerwear: Burton, 686, or The North Face for reliable waterproofing (15k+ rating recommended).
- Goggles: Smith or Oakley with interchangeable lenses.
- Accessories: Skida for colorful neck gaiters and beanies.
- Recovery: Hydrant or Liquid I.V. to stay hydrated after big nights and long days on the mountain.
🎉 Theme Parties
🎿 80's French Alps Luxury
The Aesthetic: Vintage Courchevel, expensive, sleek, and effortlessly cool.
What to Wear: High-waisted white or navy ski trousers and slim-fit designer turtlenecks.
The Look: Oversized faux fur coats, gold statement earrings, and classic aviators.
❄️ All White "Winter Wonderland"
Not for skiing, only for our last dinner party together!
☀️ What to Expect from Japan Winter Weather
Early February is the heart of winter in Japan, offering a stunning contrast between the crisp, sunny days of Tokyo and the legendary "Japow" snowscapes of Hokkaido.
🏮 Tokyo: Chilly & Clear
In the city, expect the air to be cold and dry, which is perfect for sightseeing under bright blue skies.
- Temperatures: Average daytime highs reach around 8°C (46°F), with evenings and early mornings dipping toward 0°C (32°F).
- Conditions: Snow is rare in Tokyo; instead, you’ll mostly experience crisp, sunny days with very low humidity.
❄️ Hokkaido: The Powder Paradise
Hokkaido in February is a literal winter wonderland, famous for its deep, fluffy powder and dramatic snow-covered landscapes.
- Temperatures: It is significantly colder here, with average temperatures hovering between -7°C and 0°C (19°F to 32°F). Wind chill on the mountain can make it feel even frostier.
- Conditions: It snows almost every day, creating a thick, reliable base for world-class skiing. While snowstorms are possible, February also brings occasional "bluebird" days where the sun sparkles off the fresh powder.
- Daylight: Days are short, with the sun setting around 5:00 PM, giving us more time to enjoy cozy nights and night skiing under the lights.
🍣 Dining in Japan: From Tokyo Neon to Hokkaido Snow
Breakfast
We include breakfast every day after our morning movement sessions.
Lunches and Dinners
Lunches are not included, and we leave two dinners open so you can explore the local food scene on your own. All other dinners are included and shared with the entire crew.
Dietary Needs
Please let us know about any allergies or restrictions in your check-in. We do our best to accommodate everyone to keep your experience easy.
What is on the Menu
Expect a mix of world class ramen, fresh Hokkaido seafood, and warm winter comfort foods. From sushi in Tokyo to steaming hot pots in Niseko, we make sure you are fueled for the mountain.
📸 Social Media & Our Hashtags
We love sharing the wild energy of these trips with the world. Use the hashtag #SYBJapan to show off your powder turns, city explorations, and late night karaoke moments. It is all about celebrating the crew and connecting with future adventurers.
🗣️Things to Say Like a Local
Knowing a few local phrases makes navigating the neon streets of Tokyo and the deep snow of Hokkaido much more rewarding. Use these key expressions to connect with the locals and keep the group moving smoothly.
- Good Morning: Ohayou gozaimasu (pronounced oh-high-yo go-zai-mahs).
- Hello / Good Afternoon: Konnichiwa (pronounced kohn-nee-chee-wah).
- Good Evening: Konbanwa (pronounced kohn-bahn-wah).
- Thank You: Arigatou gozaimasu (pronounced ah-ree-gah-toe go-zai-mahs).
- Excuse Me / I'm Sorry: Sumimasen (pronounced soo-me-mah-sen).
- Cheers!: Kanpai! (pronounced kahn-pie).
- I Humbly Receive: Itadakimasu (said before meals to show gratitude).
- It Was a Feast: Gochisousama deshita (said after meals to thank the chef).
- Delicious: Oishii (pronounced oy-shee).
- Beer, Please: Biru kudasai (pronounced bee-roo koo-dah-sigh).
- The Bill, Please: Okaikei o onegaishimasu (pronounced oh-kai-kay oh oh-nay-guy-she-mahs).
- Excuse Me / Coming Through: Sumimasen (useful when moving through busy lift lines).
- Share a Chairlift?: Issho ni ii desu ka? (pronounced ee-show nee ee dess kah?).
- Look Out!: Abunai! (pronounced ah-boo-nye).
- Amazing / Wild: Yabai! (a versatile slang word for something incredible or crazy).
- Where is the...?: ...wa doko desu ka? (fill in with toire for toilet or eki for station).
- I Want to Go to...: ...ni ikitai (pronounced nee ee-kee-tie).
- English Menu, Please: Eigo no menyu o onegaishimasu.
🤙 Thank You & Enjoy
We’re looking forward to an amazing adventure in one of the most beautiful locations of the world. At the end of the adventure, we’ll upload all the photos and send them to you.
Don’t forget to share, post and tag us on social media!
Our Hashtags
#SurfYogaBeer #SYBJapan
Emergency Contacts in Japan
Sarah +1 (774) 644-2520
Ryan +1 (619) 559-1476
SYB Phone +1 (917) 900-6821