There has been some updated info coming out of Japan about changing travel requirements. One of the biggest changes is suggesting that daily limits will be eliminated. This summer Japan went from about 20,000 tourists per day to 50,000 per day. This is expected to be removed entirely in the coming days. Another factor has only allowed tourists that arranged travel through a Japanese registered travel agent. This allowed the agent to outline the travelers itinerary and offer a form of tracking. Now this is expected to be removed as well. In short daily traveler entry limits and travel agent requirements will be removed. 

   Another process we are keeping an eye on is the visa process. In prior years visas were issued at immigration in the port of entry in Tokyo airports. But recently travelers were required to send their passport to the embassy and wait for its return. This looks to be getting revoked too. 

   As with many destinations around the world proof of vaccination is required and I expect Japan to require proof of vaccination and/ or possibly a negative covid test 72 hours prior to arrival in the country. While most countries have stopped pre arrival tests, Japan may continue implementing this requirement while easing freedom of travel for "independent travelers" which all Guided Exposure guests and guides would be categorized as. 

   To summarize Japan has been receiving pressure to open the borders up to pre pandemic status and start stimulating the tourism economy. These changes will likely come in stages starting now, again in October, and possibly early winter. 

   At Guided Exposure we require a deposit to hold your spot on our trips. The remaining balance is due in December 2022. At that point we will have confirmation of travel expectations. 

We look forward to this trip and sharing some of the best Japan has to offer.
 
 

Japan Times Article: Reopen to Independent Travelers Embassy of Japan in the US: Visa Info

Touring in a remote untraveled corner of Hokkaido

These week long trips will seek out the best snow, in the best places, off the beaten path. Wether its lift served backcountry, ski & splitboard touring, or ski mountaineering this is a trip of a lifetime.
  Our centrally located and beautiful accommodations in the Furano base village of Kitanomine is a short 5 minute drive or 10 minute downhill walk from the lifts and a 5 minute drive to the town of Furano-shi. From here we will ride at the local ski area and other zones within an hours drive. From Asahidake in the Daisetsuzan Range to the Hidaka and Yubari Ranges we have plenty of lift served touring and pure human powered backcountry to choose from. While in town we can enjoy dinners at nearby restaurants  shop at the amazing food co-op, and soak in the onsen that surround town. This winter we are offering a 1 of a kind overnight village to village traverse carrying only a day pack with no overnight gear. This is not to be missed! 
  This unique trip offers lower ratios of guests to guides with group size limited to 4 people plus guide. Lodging is based on double occupancy and is scheduled for all nights of the trip including the night before we start and the night our trip ends. So time to relax before and after without shuffling luggage, gear, and transportation. This is a 7 day ski trip period.  These week long trips will seek out the best snow, in the best places, off the beaten path. Wether its lift served backcountry, ski & splitboard touring, or ski mountaineering this is a trip of a lifetime.
  Our centrally located and beautiful accommodations in the Furano base village of Kitanomine is a short 5 minute drive or 10 minute downhill walk from the lifts and a 5 minute drive to the town of Furano-shi. From here we will ride at the local ski area and other zones within an hours drive. From Asahidake in the Daisetsuzan Range to the Hidaka and Yubari Ranges we have plenty of lift served touring and pure human powered backcountry to choose from. While in town we can enjoy dinners at nearby restaurants  shop at the amazing food co-op, and soak in the onsen that surround town. This winter we are offering a 1 of a kind overnight village to village traverse carrying only a day pack with no overnight gear. This is not to be missed! 
  This unique trip offers lower ratios of guests to guides with group size limited to 4 people plus guide. Lodging is based on double occupancy and is scheduled for all nights of the trip including the night before we start and the night our trip ends. So time to relax before and after without shuffling luggage, gear, and transportation. This is a 7 day ski trip period. 

Costs Include:

• 7 full days of guiding & skiing (no travel days or 1/2 days) 
• Lodging for 8 Nights
• Transportation during trip from New Chitose in Sapporo to Furano to nearby destinations and back to New Chitose in Sapporo
• 8 Breakfasts
• Lift Tickets 
• Onsen

Not Included:

• Flights 
• All Lunches
• All Dinners 
• Gratuities 

Day 0: Arrive in Sapporo and drive together in our 4x4 lux van to accommodations in Furano

Day 1-6: 6 full days to ride the best snow in the best zones of the Hidaka, Yubari, and Daisetsuzan Ranges. Accompanied by great food and bone soaking onsen

Day 7: One more full day of riding with a trip conclusion dinner

Day 8: Drive back to Sapporo in our Lux 4x4 van

More Info & Reservations

Ripping blower a short tour from a lift