Iwate

Morioka -  the capital city of Iwate is flanked by the snowy peaks of the mountains in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park. This is where the Hachimantai ski resorts are located including Appi Kogen - the largest resort in Iwate. Morioka is only 2 hours from Tokyo by the Tohoku Shinkansen.

Skiing & Snowboarding in Iwate

Iwate get its fair share of Japow and in previous years, some resorts have even claimed to have had the highest snowfall in Japan. Appi and Geto in particular. Unless its public holidays or weekends you can expect fairly uncrowded slopes.

Aspirin Pow

Due to Iwate’s location on the Eastern side of Tohoku, it is not as humid since the snow clouds from the West have to travel further inland. Snow that falls here has low moisture which results in very dry powder snow, nicknamed Aspirin Pow because it feels like you got a tablet and crushed it. When you are skiing through it, it doesn't clump up as much and if you are lucky to get a deep powder day, you can experience the weightless feeling of your skis / board gliding through without feeling the bottom.

Iwate Backcountry

The mountains of Iwate are a natural playground for backcountry skiers & boarders. There are guided tours and CAT tours that can take you to the best spots.

Iwate Ski & Snowboard Shops

There are a couple of ski and snowboard shops in Morioka city where you should be able to find the gear you need. 
Shop Jaja in Geto Kogen has a very desirable range of snowboards and skis designed for deep powder which you can buy or rent.

Where to Stay in Iwate

The larger Iwate resorts Appi, Hachimantai and Shizukuishi have hotels with ski in ski out access. You can also choose to stay at ryokans in the villages nearby which offer a traditional relaxing onsen experience. The mode of operation is to ski till you drop, then soak in an onsen before being enjoying a gourmet meal.

Morioka city is located centrally to the Iwate resort and Tazawako in Akita. It's an ideal base if you want to keep your options open as to which resort to ski at. Its a short drive away to most resorts and there are trains and snow shuttle buses. This also means you have a greater variety of restaurant options available.

Kitakami city is also an option with good access to Geto Kogen.

What to Eat in Iwate

Iwate is known for it’s noodles which are are made with locally grown buckwheat flour. Visitors should try the 3 Great Noodles of Morioka, especially Wanko soba. The challenge of eating as many little bowls of this noodle is a fun group experience. The seafood is excellent  here, freshly caught from the Pacific ocean off the Sanriku coast.

Things to do in Iwafe

Apart from skiing, Northern Tohoku has lots of sightseeing and cuktural activiites for travelers.