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JAPOW

Chasing JAPOW : Japan’s Legendary Powder Snow

What is JAPOW?

The term "Japan Powder," or JAPOW for short, refers to the deep, absolutely dry snow that covers Japan's mountains in January and February. This "Japowder" produces one of the world's deepest and most dependable snowpacks, from the rugged Japanese Alps to Hokkaido's winter paradise.

During a shoot in Chile, photographer Mark Welsh told me several anecdotes that gave me my first taste of JAPOW. Five months later, I was flying to Hokkaido to try my hand at the fabled snow. Since then, I've had the opportunity to share these slopes with some of the top snowboarders and skiers in the world, and they always talk about how much they love JAPOW and Japanese culture.

Why We’re JAPOW Obsessed

Beyond the snow, Japan provides unique experiences, such as seeing snow monkeys in Nagano, cosy whisky bars like Bar GYU concealed behind a freezer door, and onsen hot springs following a heavy powder day. While Tokyo shines with its cuisine, culture, and flair, resorts like Goryu and Kiroro provide amazing riding.

Why Choose PowderQuest for Your JAPOW Trip

  • Local Expertise: Guided by pros who know every secret powder stash.
  • Small Groups: Max 8 guests for a personalized, uncrowded experience.
  • Seamless Logistics: We handle everything from transport to lift tickets.
  • Authentic Experiences: More than just skiing we connect you with Japan’s culture, food, and hidden gems.

Conclusion

JAPOW is more than just a winter vacation; it's a powder-chasing pilgrimage that you'll want to make time and time again because of the perfect snow, rich culture, and friendly locals. You won't just travel to Japan with PowderQuest; you'll live like a native.


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