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Introduction: Planning Your Winter Ski Trip to Japan
Japan is world-famous for its incredible powder snow, especially in spots like Shiga Kogen, Hokkaido, Nagano, and Niigata. But when planning a winter adventure, one of the biggest challenges for travelers is the cost and hassle of transportation.
While bullet trains (Shinkansen) and rental cars are comfortable, they can be quite expensive.
That is why many local Japanese skiers use “Orion Tour” (orion-tour.co.jp) and similar budget ski bus packages. They are one of the most affordable and convenient ways to reach the slopes!
Top 3 Reasons to Choose Orion Tour Ski Buses
💡 1. Unbeatable Prices (Round-trip Bus + Lift Pass)
The biggest advantage of Orion Tour is that their packages usually include both round-trip bus transportation and a 1-day lift ticket. This is significantly cheaper than buying train tickets and lift passes separately.
💡 2. Flexible Schedules (Overnight Buses & Day Trips)
- Overnight Bus: Depart late at night, sleep on the bus, and arrive at the resort early morning. Perfect for maximizing your ski time!
- Day-trip Bus: Depart early in the morning for a quick day of skiing and return in the evening.
💡 Direct Access from Tokyo
Buses depart directly from major Tokyo hubs like Shinjuku and Tokyo Station, taking you straight to top resorts like Shiga Kogen—no need to drag heavy luggage through crowded train transfers!
【Important】Ski Package Bookings Start in Autumn (October)!
You might be tempted to book right away, but here is a crucial detail to keep in mind:
In Japan, winter ski tour bookings for the upcoming season typically open in autumn (around October to November).
- Summer to Early Autumn: Time to research, plan, and choose your destination.
- From October Onwards: Official booking opens on websites like Orion Tour.
Use this time to gather information, so you are ready to book as soon as reservations open in the fall!
Booking Tip: How to Bypass the “Katakana Name” Error
When using Japanese booking websites with auto-translation (like Chrome Translate), foreign travelers often get stuck on the “Name in Katakana (フリガナ)” field.
Japanese forms usually require names in Katakana characters, and leaving it in English alphabets will trigger a red error message. Here is how to easily solve it:
- Convert Your Name: Use a free online converter tool or Google Translate to convert your name into Katakana (e.g.,
John Smith➔ジョン スミス). - Copy and Paste: Paste the Katakana characters directly into the “Furigana / Katakana” input field.
- Watch the Spaces: If you get an error, make sure there is no English half-width space between your first and last name. Try removing the space or using a full-width Japanese space.
- Pro-Tip: If you still get stuck, ask your hotel front desk staff in Japan to help type your name in Katakana—they will happily assist you in less than a minute!
Essential Tips for Departure Day (Shinjuku Terminal & Restrooms)
To ensure a smooth trip and prevent missing your bus, here are two extremely important real-world tips:
⚠️ Arrive Extra Early (Check-in Queues & Walking to the Bus)
Japanese ski buses depart strictly on time and will not wait for late passengers.
At major departure points (like Shinjuku), there are usually reception desks for about three different ski tour companies. You must check in at the desk before boarding.
Furthermore, you may have to walk quite a distance to the actual bus after checking in! (Personal Experience: When I took a bus bound for Marunuma Kogen Ski Resort from Shinjuku, I had to walk upstairs and trek for about 5 minutes after checking in just to reach the parked bus).
Considering the check-in line and the walk to the bus, plan to arrive at the departure point at least 30 minutes before departure time.
⚠️ Use the Restroom at the Train Station First!
This is a lifesaver: Restrooms at major bus boarding areas (especially in Shinjuku) are often far away and extremely crowded.
If you get in the check-in queue and then realize you need a bathroom, you will have to leave the line, walk to a distant restroom, wait in a long line, and then re-join the check-in queue—risking a missed bus! Always use the restroom at the train station BEFORE heading to the bus waiting area.
6. Conclusion: Get Ready for Autumn Bookings!
If you want to enjoy Japan’s world-class powder snow without overspending on transport, keep an eye out for Orion Tour packages when bookings launch in autumn.
Knowing these small tips in advance will make your travel day completely stress-free. Save money on transportation, and enjoy more delicious local food and great gear on the mountain!