Winter in Tohoku is an invigorating season, with snow blanketing the region and creating a picturesque landscape. But the snow is not just for admiring, it's also for playing in! Tohoku offers a wide range of snow activities for adults to enjoy, from snowshoeing and snow cycling to various other activities that are less known. Today we will showcase one or two activities from each of the seven prefectures in the Tohoku area. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced winter sports enthusiast, Tohoku's snow activities will provide you with an unforgettable experience. With its beautiful scenery, delicious local food, and friendly locals, Tohoku is the perfect destination for a winter vacation. So don't let the cold weather keep you inside, come out and embrace all that Tohoku has to offer during the winter season.

AOMORI

Snow cycling in Aomori Prefecture offers a unique and exhilarating experience. The flat route, with no ups and downs and little traffic, makes it a safe option even for beginners. The thrill of riding through the snowy landscape gives a different feeling from cycling in summer. The tour includes a guide for each of the 6 participants, who will take you through the nature, culture, and history of Okutsugaru. The target audience is those who have intermediate-level mountain biking experience. Bike rental is available, but the number of bikes is limited, so please book in advance. On the way back, take the "stove train," a speciality of Okutsugaru in winter, to return to the city. Enjoy this private tour with family, friends, or loved ones and taste the local home cooking and home-style meals at the guest house.

Other activities available in Kanagi Genkimura include country cooking classes, woodworking and craft classes as well as snow trekking activities.

AKITA

Akita Prefecture offers an extraordinary and magical experience for those looking to explore the snowy wilderness through snow trekking. With snowshoes on your feet, you can dive into the soft snow and discover the animal tracks hidden in the forest. The grandeur of nature is truly up close and personal during a snow trek. The white snowy landscape is vastly different from the lush greenery of summer, making this a winter activity not to be missed.

Snow trekking is perfect for those who want to experience winter activities but are not confident in skiing or snowboarding. The deep woods of Akita’s Tazawako offer a peaceful and serene setting to explore on snowshoes. One of the highlights of the tour is tea time in the snow. Imagine sitting on a snow bench, surrounded by the winter wonderland, and enjoying a small tea party. It's a truly magical experience.

The quiet snow provides a great opportunity to enjoy fantastic scenery that is vastly different from the summer mountains. Snowshoe hiking allows you to take in the beauty of nature at a slower pace and truly appreciate the winter landscape. Akita Prefecture is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the joys of snow trekking.

IWATE

The snowcat tour at Shizukuishi Ski Resort in Iwate Prefecture brings great pleasure to those revelling in off-piste skiing. This popular activity for hardcore skiers and snowboarders provides access to a special course where you can fully enjoy the Shizukuishi powder snow. The Sunrise CAT Tour, available on specific days, is a unique experience where you can ski after watching the sunrise, adding an extra layer of magic to the adventure.

Shizukuishi Ski Resort is renowned for its abundant and dry snow, making it the perfect destination for those looking for a deep powder experience. The CAT tour suits intermediate powder skiers, riders, or advanced guests who want an exhilarating adventure. With the tour guide leading the way, the tour is designed to provide an enjoyable and suitable experience for participants' level of expertise.

A CAT tour in Shizukuishi Ski Resort offers an interesting, accessible and guided off-piste experience for skiers and snowboarders. The tour guide will lead participants through a suitable gliding area, allowing everyone to enjoy the famous and abundant Iwate powder snow. It’s like you monopolize a ski pole with a magnificent view. Shizukuishi CAT tour is a must-do activity for any passionate skier or snowboarder visiting the area.

YAMAGATA

The Zao Ropeway in Yamagata is a winter wonderland, boasting some of the world's largest "snow monsters" or Juhyo. These giant, frost-covered trees are a natural phenomenon created by supercooled water droplets freezing on the branches and leaves on white fir trees. Over time, this process forms shrimp tail-like shapes and the snow builds up in between the gaps, hardening into the unique shapes that have become the main attraction at Zao Ropeway.

But the beauty of the Juhyo does not stop during the day. In a special event, the snow monsters are lit up at night, creating a mystical and magical atmosphere. The contrast of the rich colours against the black of night and the brilliant white and silver during the day is a sight not to be missed. You can experience this spectacle up close with the specialized new model snowmobile "Nightcruiser" equipped with heating. The Zao Ropeway in Yamagata is a must-see destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the Juhyo in all its frozen glory.

MIYAGI

Experience the best of both worlds with Kotatsu glamping in Miyagi Prefecture. This unique outdoor activity combines the comfort of the indoors with the beauty and freedom of the great outdoors. Enjoy the warmth and cosiness of a kotatsu, a heated table fitted with a blanket that keeps the lower half of your body warm with a space heater, while savouring delicious hot-pot dishes and the clear winter air.

The tents are spacious and decorated with inviting lights, creating a special atmosphere that is sure to make lasting memories. Enjoy your meals with your family, friends, and loved ones in a refreshing space that will relieve your mind and body. The special menu features hot-pot dishes that will warm you from the inside out, making for an extraordinary time. Kotatsu glamping in Miyagi is a unique and enjoyable way to experience the winter season.

FUKUSHIMA

Fukushima's Urabandai region offers a unique winter experience for nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts. From November to December, visitors can enjoy wakasagi fishing on a houseboat, and from January to March, visitors can try their hand at ice fishing. The season starts on November 1st, making it an early opportunity to experience the fun of fishing in a winter wonderland.

The huts, dome ships, and houseboats used for fishing are all warm inside, providing a comfortable experience even in the cold winter weather. The frozen lake provides stunning scenery, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Fishing in Urabandai is easy and fun. Simply move the fishing rod gently up and down and pull it up when you feel a tug. The fish most commonly caught in the area is wakasagi (smelt), which is delicious and can be enjoyed as a meal at one of the local fishing shops. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of nature while indulging in the excitement of catching your own fish. Ice fishing in Urabandai is a great way to spend the winter days in Fukushima.

NIIGATA

Niigata Prefecture offers a unique way to experience its snowy landscapes through snowmobiling. One popular spot for this activity is Myoko Snowmobile Land, where visitors can take a tour on a single or tandem snowmobile. Those who wish to ride alone must be at least 16 years old and complete a 30-minute lesson, but those who prefer to ride in the back can join immediately. Children under 16 can also participate with an adult or instructor.

Another option for snowmobiling in Niigata is YUKISATO Snowmobile Tours, Japan's largest snowmobile backcountry field in the Joetsu Myoko area. They offer a variety of courses for both beginners and experienced snowmobilers. The Wilderness Adventure course is suitable for both first-time and experienced snowmobilers and takes place in the Okazawa forest. The Snow Village Experience course allows visitors to explore the charming Okazawa area more deeply and includes activities such as snowshoeing and snowboarding, as well as local snow room coffee. The Snow Country View course is a private and special plan where visitors can enjoy the spectacular nature of the area with a guide. YUKISATO Snowmobile Tours also offers a unique photo shoot and a light meal of hot sandwiches and hot drinks in the snow field.

CLOSING

The Tohoku Region offers an abundance of winter activities for visitors to enjoy, from snowshoeing and glamping to snowmobiling and ice fishing. With such a diverse range of options available, it's no surprise that the experiences offered by the region are as fun as the snow is deep. If you're looking to experience the beauty and excitement of a Tohoku winter, be sure to plan a visit next season!

※Please check the website of the business for the detailed implementation schedule.

***Please don't use images or content for commercial purposes.***