Japow - wow

Due to the complexity of individual flight schedules, we will not be providing transportation from the airport to the hotel in Tokyo. Please plan to arrive before 2:00 PM so you have enough time to check in and join our 5:00 PM orientation.

• The hotel is a 20-minute drive from Haneda Airport
• And about 60 minutes from Narita Airport

👉 Don’t forget to input your flight info on our check-in platform so we can track your arrival and stay in the loop.

🛫 Included Flight to Hokkaido

We’ve included a group domestic flight from Tokyo to Hokkaido—we’ve got you covered there.

However, the trip ends in Hokkaido, and return flights from New Chitose Airport (Sapporo) are not included. You’ll need to book your own flight back to Tokyo or wherever your next destination may be.

Yes, travel and medical insurance is required. You must secure it before joining the program. If you choose not to purchase insurance, you accept full responsibility and agree to our cancellation policy.

To reserve your spot, a 25% deposit is required. This goes toward your total payment. The remaining balance is due six weeks before the program start date.

If you cancel more than 28 days before the program begins, you’ll receive trip credit (minus your deposit) that can be used toward any future SYB trip within 12 months.

If you cancel within 28 days, your payment is non-refundable and non-transferable. No exceptions.

We do not offer refunds for any reason. Travel insurance helps protect your investment if anything unexpected happens. It’s worth it.

This trip is for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders only. Our goal is to stick together and crush Hokkaido’s legendary terrain—not hang on the bunny slopes.

We’ll divide into two groups on the mountain: one more advanced, one intermediate, so everyone can explore the vast landscape at their pace.

Intermediate level means you’re comfortable on groomed blue runs, can control your speed and direction with parallel turns, and can handle varied snow conditions and terrain features.

If you’re brand new to skiing or snowboarding, this trip isn’t the best fit—but we’ve got other awesome options like Chamonix where you can build your skills and still have an epic time.

First stop: Tokyo! The biggest city in the world—loud, electric, and unforgettable. Don’t worry, we’ve got the inside scoop on the must-see spots, hidden gems, and where to grab the best late-night bites.

Next stop: Niseko in Hokkaido. Known as the powder capital of the world, this mountain town gets more snow than 90% of ski resorts on Earth. Think epic runs, cozy restaurants, sake bars, and plenty of local gems we’ll be exploring together.

Our trip officially kicks off at 5:00 PM on January 31, 2026, when you’ll check into our hotel in Tokyo and meet the crew for happy hour!

The trip wraps up on the morning of February 8th in Niseko, Hokkaido. You’ll need to book your own flight from New Chitose Airport (Sapporo) either:

• Back to Tokyo to catch your roundtrip flight, or
• Directly to your next destination

We’ll hug it out, maybe cry a little, and send you off full of memories.

All breakfasts and dinners are included, except for two dinners out in town. Lunches are not included, so you’ll have the flexibility to grab something on the mountain or explore local eats.

Alcohol isn’t included either, but don’t worry—we’ll cover a few first rounds (and maybe a sake shot or two to get the vibes going).

Niseko’s food scene is next level. From fresh local seafood to rich, creamy Hokkaido milk—everything tastes better up here. Add in Wagyu beef, Makkari pork, and some of Japan’s smoothest sake, and you’re in for a serious post-ski feast.

We’ll be staying at The Knot Tokyo Shinjuku for the first two nights, right in the heart of the city.

Then we head north to the snow, spending six nights at Always Niseko in Hokkaido—your cozy home base for all things skiing, soaking, and après.

Totally up to you! If you’ve got your own gear and want to bring it, go for it.

If not, no worries—we’ll be renting from a trusted local shop in Niseko that has everything you need: skis, snowboards, boots, poles, and more.

We’ll take care of rentals the night we arrive, so you’re fully geared up and ready to hit the slopes first thing in the morning—no delays, just send.

You can expect a 6-day rental ski or snowboard package to cost around $300 USD.

Yes! Our hotel has a designated ski room where you can safely store your skis and gear. It’s monitored by staff, so you can rest easy and focus on the après.

Yes—it works here! That’s actually one of the reasons we chose this mountain—so many of you already have the itch to rip it with your pass.

If you don’t need our included lift tickets, we offer a $200 discount. Just use code MYOWNPASS at checkout.

🔑 A few things to note:

• This discount only applies at checkout—it cannot be added after purchase.
• You’ll be responsible for purchasing your own lift ticket if using this code.
• No lift tickets will be provided to anyone who uses the discount.

You better believe it.

From Tokyo’s neon nights to the powdery slopes of Niseko, our pro photographer and videographer will be capturing the entire journey—snowball fights, ski runs, hot springs, karaoke mic drops… all of it.

You’ll head home with the most epic winter travel content you’ve ever had. We’re talking cinematic-quality memories that’ll make your friends think you staged the whole thing.

And yes—this is all included in your trip price. No need to fumble with your phone—just shred, smile, and let us handle the rest.

Yes—daily.

We’ve got a crew coming through to clean up after you filthy animals so your space stays fresh, even if you don’t. 😎

Very. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, with extremely low crime rates—especially in the areas we’re visiting like Tokyo and Niseko.

That said, we still recommend using common sense: leave valuables in your hotel safe when we’re out and about. And maybe leave your Yeezys and flashy jewelry at home—this trip’s about experiences, not flexes.

🎿 As for the slopes—skiing and snowboarding always carry some risk. Make sure you feel confident on skis or a board, and if you’re unsure, this might not be the right trip for you.

Japan’s local currency is the yen (¥), and while most places in Tokyo and Niseko do accept credit cards, it’s still a cash-friendly country, especially in smaller spots.

We recommend bringing around ¥60,000 (roughly $400 USD) for drinks, your one dinner not included, and any souvenirs or snacks along the way. Feel free to bring more if you plan to ball out.

Yes, there are ATMs in Niseko, but we strongly suggest withdrawing cash before the trip starts—just in case.

Pro tip: Japan is super safe, so carrying cash is totally normal here.

Yes, the tap water in Japan is safe to drink—no need to stress.

In Tokyo, it’s clean but heavily chlorinated, so some folks prefer bottled or filtered water.

But once we get to Hokkaido, it’s a whole different story—crisp, fresh, mountain-sourced magic. Honestly, it’s better than that $6 bottle you grabbed at the airport.

Bring a reusable water bottle and hydrate like a champ—especially with all that skiing ahead.

Absolutely—and we actually recommend it.This trip is your chance to show up as your truest, most adventurous self. No baggage, no expectations, no old routines. When you come solo, you open yourself up to deeper connections, new experiences, and a crew that becomes instant family.We totally get that it can feel intimidating at first—but trust us, this is the best way to do it. Most of our guests come solo, and by day one, you won’t feel that way anymore.

Yes. You can leave your phone in your bag and stay present while a professional photographer and videographer capture every moment. From sunrise workouts to beach adventures and late-night laughs, you’ll get high-quality content without lifting a finger.

And yes, it’s all included in your trip. Your post-trip photo dump is going to break the group chat.

This isn’t a luxury spa retreat or a week of silent meditation. This is Japan, the SYB way—a full-sensory mix of adventure, culture, sweat, snow, and late-night singalongs.

You’ll stay in clean, cozy hotels that put you in the heart of it all—from neon-lit Tokyo to the powdery peaks of Hokkaido. It’s not five-star luxury, but it’s real, welcoming, and the perfect launchpad for everything we’ve got planned.

Expect:

• Morning workouts with mountain views
• Fitness and stretch sessions to keep you strong and ready
• Bad singing Karaoke nights in Tokyo, epic ski days in Niseko, and cultural gems all along the way
• Big crew dinners, izakayas, sake bars, and SYB-style karaoke nights

And if you need a break? Take it. Chill with a hot tea, skip a workout, or stay in for a solo night of recovery. No judgment.

All you need is an open mind, a sense of adventure, and the willingness to say yes.

This trip will challenge you—in the best way possible.