Ryokans: The Backcountry Skier’s Secret Weapon in Japan
A Japow trip is the dream for most skiers and snowboarders, but its getting more and more popular among the masses, and avoiding resort crowds is crucial to most of us. When we made the pilgrimage, our favorite part of the trip was our stay in the backcountry. In a perfectly situated lodge, with bottomless pow, incredible meals, and an Onsen on site.
Let me introduce you to the Ryokan.
What’s a Ryokan?
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese guesthouse, usually family run, and rooted in centuries of hospitality culture. Expect tatami mat floors, futon beds that get rolled out each night, low tables for sipping tea, and sliding paper doors that keep everything hushed and peaceful.
But the real charm comes in the details:
Kaiseki meals (multi-course dinners cooked at the Ryokan’s dining hall)
Onsen access (natural hot springs, often on site)
Yakuta Robes (traditional japanese loungewear provided to all travelers by the Ryokan)
It’s not just lodging, its a cultural experience.
Why Do Skiers Love Them?
In recent years, more ryokans in Hokkaido have leaned into the ski scene. Backcountry riders, powder chasers, and splitboarders have started realizing these places aren't just charming they’re practical and efficient.
Many ryokans now offer:
Heated dry rooms for boots and gear
Early breakfasts (sometimes at 5AM) for dawn patrol missions
Local knowledge and beta you can’t find online
Shuttle services to ski areas or trailheads
And let’s be honest: after a long day of skinning, face shots, and endless japow, soaking in a steamy onsen while it dumps outside is peak ski bum.
How to Book One
Booking a ryokan can feel a little intimidating, especially if you're used to apps. Some are on sites like Booking.com or Expedia, but for the real-deal traditional ones, it usually comes down to:
Use Japanese travel sites like Rakuten Travel or Japanican
Look for ski towns like Niseko, Hakuba, Myoko, or Minakami
Email ahead to ask about early breakfasts or ski drying rooms
Many ryokans are more than happy to accommodate ski tourists — even if it’s your first time fumbling with slippers at the door.
Our Experience
We stayed at Kamihoroso in Central Hokkaido near Mt. Tokachi. There were several other Ryokans nearby that catered to skiers as well. Even for a large group like ours (7 people) it was extremely easy to book using Booking.com and Kamihoroso offered everything mentioned above except for a shuttle service. The only mistake we made was not staying longer!
Keep in mind this is truly Backcountry, there is no ski-patrol. We highly recommend having avalanche training and the gear and skills to back it up.
