As promised...our first ski/snow trip to Japan has been scheduled! Wanna be the envy of all your friends who don't go with us???
We'll be in Winter Olympic territory and the birthplace of Sapporo beer. There is even a beer museum with tastings in the capital city of Sapporo. All of our ski hotels (3 nights are ski in/ski out at Tomamu, where there is an ice village and the largest indoor wave pool) will have included indoor hot springs (Onsens).
PASSPORT BOOKS MUST BE GOOD UNTIL JULY 23, 2026 OR LATER AT TIME OF TRAVEL
We will fly together and arrive a day early to adjust to the time change. Plus, we'll have a little time to see Sapporo before the bus picks us up. There will be 9 possible ski days at 5 different resorts: Tomamu, Kiroro Snow World, Kamui Ski Links, Pippu, and Mount Racey. And we'll be in an area for some cool sightseeing if you need a day or 2 off.
If you bought the INDY pass when I emailed the announcement, 6 of those ski day lift tickets are included. If you didn't get the pass, lift tickets are only about $50/day. The pass is sold out but it's not too late to get on the waitlist for the INDY pass. They usually offer a few more later in the year, but the waitlist is essential to get one of those. The pass is also good for Sunrise in Arizona and our trip to Brundage, Idaho.
We will have included transportation to/from the Japan airport on both ends in Sapporo, all transport between hotels and to/from ski areas, and rides to the 4 included off property dinners. A company host/guide will be with us the whole trip too.
16 meals (9 breakfasts and 7 dinners) are included with the 9 nights double occupancy hotel rooms (6 nights are 4 star and 3 nights are ski in/ski out 3 star). If you don't want the added cost of a single supplement for a private room, we can match you for free with a roommate. We'll first try and match you with someone in our group from the US.
If we don't have someone for you, the tour company will match you with the next person to sign up (could be male or female). All shared rooms have 2 twin beds. 20 people max for the entire trip so you will want to sign up soon since they are marketing to the entire country. They are not holding spots for us.
The trip is priced in Japanese Yen so the trip cost below could go up or down, based on daily currency fluctuations. Due to our country's impending inflation and recession, expect the US dollar to drop against the Yen. So signing up now will be cheaper. And the posted price includes an "early bird" signup discount.
After you rsvp and email: affordablegrouptravel@gmail.com, your $1600 deposit will need to be sent in right away using Zelle, Venmo or Apple Pay to grab your spot. If you want a single room, you'll need to add the $999 to the deposit since they require that paid in full when signing up.
Then, we can match your flights with ours all the way to Sapporo and back. You will need to decide on economy, comfort plus, premium economy, or business class flights. You'll get the current price, and this will need to be paid in full to secure the lowest price.
If you aren't flying out of Tucson with us, I will match your itinerary with ours to overlap so we can rendezvous in one of the airports. There will be 3 nights hotel (2 before and 1 after) to book and pay for too. 2 of those are in Sapporo, Japan. I will know those exact costs soon.
The last and another important decision will be travel insurance. The tour company requires it so I will get that for each one of us. The premium will be based on your age and the amount of cancellation coverage. I will need your state of residency and birthdate to get you a quote.
This trip will accommodate all levels of skier/boarder. If you like groomers and staying inbounds, there will be lots of options and at least one ski buddy. For you crazy people, back country and guided options will be available. We'll get more info on that when you let me know your preference.
TRIP COST: (based on current exchange rates with Japanese Yen)
$3200.00/person (double occupancy room)
+$999.00 for single occupancy room
DEPOSIT: due asap to grab your spot
$1600.00
Trip cost includes 9 nights double occupancy twin room, 16 meals, and all listed transfers.
NOT INCLUDED: roundtrip airfare, 3 nights in airport hotels, lift tickets, lunches and snacks, travel insurance, gratuities, and anything not mentioned as included.
FINAL PAYMENT: due November 15 or sooner. Monthly payments will be needed after your deposit so I can make the required payment schedule to the tour operator.
A signed waiver is required from all travelers. All monies are non-refundable and non-transferable. Marijuana in any form is not permitted in transit on airplanes. If you can buy it in Japan, you can use it there, if legal. No illegal drugs, weapons or animals permitted.
