Backcountry

Tenjin Guides Backcountry Tour

January, February and early March is powder season at Mt. T and brings massive snow falls to some of the steepest terrain Japan has to offer
Given favorable conditions, a one day tour aims to introduce as much of the mountain as possible
By using lifts with short boot packs, we can clock up 800m of vertical every 45 minutes while riding steep chutes, big bowls and mellow tree runs
It all sounds fun however with the exciting terrain and big snow comes risk and a Tenjin BC tour is suited to strong skiers and boarders with a good level of fitness and ideally, some backcountry experience
For multiday tour clients, moving up into the alpine terrain of Tanigawadake is an option depending on conditions, fitness levels and terrain preferences
Tours are ¥22,000 per person in a group size of 3-6. Private guiding for up to two clients is Y80,000, three clients Y90,000, four clients Y100,000, five clients Y110,000, six clients Y120,000
To book, please email info@tenjinlodge.com with prospective dates. In response we’ll let you know if we have availability and send through information and a questionnaire which we use to screen potential clients for suitability.
If you are not staying at Tenjin Lodge it’s not possible to participate in backcountry tours unless you have a car. There is no way to get to Mt.T in time for first lifts using public transport. If conditions force the tour to another destination, the meeting and departure time is even earlier.

Lead Guide and Tenjin Lodge Owner, Kieren

I arrived in Japan back in 2002 and spent years riding all over Honshu and Hokkaido before discovering Tenjin. After taking stock of the volume and quality of snow, the gnarly terrain and the light crowds, I haven’t looked back. I’ve been primarily riding the Tenjin backcountry every Winter since 2008. I completed and passed the 7 day Avalanche Safety Level 1 course in New Zealand, the 40 hour Wilderness first aid course and spent a few seasons as a canyoning guide during the Summers so I know ropes too. Safety is the primary concern on any tour, vertical meters skied in excellent snow is the second priority. We don’t hike just because it’s a backcountry tour, this tour is about the downhill first and foremost.

I’m just stoked to be out there and I’m cognizant of how short Winters are. I’m happy to skip lunch and rip as many lines as possible or I’m happy to hike half the day to do one mellow line before hiking back to the lodge. Winter 2025-26 has arrived and it looks like a La Nina weather system is in place. Contact us if you’d like to get out there this Winter.

Kagura Backcountry Tour (March)

Kagura is a sweet destination for those new to backcountry riding or those looking to safely squeeze more fresh turns into a season
Tours usually consist of a morning exploring the many side piste opportunities followed by a one hour hike to the peak and some mellow ridgetop freeriding
This tour is suitable to intermediate level riders, looking to give their boundaries a modest push
Tours are ¥15,000 per person plus ¥3000 if you need to rent BC gear. Our guides are busy on Tenjin Jan and Feb but we can recommend guides during these times