Private Transfers
Snow Transfers
Seamless charters from Tokyo into the heart of Japan's legendary Snow Country
You came to chase the famous powder, Japow, the last thing you want is to wait even more.
The logistics of trains and busses to popular ski destinations in Nagano, Niigata, and Hokkaido especially can be booked up or particularly frustrating to navigate. Get to the slopes rested and with little headache with our Snow transfers.
Comfort
Spacious vehicles, plenty of room for long bags of winter gear and you too.
Go where the pow is
Book one location, but the pow is better somewhere else? We can rebook.
Local knowledge
Routes and stops handpicked from years on the ground and understanding of the region.
English support
A dedicated English-speaking planner from booking to boarding.
Snow resorts we serve
Each transfer reserves the vehicle for the entire day to accommodate delays due to weather and enable guests to experience cultural stops along the way.
Typical driving times to popular ski resorts areas, inquire for other resorts:
Hakuba Village (Nagano Prefecture)
Hakuba has 10 resorts that range from beginner friendly to freestyle and backcountry friendly. It is a good destination for those looking for things to do in the evening or for those who want a slightly more global feel. However, the resort area is quite spread out making exploring after the mountain a bit difficult without transportation.
In 1998, the resort town hosted the Ski Jumping Olympic competitions and the resort Happo One, hosted the alpine Skiing downhill, super giant slalom (Super-G) and Nordic Combined events.
The best resort for beginners and POW lovers: Tsugaike & Cortina
For advanced riders: Happo One
For park lovers: Goryu and 47
For day-trippers interested in the views: Iwatake
From Narita: 5–6 hours usually (including rest stops and traffic)
From Haneda: 5–6 hours usually (including rest stops and traffic)
Nozawa Onsen (Nagano Prefecture)
Nozawa is a popular destination because it is a compact onsen town, meaning there are free public hot spring buildings all throughout town. The mountain hosts varied terrain, with wide open beginner slops and tree runs that make the most memorable pow days. Take the famous Skyline run in a bluebird day for views you won’t forget. This onsen town is also a great choice for vegans and vegetarians, as there are several options in town. It is also one of the best options for those looking for things to do after the day on the mountain.
Nearby Nozawa Onsen are several lesser known local mountains. Those with the Indy Pass may also access Cupid Valley via a short drive away. Please note, TokudAw is not an affiliate an of the pass, we are only providing you with information.
From Narita: 5–6 hours usually (including rest stops and traffic)
From Haneda: 5–6 hours usually (including rest stops and traffic)
Shiga Kogen (Nagano prefecture)
Japan’s largest ski resort, combining 18 different ski areas and 80 km of trails into one connected resort. In 1998, the resort hosted the Olympic Snowboarding and alpine slalom events—visitors today can ski the same course in the Yakebitaiyama area of the resort. The resort is good for families with older kids and more advanced riders. As the resort is quite spread out, careful planning when booking hotels and meals is required, and booking transportation is recommended to ensure the best experience. As it is a higher resort, this typically makes a great option for later season skiing in March or early April.
Visitors with the Ikon pass can enjoy access to this resort. Please note, TokudAw is not an affiliate an of the pass, we are only providing you with information.
From Narita: 5–6 hours usually (including rest stops and traffic)
From Haneda: 5–6 hours usually (including rest stops and traffic)
Yuzawa Resorts (Niigata prefecture)
The closest resort town to Tokyo, this resort town is the Tokyo’s favorite. It can easily be made into a day trip, or a shorter stay. Feel the sense of a small onsen town with local vibes. Within Yuzawa, there are 12 resorts within driving distance, and the nearby Minakami features another. The area offers Ikon pass holders access to Mt. T, and Indy pass holders access to Nakazato, Maiko, and Muica. Please note, TokudAw is not an affiliate an of the passes, we are only providing you with information.
For beginners and families with young children: Nakazato, Muica
For families: Naeba
For entry-level backcountry: Muica
For intermediates and Pow lovers: Maiko, Kagura, Ishiuchi
For bad-weather/rainy days: Ishiuchi
For advanced riders: Mt. T
For day-trippers interested in the views: Gala
From Narita: 2.5–4 hours usually (including rest stops and traffic)
From Haneda: 2.5–4 hours usually (including rest stops and traffic)
Myoko Area (Niigata prefecture)
Slopes that have preserved their local feel, with many nearby accommodations offering visitors an onsen (hot spring) experience in the hotel. On a clear day, the ocean or even Mount Fuji can even be seen from the top of some runs. Myoko Suginohara offers the longest run in Japan, a continuous 8.5km run from top to bottom. The resorts are great for tree-runs and offer some well-preserved snow even in mid-late March, typically. The town is small, but good for families with slightly older children and up. Some Apres-Ski culture can be found.
Visitors with the Ikon pass will enjoy access to several resorts in the area including Lotte Arai, Myoko Suginohara and Madaro. However, car transportation is recommended to transfer between resorts as they are not easily connected by the public transportation infrastructure. Please note, TokudAw is not an affiliate an of the pass, we are only providing you with information.
From Narita: 5–6 hours usually (including rest stops and traffic)
From Haneda: 5–6 hours usually (including rest stops and traffic)
Zao Onsen (Yamagata prefecture)
Zao Onsen is most famous for it’s snow monsters, or snow covered trees that deform into monster-like shapes. Many visitors to the mountain will opt to take the gondola up to view the snow monsters and enjoy the view from a cafe at the top. Visitors who can ski or snowboard may choose to take the lifts up to the monsters and ski down among them. A surreal experience, especially on a day with poor visibility. The town is a small onsen town offering a relaxing retreat for couples especially as there are many cozy ryokans or traditional style Japanese hotels to choose form.
Pass holders of the Ikon pass have access to Zao Onsen and are within a couple hours drive of Nekoma. Passholders of the Indy pass are within a few hours drive of both Onikobe and Geto Kogen. Please note, TokudAw is not an affiliate an of the pass, we are only providing you with information.
From Narita: 5–6 hours usually (including rest stops and traffic)
From Haneda: 5–6 hours usually (including rest stops and traffic)
Niseko (Hokkaido prefecture)
One of Japan’s premier skiing destinations with several resorts on the face of one mountain and united under one pass and by the Ikon pass. Known for some of the best powder in the country, the snow is typically lightweight and dry, and the mountain features several backcountry gates. It also known for having a rich culinary scene and one of the most vibrant Apres-Ski scenes in Japan. This is a great choice for serious riders looking for a more global experience.
For riders with the Epic pass, a nearby alternative is the Rusutsu resort. Please note, TokudAw is not an affiliate an of the pass, we are only providing you with information.
From New Chitose: 2–3 hours usually (Including rest stops and traffic)
IN COLLABORATION WITH SNOW COUNTRY INSTRUCTORSWorld-class expertise, on and off the slopes
In collaboration with Snow Country Instructors in Niigata, we offer an elevated, end-to-end winter experience built on safety, logistical precision, and world-class instruction. Learn from the region's finest professionals while we handle everything between the lodge and the lift.
Visit Snow Country Instructors
FINDING EVERY RYTHEMBeyond the skiing, the Snow Country itself
We provide consecutive days of service for curated sightseeing — from hidden onsen retreats to local cultural landmarks — ensuring every generation finds its own rhythm in the snow. Arrive restored, learn from the region's finest, and embrace the extraordinary beauty of Snow Country without compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes — our charter vehicles are chosen to fit your group and your gear, so skis, snowboards, boots, and luggage all travel with you from Tokyo to the slopes. No shipping ahead, no wrestling equipment onto trains.
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Yes. Rather than the high-volume rental shops, we arrange access to the region's premier independent rental boutiques for high-performance gear — fitted and ready so your first morning starts on the mountain, not in a queue. Let us know sizes and preferences when you enquire.
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The Yuzawa area resorts — Naeba, Kagura, and Maiko — are typically around two and a half to three hours from central Tokyo by expressway, depending on traffic and winter road conditions. Your driver plans around the weather and your family's pace, with breaks wherever they're needed.
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Yes — consecutive days of service are one of the things we do best. Beyond transfers, we can build in curated sightseeing between ski days, from hidden onsen retreats to local cultural landmarks, so every generation finds its own rhythm in the snow.
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We recommend Niigata’s Yuzawa region for this. However, our snow charters are designed specifically for families and multi-generational groups no matter where we go. Skiers and boarders head to the lifts while others are taken to gentler activities or a warm onsen, and everyone reunites at day's end. Safety and comfort for every age is the whole point of the service.
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It is always a bit tricky to know, because Japan’s ski season is shorter than other countries. This often means most resorts close sometime in mid-to-late March. However, there are some resorts that are higher than others and will be the last to close. In Honshu, Japan’s main island, the resorts that remain open after March include Shiga Kogen, Kagura, and sometimes Nozawa. In Hokkaido, or Japan’s northern most island, resorts are often open later in the season, too. However, please do not expect Japan’s legendary Japow at this time, you will most likely experience spring conditions.
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The area near Nozawa onsen is one of the best to offer you a mix of everything. It is a resort town, with access to varied food options. TokudAw can arrange cultural experiences for your off-slope days in the surrounding Niigata and Nagano areas.
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There are many great places to visit for playing in the snow. The Yuzawa has several resorts that allow for you to take the lift up and play at the top of the mountain and a meal, or even a trek or snow mobile in the snow. The surrounding towns are great to experience the life and history of of people who live in Snow Country. Several resorts in Hakuba also offer lift access to pedestrians. TokudAw can arrange a full snow experience for you based on your needs and desires.
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We are happy to help you plan your itinerary and recommend some of our favorite places in the area, please contact us for additional details.
Arrive restored.
Step out of the van and into the heart of Snow Country