Ikon Pass Road Trip | Japan

Experience the perfect blend of Japan’s vibrant city culture and legendary powder snow on this exciting ski adventure. Begin with two nights in Tokyo before travelling by bullet train to Nagano and collecting your rental car. Explore the vast terrain of Shiga Kogen, then discover the deep powder and authentic mountain atmosphere of Myoko Kogen, with a day trip to the freeride paradise of Lotte Arai. Your Ikon Base Pass provides access to both Shiga Kogen and Lotte Arai, making this an outstanding value ski holiday.

Overview

12 nights from $6,550 per person* | Land only

Exclusive Ikon Pass Pricing

Book Before: 19 June 2026

Includes:

  • 2 nights in Tokyo at the Keio Plaza
  • 4 nights in Shiga Kogen at the Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel (East)
  • 6 nights in Myoko Kogen at the Oyado Furuya
  • Ikon Base Pass
  • 11 day car hire in a Nissan X Trail or similar SUV + Rail Pass

Excludes: Airfares, meals and travel insurance.

Ask us about booking your airfares, insurance, stopovers, activities or alternative travel dates.

*See Terms and Conditions

Ref: 21311

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Terms & Conditions

  • Prices are based on per person twin share, in NZD, land only and selected travel periods and blackout dates apply.
  • Prices are correct at the time of release and are subject to availability and to change without notice.
  • Credit/debit card/Q Mastercard®/Q Card surcharges, singles supplement and cancellation/change fees may apply.
  • Events beyond our control such as currency fluctuations and changes to the price of aviation fuel may result in price variations.
  • Accommodation: Accommodation subject to availability,  minimum stay and blackout dates apply.
  • Ikon Pass Exclusive pricing: book before 19 June 2026
  • Travel Dates: 27 February – 11 March 2027.
  • Specials are subject to availability and valid at selected properties and resorts.
  • Prices exclude (unless specified) airfares, insurance, meals, other activities and all items of a personal nature.
  • Additional levies, government charges, and fees may apply that are beyond our control.
  • Accommodation: Subject to availability. Selected travel dates & blackouts & book by dates apply. Specific room types, bedding configuration, features and amenities may vary.
  • Activities: Where specified are subject to availability and weather dependent. Age, weight and height restrictions may apply.
  • Product is supplied by suppliers with their own terms and conditions.
  • Travel & Co full terms and conditions apply.

Gallery

What makes this road trip special

Why You’ll Love This Trip

  • Combines Japan’s largest ski area with one of its snowiest regions
  • Minimal hotel changes with just two mountain bases
  • Flexibility of a rental car for sightseeing and powder chasing
  • Includes Ikon Base Pass access to Shiga Kogen and Lotte Arai
  • Perfect balance of city experiences, traditional Japan and world class skiing
  • Easy rail connections eliminate the need to drive in Tokyo
  • Seamless return journey from Nagano Station directly to Narita Airport via Tokyo

A fantastic itinerary for skiers and snowboarders wanting to experience the best of Central Japan’s powder snow, culture and mountain scenery.

Itenarary

Days 1-2: Tokyo

Arrive in Tokyo and spend two nights exploring one of the world’s most exciting cities. Discover the bright lights of Shinjuku, the bustling crossings of Shibuya, traditional temples, world class dining and endless shopping opportunities.

Stay: Tokyo (2 nights)

Day 3: Tokyo to Shiga Kogen

Train: Tokyo to Nagano Station – Approx. 1hr 30min
Drive: Nagano Station to Shiga Kogen – Approx. 1hr 15min / 45km

Travel north aboard the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano. Collect your rental car and drive into the mountains to Shiga Kogen, Japan’s largest interconnected ski area.

Stay: Shiga Kogen

Days 4-6: Ski Shiga Kogen

Enjoy three full days exploring the extensive terrain of Shiga Kogen. With 18 interconnected ski areas, there is plenty of variety for all ability levels.

Highlights include:

  • Yakebitaiyama’s long cruising runs
  • Powder skiing at Okushiga Kogen
  • High alpine terrain and panoramic views
  • Snow Monkey Park
  • Traditional Shibu Onsen village

Stay: Shiga Kogen

Day 7: Shiga Kogen to Myoko Kogen

Drive: Approx. 1hr 30min / 70km

Travel through the mountains to Myoko Kogen, one of Japan’s snowiest ski regions. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this traditional ski destination.

Stay: Myoko Kogen

Days 8-12: Ski Myoko Kogen & Lotte Arai

Spend five full days exploring the resorts of Myoko Kogen and the surrounding region.

Myoko Kogen Highlights

  • Akakura Onsen
  • Akakura Kanko
  • Suginohara
  • Ikenotaira
  • Excellent powder and tree skiing
  • Traditional Japanese village atmosphere

Lotte Arai Day Trip

Take a day trip to Lotte Arai Resort, located approximately 35 minutes from Myoko Kogen. Included on the Ikon Base Pass, Lotte Arai is renowned for:

  • Deep powder snow
  • Extensive freeride terrain
  • Open bowls and tree runs
  • Modern lift infrastructure

Additional day trips can also be made to Madarao Mountain Resort or Tangram Ski Circus.

Stay: Myoko Kogen

Day 13: Myoko Kogen to Narita Airport

Drive: Myoko Kogen to Nagano Station – Approx. 1hr 15min / 75km
Train: Nagano Station to Tokyo Station by Hokuriku Shinkansen – Approx. 1hr 30min
Train: Tokyo Station to Narita Airport by Narita Express – Approx. 1hr

Enjoy a final morning in the mountains before returning your rental vehicle at Nagano Station. From here, board the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tokyo Station and connect to the Narita Express for a comfortable journey directly to Narita Airport. Total train travel time is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours depending on connections. (JR East)

Driving Distances

Route Distance Time
Nagano Station → Shiga Kogen 45km 1hr 15min
Shiga Kogen → Myoko Kogen 70km 1hr 30min
Myoko Kogen → Lotte Arai 30km 35min
Myoko Kogen → Nagano Station 75km 1hr 15min

Rail Connections

Route Time
Tokyo → Nagano Station Approx. 1hr 30min
Nagano Station → Tokyo Station Approx. 1hr 30min
Tokyo Station → Narita Airport Approx. 53min – 1hr