** 2026 JAPAN PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION **
Getting There & Back
AIRPORT TAX & VISA
YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR 90 DAY TOURIST VISA UPON PORT OF ENTRY IN JAPAN.
US AND CANADIAN CITIZENS DO NOT NEED TO APPLY FOR VISA BEFORE ENTRY AND THERE ARE NO VISA FEES FOR TOURISTS.
COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS
Japan officially opened its borders with visa free requirements October 11, 2022
There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens
Restrictions such as quarantines, curfews, public transportation have all been lifted.
AIRPORT DETAILS
!!DO NOT BRING FRUITS, NUTS, VEGETABLES OR MEAT PRODUCTS. YOU CAN BE FINED FOR DOING SO!!
!!THERE ARE 2 MAJOR AIRPORTS IN TOKYO. NARITA (NRT) AND HANEDA (HND). MAKE SURE YOU SCHEDULE YOUR DOMESTIC FLIGHT TO CHITOSE (CTS)FROM THE TOYKYO AIRPORT YOU ARRIVE AND DEPART FROM!!
TRANSPORTATION FROM NEW CHITOSE (CTS) INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
ARRIVAL PICK-UPS
CASA guides will be meeting guests arriving at the New Chitose International Airport (CTS) on Day One of our journey. If you plan to arrive at an earlier date, please inform us which hotel you will be staying at and your CASA guide will arrange a pick-up time/place on Day One. If you arrive earlier than the scheduled departure you will be responsible for making your own way from the airport to your accommodations unless otherwise arranged by CASA Tours.
GUIDES WILL INFORM GUESTS ARRIVING EARLY OF MEETING TIMES & LOCATIONS PRIOR TO DAY 1 OF THE SCHEDULED TOUR.
DEPARTURES:
CASA TOURS will arrange transportation to New Chitose International Airport (CTS) in time for guests to catch homeward flights. Our tours return guests to New Chitose International Airport on the final evening of the tour. CASA Tours can help assist guests if they plan to stay longer.
$$ DEALING WITH YEN $$
CREDIT CARDS/ DEBIT CARDS/ ATMS
VISA and MasterCard credit and debit cards are the best ways to get cash on the island of Hokkaido. 7- Eleven convenience stores are the best access to foreign ATM machines and accept both VISA and MasterCard. Credit cards including American Express are also accepted for many goods and services throughout Japan, however it is a good plan to have some yen in the pocket. Traveler’s checks are difficult to exchange. Having some CASH $ stashed is useful with a few YEN handy.
TRAVELER TIPS:
–THERE ARE ATM MACHINES LOCATED IN THE NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT UPON ARRIVAL
-7-ELEVEN IS BEST ATM EXCHANGE AND MOST RELIABLE ON HOKKAIDO.
-LET YOUR BANK KNOW YOU WILL BE TRAVELING AND USING YOUR ATM CARD ABROAD
-STASH SOME CASH FUNDS SEPARATE FROM BANK CARDS
-AS OF JANUARY 8, 2026: $100 USD = 15,688 YEN
Y10,000 = $63.75 USD
–XE Currency Exchange: Click for Current Rates
SECURITY
One of the best things about traveling in Japan is how safe it is. Crime is basically non-existent and Japan is one of the most stress free countries to travel around.
TRAVELER TIP:
CARRY A HOTEL BUSINESS CARD WHEN YOU GO OUT AT NIGHT
YOU CAN GIVE THE CARD TO TAXI DRIVER IF YOU STAY OUT LATE AND WANT TO RETURN TO YOUR HOTEL. SHOW THE CARD AND SAY “KUDASAI” – THIS MEANS PLEASE AND DRIVER WILL KNOW TO TAKE YOU TO THIS LOCATION
EQUIPMENT
Deciding what gear is necessary and what is not will influence how smoothly your Hokkaido skiing/snowboarding vacation will be. There are several things to keep in mind as you pack:
-BRING YOUR OWN SKIING OR SNOWBOARDING EQUIPMENT!!! Finding quality rental gear in Japan can be challenging and expensive. CASA highly recommends that you take care of all your equipment needs while you are still at home. Once on the tour, the only option is to rent at each of the resorts we visit. We discourage this, as it can be time consuming and costly.
-AVALANCHE EQUIPMENT – TRANSCEIVER, SHOVEL, PROBE AND BACKPACK ARE REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
-PLEASE CONTACT CASA TOURS IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THIS EQUIPMENT.
-SKINS FOR AT SKIS OR SPLITBOARD –
HAVING BACKCOUNTRY TOURING EQUIPMENT OPENS UP A LOT MORE TERRAIN OPPORTUNITY. SKIERS SHOULD HAVE AN ALPINE TOURING/ RANDONEE SET-UP WITH PROPER BOOTS & BINDINGS. SNOWBOARDERS CAN USE EITHER A SPLITBOARD OR SNOWSHOES WITH EXPANDABLE POLES.
-SNOWBOARDERS MUST BRING EXPANDABLE POLES AND RIDE WITH THEM FREQUENTLY TO AVOID FLAT SECTIONS AND IMPROVE FLUIDITY ON THE MOUNTAIN
-SPLITBOARDS ARE NOT MANDATORY BUT THEY ARE FUN AND FUNCTIONAL. THEY ARE NOT EASY TO RENT. SNOW SHOES ARE AVAILABLE TO RENT WITH ADVANCE NOTICE BUT CAN BE CLUNKY.
-!!LAYERS!! Having layers you can add or shed and weatherproof outerwear will prepare you for all elements. A Puffy down/synthetic layer is crucial for the Siberian cold fronts Hokkaido experiences. Wool baselayers are the best for traveling and keeping you warm and dry without the odor of synthetic fabrics.
BERINGIA WORLD: 30% Discount Code:CASATOURS30
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BRAND FOR HIGH QUALITY OUTDOOR APPAREL. EXCELLENT MERINO WOOL BASE LAYERS, DOWN JACKETS AND PERFORMANCE OUTERWEAR. BASED IN BOZEMAN, MONTANA AND MADE IN JAPAN.
FLYLOW GEAR: 35% Discount code:BF35
I’VE BEEN SPORTING FLYLOW GEAR FOR ALMOST 2 DECADES NOW. THEIR BAKER BIBS ARE MY GO TO SNOW PANTS. FLYLOW ALSO MAKES A PHOTOCHROMATIC AND LOW LIGHT LENS GOGGLES. THE 35% DISCOUNT MAKES THEM VERY AFFORDABLE. LOW LIGHT LENSES ARE VERY USEFUL IN HOKKAIDO.
-*2 PAIRS OF GOGGLES & GLOVES
Low light lenses for goggles is very useful. Ideally we are in storm conditions but having either multiple lenses or a second pair of goggles is advised. Vision is everything. If you can’t see it is very hard to ski, so having a backup goggle/lenses in your pack is wise. I also recommend bringing 2 pairs of gloves. Keeping an extra pair in your pack is helpful. Also useful to have a dry pair to go out at night.
-*WARM WINTER BOOTS THAT ARE GRIPPY –
Streets and sidewalks can get super slippery and temps can be really cold going out. Sapporo is one of the snowiest cities on Earth. Sidewalks can be double black diamond navigation at times. The city of Otaru is notorious for being swept off your feet. Traction is VERY important.
*-PACK YOUR SKI BOOTS, BASE LAYERS, GLOVES, HELMET, GOGGLES IN YOUR CARRY ON LUGGAGE-
These basics will get you through airline miscues. We highly recommend you carry your ski or snowboard boots during your air travel as a carry on item. In the case of gear not arriving we can rent skis and snowboards but having your own boots are critical to your personal happiness!
-PURCHASE LUGGAGE FEES ONLINE BEFORE YOUR ARRIVAL. MANY DOMESTIC FLIGHTS IN JAPAN CHARGE FOR LUGGAGE YOU CAN SAVE DOLLARS IF PURCHASED BEFORE.
-EXTRA SOCKS AND UNDERWEAR.
Having clean socks and underwear makes a big difference. I’d rather leave the extra pair of jeans at home and bring more baselayers. There are laundry facilities at all the hotels we stay at, however, I’d prefer to spend more time in the onsen than washing socks and underwear.
-ONSEN BAG –
We visit onsens (Japanese hot baths) on a daily basis. Onsens are where most bathing occurs and having a small bag or tote to carry fresh baselayers to change into afterwards is very useful. The onsens also supply excellent shampoos, conditioners, lotions, hair dryers etc for all to use. You can save weight not packing these toiletry items. You also do not need to bring a swimsuit. Onsens are separated by gender and bathing suits are prohibited.
-PORTABLE BATTERY CHARGER FOR PHONE
Really helps for keeping phone charged in cold temps while on the mountain.
-INTERNATIONAL POWER CONVERTER
The voltage in Japan is 100 Volt, which is different from North America (120V), Central Europe (230V) and most other regions of the world. Japanese electrical plugs have two, non-polarized pins, as shown above. They fit into North American outlets
MORE TRAVELER TIPS
-We highly recommend you carry your ski or snowboard boots during your air travel as a carry on item. In the case of gear not arriving we can rent skis and snowboards but having your own boots is critical to your personal happiness!
-Make sure your ski and snowboard gear is functioning properly before you arrive in Japan. CASA guides have a fundamental knowledge of how to fix minor problems and tune both skis and snowboards, but you will lose valuable time on the slopes if your equipment is defective.
Pack lightly! Laundry facilities are available at almost all of our destinations. You do not need to pack your entire wardrobe for fear of running out of clean clothes or being overweight at the airport! Extra socks and underwear can give your other clothes longer lifespan. Wool baselayers are awesome!!!!
CASA recommends that you purchase a padded or protective bag (if you do not already own one) for your skis or snowboard. This will aid you in transporting your gear as well as protect it during air travel. Wheels are very helpful
Most airlines will allow you to check your skis or snowboard onto any flight just as you would any piece of baggage. You should inquire with your air carrier in advance to make sure no special requirements or charges apply. Remember that most airlines only allow two carry-on items and two pieces of check-in baggage without accruing extra charges, so with your skis/snowboard, that allows only one other piece of check-in baggage! Try to pack accordingly.
SUGGESTED PACKING LIST
SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING EQUIPMENT
-Skis or snowboard (1 or 2 pair)
-Skiing/Snowboarding boots
-Ski poles (Snowboarders-collapsible poles for hiking)
-Padded ski or snowboard travel bag (wheels are helpful)
-Skins if you have AT, Tele or Splitboard gear
-SKI/SNOWBOARD BACKPACK
Must be equipped to carry your skis/snowboard on your back and hold your shovel, probe, water, extra layer, skins if touring, extra gloves and goggles.
–HELMET
-AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER
–AVALANCHE PROBE
–METAL COLLAPSIBLE SHOVEL
OUTERWEAR
–FLYLOW GEAR: Discount Code: BF35 – 35%OFF
-Waterproof/Windproof OuterJacket Shell
-Waterproof/Windproof Snow pants
-Goggles (2 PAIR) – 1 LOW LIGHT LENS RECOMMENDED – STORM
-Sunglasses
-Gloves (2 PAIR)
-Warm hat
-BUFF
-Down/Synthetic-filled Jackets (1-2 Down layers are recommended 1 for skiing 1 for nightime)
LAYERS
-Top and Bottom Base Layers 2-3 Pair (MERINO Wool Highly Recommended)
-BERINGIA WORLD: Discount Code: CASATOURS30 – 30%OFF
-Mid-Weight Layers (No Cotton) Be Prepared for a wide-variety of conditions – LIGHT DOWN LAYER GREAT FOR YOUR SKI PACK
CLOTHING
-Shoes (ones with excellent traction for snow & ice and easy to take on & off)
-Long Pants – Dining is casual – Jeans are acceptable everywhere
-Shirts – Something comfortable – Apres Onsen Hoodie
-Underwear 6-8 Pairs for 11 Days
-Ski/Snowboard Socks 6-8 Pairs for 11 Days
-Swimsuits prohibited at most onsens in Japan!
ACCESSORIES/ MISCELLENEOUS ITEMS
-ELECTRONICS CHARGER FOR PHONES AND LAPTOPS
-Glasses – Prescription & Sunglasses
-Onsen Bag
-Travel wallet (with credit cards, ID, etc.)
-Airline tickets and copy of airline ticket
-Passport and copies of Passport
-Cash $$
-Medications and a copy of the prescriptions
-SUNSCREEN and lip balm!!!!
-Toiletries – DO NOT NEED SHAMPOO, CONDITIONER OR HAIR DRYER
–Copy of Travel Insurance
!!DO NOT BRING FRUITS, NUTS, VEGETABLES OR MEAT PRODUCTS – ENERGY FOODS LIKE CLIF PRODUCTS ARE OK
!!TAKE A PICTURE OF YOUR PASSPORT, AIRLINE TIX, & TRAVEL INSURANCE TO ACCESS ON YOUR PHONE!!
WEATHER & BACKCOUNTRY
WEATHER on Hokkaido is variable and can get extremely cold so please pack accordingly. Siberian air fronts can move in and dump huge amounts of snow with frigid tempertures due to maritime humidity. Winds can be fierce and force ski areas to close. Being prepared for all types of weather will allow you to tolerate these elements. CASA Tours can not control the weather but our experience enables us to make the safest decisions based on current conditions. Our priority is to ski or snowboard however the weather dictates our situation and CASA Tours prides itself in providing alternate activities if we can not ski or snowboard. CASA guides will access avalanche conditions on a daily basis to determine whether it is safe to ski and snowboard out of the controlled areas.
GUESTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR BRINGING THEIR OWN AVALANCHE GEAR AND SKI/SNOWBOARD BACKPACKS . If you plan on doing any skiing/riding out of bounds with our guides, you will need a backpack or vest to carry your skis/boards, shovel,skins, h2o, snacks and probe. CASA highly recommends you bring your own avalanche transceiver that you are comfortable with. BCA provides CASA Tours guests with special discounts for their avalanche equipment.
MEALS
All meals while on tour with the exception of lunch, personal snacks and drinks and alcoholic beverages are included on your tour. Our tours dine in local restaurants and hope to give our guests a wide sample of Japanese cuisine. During the tour, you are welcome to eat away from the group at a restaurant of your choice. These meals would not be included and CASA is unable to give you a discount for not participating in the group meals. If you have special dietary needs or restrictions, please let us know in advance so that we can do our best to accommodate.
TRANSPORTATION
CASA Tours provides private professional van service while traveling throughout Hokkaido. Our drivers have Commercial Drivers Licenses and we rent all wheel drive Toyota 10 person HIACE to accommodate our gear needs.
CANCELLATIONS
Please refer to our Cancellation Policy in our Terms & Conditions
If you need to cancel a reservation FOR ANY REASON, you must notify CASA in writing. Upon receipt of the written cancellation, CASA will notify you in writing of the applied charges. Charges for cancellation vary depending on days prior to trip departure and break down like this:
If notice of cancellation is received more than 60 days prior to departure, the client is responsible for the $1000.00 non-refundable deposit.
If notice of cancellation is received between 60 and 14 days prior to departure, the client is responsible for 70% of the trip cost.
Cancellation received less than 14 days prior to departure results in a loss of the total trip price.
** Please note, CASA requires guests to purchase a travel protection plan. We recommend World Nomads for travel insurance. This is a direct link to their website:
Their plans cover both skiers and snowboarders for medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and theft/property damage. THE EXPLORER PACKAGE IS BEST.
Feel free to contact CASA at 1-406-570-8292 if you have any questions regarding cancellation. (Please see section III in Terms & Conditions.)
http://www.casatours.com/sites/default/files/terms.pdf
ITINERARY CHANGES
If unforeseen circumstances require a change in your trip itinerary, CASA will make every effort to select alternative lodgings, and/or activities of the same high quality and keep route modifications to a minimum.
EXTRA DAYS
Reservations for your stay in Sapporo will be made beginning day one of the tour. If you are arriving early in Sapporo or are staying late, and would like to reserve extra days, please call us at 1-406-570-8292 or indicate this on the Reservation Form.
CONCLUSION OF TRIP
On the last day of your trip, you will be transported back to the New Chitose International Airport for your flight home or to your Sapporo hotel.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
In order to travel to Japan you must have in your possession a current passport. If you do not have one or it has expired you should apply for one immediately. The process of getting a passport can take up to two months, barring any complications.
TRAVELER TIP
We recommend that you make two photocopies of the first page of your passport and a photocopy of your airlines ticket. Leave one copy with a friend or relative, and carry the other copy with you separate from the original documents. Make your photocopies before you leave the U.S. Another option is to scan your documents and email to yourself.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
NO insurance of any kind is provided by CASA. Please refer to the section entitled insurance in CASA’s Terms & Conditions. Any person wishing to travel with CASA is responsible for obtaining travel insurance. We can recommend World Nomads.
This is a direct link to the WORLD NOMADS website:
Their plans cover both skiers and snowboarders for medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and theft/property damage.
Feel free to contact CASA at 1-406 570 8292 if you have any questions regarding cancellation. (Please see section III in Terms & Conditions.)
COMMUNICATIONS
Wifi is readily available throughout Japan. All the hotels we stay at have wifi access.
Cell phone coverage is also excellent throughout Japan. We recommend an international unlimited text plan and short term international coverage for emergencies.
We will set up a Whatsapp Thread so the group can communicate during the tour.
TRAVELER TIP
If you are bringing your smart phone wifi is available but it is important to remember to turn off your roaming service.
Whats App is an all excellent way of communicating via wifi and not running up large cell phone bills. It also does not take up much data if need to use without WiFi.
THE COUNTRY CODE FOR JAPAN IS +81
Following is a list of hotels and phone numbers we can be reached at during the tour. Because we like to keep the itinerary flexible so we can follow the good snow, please keep in mind that the day-by day guide may not pertain to our particular tour – although it should give you a good idea of where we EXPECT to be.
To call Japan from the US – first dial 011 – then the following numbers:
| Accommodations City Phone # | ||
AIR TERMINAL HOTEL
|
CHITOSE |
+81 123-45-6677
|
KANRONOMORI |
NISEKO | +81 136-58-3800 |
DORMY INN |
OTARU |
+81 134 21 5489
|
FURANO VISTA HILLS
|
FURANO | +81 167-23-8666 |
| YASENKAKU
|
RANKOSHI | +81 0136582131 |
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT JAPAN
CLIMATE
January and February, affectionately known as Japanuary, produces record amounts of powder on the island of Hokkaido. It is usually accompanied by Siberian weather fronts which can make temperatures frigid with the relative humidity. Snow, however, can be some of the lightest and driest powder on earth, with Niseko receiving over 600 inches per year. Winds can be fierce with the possibility of shutting down resort lifts. Be prepared for all types of weather to ensure that your trip is enjoyable.
HEALTH PRECAUTIONS
Passengers who have been fully vaccinated and boosted with vaccines approved by the Japanese government and who are arriving in Japan as of October 11 will not require a pre-travel COVID-19 test. Please refer to the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare’s website for more details.
The most common health risks for visitors seem to be stomach illnesses and dehydration. Water is excellent to drink from the tap on Hokkaido.
Though severe stomach illness is usually caused by contaminated water or food, travelers will most likely experience some discomfort adjusting to the natural bacteria and travel stress. There are many over-the-counter remedies available and is a good idea to bring some of these with you.
The activities outlined in the Itinerary are physically strenuous. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to protect yourself against dehydration. Drink water as often as possible, don’t wait until you are thirsty. Remember that alcohol or caffeine can contribute to dehydration.
CURRENCY
The standard unit for currency in Japan is the YEN. Though exchange rates are constantly changing, it is currently 154 YEN to $1 US dollar. Many ATM machines located in Japan are compatible with VISA, MC and Plus systems however 7-Eleven Convenience Stores are most reliable. Traveler’s checks are often hard to exchange and are changed for less than the official exchange rate. Using an ATM card or credit card is the most effective means of withdrawing cash in Japan.
TIME ZONE
During winter, Japan is 16 hours ahead of United States Mountain Standard Time. Remember when making flights that on the way to Japan travelers loose a day and on the return flight home they can a day crossing the international date line
LANGUAGE
The language of Hokkaido is Japanese. Many hotel, restaurant and transportation employees speak fair to minimal amounts of English.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE PODCAST
JAPANESE101POD.COM
https://www.japanesepod101.com/
DUO LINGO ALSO HAS GOOD LANGUAGE LEARNING APP
DRUGS & ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES
Illegal drugs are not tolerated in Japan and you can be arrested and imprisoned if you are found with any of them in your possession. If you are taken into custody for possession of drugs in Japan, there is nothing we – as your tour leaders – can do. You will be at the mercy of the respective country’s legal system – and could be put in prison.
SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING IN JAPAN
So you want to ride JAPOW!!! The experience of skiing or snowboarding on a powder day in Hokkaido is pure euphoria. To ensure that you have the best vacation possible, CASA wants to make sure that you are adequately prepared for the adventure. The information below will give you an idea of what you will encounter at the resorts, and should assist you in planning your Japan snow adventure.
TERRAIN
CASA caters to skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels. The variety of mountains that we visit during the tour have a relatively even distribution of beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert terrain. Experts may want to hike from the lifts to access the ‘goods’. Your CASA guides will inform you of the layout and characteristics of each particular resort, as well as any hazards or dangers that they are aware of. Avalanche potential is carefully reviewed daily, and warnings about avalanche prone areas will be given to those who wish to explore off-piste or out-of-bounds terrain.
*** No out-of bounds skiing/riding will be allowed on tour without a CASA guide. Avalanche safety equipment is mandatory.
VARIABLE SNOW CONDITIONS
CASA wants you to be aware of the possibility of a variety of snow conditions, ranging from deep, deep powder to crusty snow, to corn snow, to ice. Most resorts have plenty of groomed runs, but the majority of the advanced and expert terrain is untouched by machinery, and often untouched by any other skiers or snowboarders…
*** Weather is a throw of the dice. CASA will do its best to provide alternative activities on days when people do not want ski due to inclement weather. However, CASA does not refund guests for ski tickets not used.
WEATHER
The climate on the mountains varies with each resort. Storms happen regulary, and due to the proximity to the Sea of Japan and Siberian weather fronts, it can get windy and COLD. CASA recommends that all guests have cold weather clothing ready to wear if necessary. The guides will always carry extra gear to lend out in case anyone needs more warmth, but you should rely primarily on your own good judgment about having the right equipment with you on the mountain. Goggles, sunscreen, and a waterproof/windproof shell are the staples of an adequately prepared skier or snowboarder. See the Equipment section for more information on what to bring with you.
*** Weather is a throw of the dice. CASA will do its best to provide alternative activities on days when people do not want ski due to inclement weather. However, CASA does not refund guests for ski tickets not used.
CHAIRLIFTS
Japan has over 600 ski areas and hosted 2 winter olympics. There is a very well established ski and snowboard culture throughout Hokkaido. Chairlifts range from large gondolos, to high speed bubble chairs, to “pizza box” single seaters.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
CASA itineraries include consecutive days of skiing/snowboarding. You must be in GOOD physical condition to travel with CASA. Although our trips enable people of all abilities to enjoy the slopes and powder of Hokkaido, being in shape will enhance your experience. YOU MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE SKIING/SNOWBOARDING IN POWDER!!!
INSTRUCTION
Several resorts offer skiing and snowboarding instruction at a reasonable cost. Our CASA guides can provide tips and most importantly an intimate knowledge of the mountain, however we highly recommend that beginning skiers or snowboarders receive instruction. This is a cost not covered in our service. Our guides will be happy to arrange for lessons at any of the resorts we visit. All abilities can join our trips and we strongly encourage people who are new to the sport to get better faster with one on one instruction.
Last of all, prepare to have a good time – your trip to Hokkaido will be an experience that will last a lifetime!
Matane! (SEE YOU SOON IN JAPANESE)
Thank you for choosing to travel with CASA Tours.
We look forward to sharing this adventure with you.
Sincerely,
Dave “GOMEZ” Johnson
Owner/Operator/SKI.E.O. CASA Tours
406-570-8292
casa@casatours.com