Your Nagano Ski Buffet in Matsumoto, Nagano - Book Ski & Dining Experiences

Summary: JPC Tours is a stand-out unique ski fun adventure and I totally recommend to all who seek deep snow, lots of trees, skilled guides and most of all incredible fun. We travelled as two very active "60something" males seeking the powder experience and we got it. Jase and his team were very friendly and had great sense of humor but also ran tight and efficient ship with everything running to time...... You learn very quickly "Don't Be Late !" On the slopes wise consideration is given to skiers fitness and ability to ensure appropriate matching into groups so that all groups enjoy themselves and are safe. Our guides were kind and guided with considered confidence, but allowed us to have our own fun . We spent most time with Patrick and Meg so have to give them the big "Awesome" but we also skied with Naru, Evan, Trevor, Tom and of course Jase. All were very cool and we were guided to some awesome pow even several days after the last big fall. Then it snowed some more! Accommodation was great. We enjoyed the very special boutique Yumoto family run hotel .... Very authentic surrounds and service. We loved it. The younger set may prefer the more communal and group orientated Omodaka, Either way you still join the post ski activities together. Bus trips are entertaining if not a little crowded which sort of adds to the fun vibe. This is not a "drinking sitting in the cafe all day" excursion, nor is it for the faint of heart. Be prepared to take instruction and humorous but constructive critique We skied hard and deep all day with some well earned but moderate refreshments after the day was done. A welcome onsen, some fun dinners and quaint entertainment to round the night off before getting up early the next day to do it all again ENSURE YOU ARE FIT BEFORE YOU COME so you wont waste this wonderful opportunity. The rental skies are adequate for most skiers but some are a bit tired so if you want elite skis bring your own fatties I totally recommend JPCT and hope to do it again soon.

Summary: Jase and his team were great. Led us to deep powder every day, and guided us to the best runs. The guides were all knowledgeable and patient. Accommodation was authentic Japanese with a terrific onsen to soak away the skiing aches. The restaurants were good quality and inexpensive.

Summary: Best ski tour ever! The combination of the cultural experience with expert guides made this a great trip. Jase took care of all of our needs. His guides lead us each day to the best snow on the mountain. The powder was Exceptionally awesome.

Summary: Jase and his crew run a very organised operation that caters for a large range of abilities. Pickup times are strictly adhered to and it’s great that the crew look after your skis and poles at the end of the day and then have them ready for you the next morning, ready to hit the slopes. The guides always did a great job of looking after us and trying to ensure everyone skied with people of similar ability. When I arrived in Yudanaka there had been no snow for several days, yet the guides had no issues finding powder for us to ski in amongst the trees. On our third or fourth day there was no problem finding powder anywhere due to the consistent dumping of snow, which lasted for the next five or so days. I never thought I would say this, but by the third day of snow it was almost like there was too much snow, with almost 2 metres of snow falling at Shiga Kogen. I stayed at the Hotel Omadaka and it was nice staying at this traditional Japanese hotel. The rooms might be a bit on the old side, but they were large and always kept clean. The onsite onsens were brilliant to relax in after a hard day’s skiing and the burgers at the bar were excellent. Breakfast was interesting as it was traditional Japanese fare, but it did get you fuelled for the day ahead. I would thoroughly recommend doing one of Jase’s Powder Tours.

Summary: I skied with Japan Cultural Tours this past February and had a truly wonderful experience. From start to finish, everything was on point—punctual, well-organized, and thoughtfully planned. The guides were not only friendly and knowledgeable but also added fun and entertainment along the way, making the trip even more memorable. The skiing itself was excellent, and the overall experience exceeded expectations. I’d highly recommend Japan Cultural Tours to anyone looking for a seamless, enjoyable, and culturally rich ski adventure in Japan.

Summary: I was looking for a trip for a solo, older skier, but I wanted to be with other like-minded people and have a guide. This trip fulfilled all requirements and was a lot of fun. As a result, this was my third trip in Feb 2025 and it was just as good. The guides were excellent and went out of their way to ensure everyone was having a good time. The terrain and locations varied every day with the team seeking out the best possible places to ski and eat. Heavy snowfall one day meant we couldn’t ski (ski lifts needed to be dug out) so Jase took us to a few places around the Nagano district for a cultural tour. I hired their powder skis which were perfect for the conditions. Also, the whole thing ran to a schedule so we weren’t left waiting. Would thoroughly recommend.

Summary: I am an Expert Powder Skier with a passion for tree skiing honed over years skiing in British Columbia catskiing , heli and Whistler . The powder skiing at JPCT was the best quality, , fluffiest deepest pow ever ! Jase and team are true professional guides with a SAFETY first attitude which is key in Japan as you are on your own out of bounds . I was in small group of skiers with the same ability so no waiting. The variety of resorts they selected each day had epic conditions even days after snowfalls , with no lift lines and no other skiers in the trees. Fun atmosphere throughout including culture events and sights along the way. Highly recommend if you want the ski gnarly deep pow day after day with no lineups! Will be back

Summary: Japan Powder Culture Tours was an unforgettable experience! Jason is an incredible leader—his passion and deep local knowledge made the trip seamless. The guides were equally fantastic, always ensuring we had the best experience, from finding untouched stashes of powder to offering expert tips on the slopes. Shiga Kogen itself is a dream—no lift lines, endless terrain, and the snow quality was unreal. Even on the days with minimal fresh snowfall, the guides knew exactly where to find the goods, and we were floating through powder all day. And on the two days we had 30cm+ fresh POW it was the best skiing experience I've ever had. The accommodations were simple yet authentic, providing a cozy retreat after epic days on the mountain. The local cuisine was outstanding—fresh, flavorful, and a true highlight of the trip. And after long days in the snow, soaking in the hotel’s onsen was the perfect way to unwind. Jason and his team have created something truly special. If you’re looking for an incredible ski adventure in Japan, this is the one!

Summary: This was my first Japan ski adventure but certainly not the last. I have been an avid skier for 55 years and have over 3000 ski days. I can honestly say that my days with Japan Powder Culture Tours were some of the best powder days I have ever had. While the areas that Jase and his team frequent look subdued compared to some of the big mountain terrains of Hokkaido, they are set up perfectly for powder skiing. We had significant snowfall during our stay and were skiing knees to chest deep powder every day we were there. If you like glades full of perfect powder, you will love the skiing around Yudanaka. If you are a beginner or intermediate and not ready for the trees, fear not. We saw people who had never skied getting face shots after only a couple days with the guides. Jase makes sure that everyone has a good time and finds the freshies. The cultural aspect of these tours was one of the draws as I was planning an adventure for my son and me. We were not the least bit disappointed. Hotel Omodaka was clean, comfortable, affordable and had all the traditional ryokan features to complete the Japanese experience. The staff went above and beyond at every opportunity to ensure a good experience and there was often someone who could speak English if needed. The onsen was remarkable and provided great views of Yudanaka as well as Shibu Onsen from both the inside and outside facility. An inhouse sauna and local massage availability ensure you can continue for one more powder day no matter how much it snows. The included breakfast and dinners gave a great sampling of local fare and were never short on calories. The hotels River Front Café and Bar have excellent food if you do not want to leave the facility at night when dinner is not included. Yudanaka has several other eateries, and Jase arranges reservations and shuttles as needed to get you where you want to go. An early morning shuttle was arranged for our rest day so we could hike in and see the monkeys prior to the crowds arriving. We then walked back to Omadaka stopping by the many sites in Shibu Onsen, the facility will also retrieve you if desired. There is a laundry facility a short five minute walk from Omadaka so you can travel as light as needed. Japan Powder Culture Tours exceeded our expectations in every way. Jase provided a great package with everything required and made for an easy fun vacation with fantastic skiing. Five stars.

Summary: Japan Powder Culture Tours provided and all-in ski package. An early pick-up every day got us to the slopes promptly. Divided into groups by ability, each level was looked after throughout the day by a guide who knew the terrain well. Powder and off-piste for those who were up for it. Plenty of adventure for all levels.