Snowmobiling in Japan

Thinking of Snowmobiling in Japan? Do It!

Snowmobiling has taken me to some of the most incredible winter destinations in the world. I have snowmobiled in the US States of Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, as well as in Canada, Norway, and Sweden.  My recent trip to Japan was something special that I enjoyed more than the other countries I have been to; it was truly something special.  From the deep powder of Hokkaido to the unique cultural experiences along the way, this adventure exceeded all expectations. If you’ve ever considered a snowmobile trip to Japan, here’s what you need to know and why it should be at the top of your bucket list.

Destination & Terrain

Our journey began in Salt Lake City, Utah, flying to Tokyo and then to Sapporo before taking the train from Sapporo to Niseko, one of Japan’s premier winter destinations. We actually took the train to a town called Kutchan and then a shuttle to Niseko.  Known for its legendary powder snow, Niseko offered some of the best backcountry terrain I’ve ever ridden. The landscape ranged from open powder fields to technical tree runs, all blanketed in some of the lightest and driest snow imaginable. Unlike the other places I have been, the terrain in Japan included a unique volcanic landscape, which added to the experience.

Planning & Logistics

Timing is everything when planning a snowmobile trip to Japan. The best months for deep powder are typically from December through March, with peak snowfall in January and February.  We chose to go in the middle of February, right at the peak!  The town of Niseko received over 30 centimeters (roughly 1 foot) of snow the day we arrived.

For those traveling from the U.S., flying into Tokyo (Narita or Haneda) is the first step, followed by a domestic flight to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport. From there, you have the option to rent a vehicle, take a shuttle or a taxi, or take the train.  We chose to spend one night in Sapporo and then ride the train from Sapporo to Kutchan.  The train ride was just over 2 hours and was very relaxing.  The trains are simple to navigate and seem to always run right on time.

We weren't able to find anywhere that would rent snowmobiles to us without also guiding us.  This ended up being even better because we didn't have to study where we were allowed to ride and where we weren't.  To make things even better, the cost of renting a snowmobile with the guide for a 1/2 day tour was cheaper than it usually costs just to rent a snowmobile in North America.  We booked our snowmobile tour through Explore Niseko; in the end, they are just a booking agency who ended up booking the snowmobile trip with Niseko Snowmobile Tours.  We were very happy with the communication and easy booking through Explore Niseko; but in the end they were just the middle man between us and Niseko Snowmobile Tours.  We booked two days of snowmobiling and got to experience different areas both days.  Be sure to inform them of your skill level; they have tours for beginners, intermediate, and advanced snowmobilers.  We booked the advanced tours and got to spend 2 days on Ski-Doo 850cc Snowmobiles.  We had a 154", 163", and 174" tracks and were perfect for the epic snow conditions we experienced!

There are a ton of options for hotel stays near Niseko. Winter can be a little on the expensive side, but we were able to find a last minute hotel for around $200 per night.  Niseko Snowmobile Tours will pick you up from your hotel and take you right to the snowmobiles that are read and waiting to be ridden.

Gear & Safety Considerations

Riding in Japan’s backcountry requires proper gear and safety precautions. Essential equipment includes:

• Waterproof riding gear to handle the deep snow.  We chose not to take insulated gear and took base layers and mid layers to go under our GoreTex outer layer shells. 
• Base Layers: 509 FZN Merino Base Layer Hoodie, 509 FZN LVL 1 Pants
• Mid Layers: Klim Bighorn Canyon Wool Fleece 1/4 Zip, Klim Inferno Jogger Pant
• GoreTex Outerwear: Klim Ripsa Vapor One Piece
• Boots: You will need a good pair of boots for snowmobiling. A lot of people go to Niseko for the Skiiing.  Unfortunately Ski boots won't work; you will need a flexible pair of riding boots.  You can probably get away with a pair of snowboard boots for a short snowmobile trip, but be careful not to damage the snowmobile if there are any hooks or sharp parts on the boots.  I used the Klim Adrenaline Pro Boa Boot. 
• Avalanche safety gear: beacon, probe, and shovel.
• The BCA Tracker S Beacon is very lightweight and travel friendly
• The guides told us they would provide a helmet, as long as we had everything else. However, we choose to take our own helmets. 
• My go-to Helmet is the Klim F3 Carbon Helmet

Avalanche awareness is crucial. Hokkaido’s deep powder is enticing, but the backcountry can be unpredictable. We did notice the local avalanche conditions for the backcountry posted in the lobby at the hotel.  We always recommend reading the local avalanche forecast before venturing into the backcountry.  

Cultural Experience & Local Tips

One of the best aspects of snowmobiling in Japan is the cultural experience that comes with it. After a long day on the trails, soaking in a natural hot spring (onsen) is the perfect way to relax.  We were lucky enough to get a ride to a local (not touristy) Onsen that was within a 15 minute drive from Niseko.  The Onsen experience can be a little shocking at first, but we were glad we were able to experience the local cultural experience.  Japanese hospitality is second to none, and the food is an adventure in itself—warming up with a bowl of ramen or enjoying fresh sushi after a day in the snow is something every visitor should experience.

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

Snowmobiling in Japan was an unforgettable experience. The combination of world-class powder, stunning scenery, and rich culture makes it one of the best destinations for any snowmobiler. If you’re considering this trip, plan ahead, be prepared with the right gear, and embrace the adventure. Whether you decide to snowmobile as an added part to your ski trip to Niseko, or if you travel all the way to Niseko just for snowmobiling, one thing is certain—you’ll leave with memories (and photos) that will last a lifetime.

Feel free to contact us at any time if you have questions about how we made this trip happen!

Have you ever snowmobiled in Japan, or is it on your bucket list? Let me know in the comments!