Here are the features of Epic Japan
Epic Japan is run by Akiko Nakae, a former alpine racer turned businessman who discovered the backcountry and became fascinated by its rich world, becoming a professional guide. Here are some of the features of the company
1. We prioritize the satisfaction of each guest, offering small group
tours with a responsible guide-to-guest ratio (1:4) appropriate for the size of the slope. We also offer instruction styles that cater to those who lack confidence in their physical strength or skills. "We guide with the hope that one day you will be able to climb on your own," they say.
2. Offering the best conditions from a wide range of options across regions: Based
on our experience exploring Hokkaido, Tohoku, Shin'etsu, and even Hida, as well as our experience guiding inbound foreign guests in those areas, we will guide you to the optimal destination for that time of year. Our specialties are the foothills during powder season and the remote areas in spring. We also offer guiding in English.
3. Female guides ensure women can participate with peace of mind, even alone. They
offer meticulous attention to detail and reliable guiding skills unique to female guides. Akiko Nakae is one of only three female guides in Japan currently holding a Stage 2 ski guide certification. She also serves as a director of the Japan Backcountry Ski Guide Association.
Tours offered
Epic Japan offers a variety of tours, including regular public tours, private tours arranged upon request, and pre-planned tours with fixed dates and locations
[Regular Tour]
- Period: Mid-January to late May
- Guide fee: 15,000 yen per person per day (tax included)
- Guide ratio: 1:4
- Minimum number of participants: 2 people (extra 5,000 yen/day for private tour)
- Candidate areas: Hakuba/Happo BC, Tsugaike BC, Otari Satoyama, Jigatake BC, etc. Nozawa Onsen/Nozawa Onsen BC, Nabekurayama, etc.
Myoko/Myoko BC Togakushi BC
*Guide fee does not include expenses such as transportation, accommodation, food, and lift tickets. If necessary, gondola and lift tickets for guide expenses will be shared among participants and borne by the guests.
Shiga Nozawa BC Tour with Kaya no Taira Snow Camp
It's not just about skiing. Two days of using touring skis to travel through the mountains. Overnight camping on the snow at Kayano-daira. We'll explore the depths of Shiga-no-sawa, weaving through forests and giant trees. Not backcountry skiing next to the groomed slopes, and not peak bagging for efficiency
✔︎ Repeated transitions
become more reliable, quieter, and faster.
✔︎ Enjoy the terrain for route finding.
✔︎ Time spent in the forest as you pass through areas of giant trees.
✔︎ The freedom to enjoy only when camping in a tent.
Splitboarding is welcome. However, you will likely fall behind. Those who can still keep up despite that are welcome
- Period: Mid-March to mid-April
- Guide fee: 38,000 yen per person (tax included) for 1 night/2 days (if bringing your own tent) / 43,000 yen per person (tax included) (if not bringing your own tent)
- Guide ratio: 1:4 Minimum number of participants: 3
- The guide fee does not include expenses such as transportation, meals, or lift tickets. The guide will prepare dinner and breakfast (reimbursement will be made separately at actual cost). Please bring your own snacks and personal items
[Private Tour]
Epic Japan also offers private tours tailored to your needs. We can flexibly accommodate your requests, such as traveling to places other than public tours, connecting the best places at the time, or setting goals and training. Please contact us first
- Period: Mid-December to late May
- Guide fee: 40,000 yen/group/day (tax included) (1-4 people) 70,000 yen/group/day (tax included) (5-8 people)
- Potential areas: Hokkaido, Tohoku, Hokushinetsu, Tateyama, Southern Northern Alps, Mt. Fuji, and any other mountain suitable for skiing
. *Guide fee does not include transportation, accommodation, meals, lift tickets, etc. Necessary guide expenses are the responsibility of the guest.
To apply: Please contact info@epicjapan.net , Facebook Messenger, or Instagram Direct Message.
Akiko Nakae
[Profile]
Until high school, I was involved in alpine skiing, competing in national junior high school championships, interscholastic championships, and national sports festivals. After that, I discovered backcountry skiing and began spending every weekend in the snowy mountains during the snowy season. In 2014, I ended my life as a salaried employee of a foreign company in Tokyo and have since been active as the representative of Epic Japan.
• Completed JMGA Ski Stage II, Mountain Guide Stage II
, and JAN Avalanche Worker Level I certifications.
*JMGA: Japan Mountain Guide Association,
JAN: Japan Avalanche Network
Guide Area
| Main guide area | Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko, Togakushi, and Tateyama |
| Other areas | Hokkaido: Asahikawa, Furano area, Eastern Hokkaido, Niseko |
| Representative name (guide qualification) | Akiko Nakae (JMGA Ski Guide Stage II, JMGA Mountaineering Guide Stage II) |
| Main guide name (guide qualification) | Akiko Nakae (JMGA Ski Guide Stage II, JMGA Mountaineering Guide Stage II) |
| Number of guides | 1 full-time employee and 1 part-time employee (2 of whom are qualified) |
| Guide Ratio | 1 guide: 4 guests |
| Percentage of guests | Skiing/Snowboarding (5 vs 5) / Men and Women (5 vs 5) |
rental
| Snow Safety Gear | Beacon Probe Shovel (Available/Paid) |
| backpack | Something that can be fitted with a board (none) |
| Skiing | Skis with touring bindings (none) |
| Snowboarding | Splitboard Bindings and stickers included (None) Powder board (None) |
| Climbing gear | Climbing skins/snowshoes (none) |
Fee
| Regular Tour | 15,000 yen (tax included) |
| others | Get insurance that covers backcountry rescue |
The actual tour content
| Beginners and first-timers | Beginner-intermediate and above | Expert | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activity time | Approximately 5 hours (including explanation and training) | About 6 hours | Approximately 8 hours (only during the remaining snow season) |
| Cumulative elevation gain |
300-600m (depending on the route) | 600-1,400m (depending on the route) | 1,000-1,600m (depending on the route) |
| Average hiking time |
2-3 hours (depending on participants' physical strength) | 3-5 hours (depending on participants' physical strength) | 4-6 hours (depending on participants' physical strength) |
| Slope Contents | We will set the line pitch to minimize anxiety depending on the snow quality, obstacles and slope | In powder, you can ski on slopes of around 30 to 40 degrees, which are unique to backcountry skiing, tree runs with a slightly gentler incline, and open runs of around 30-35 degrees when there is still snow remaining | We will meet your needs, including challenging walks through the countryside, hidden snow caves, and secrets |
Information
| address | Toyoshina, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture |
| info@epicjapan.net | |
| Web | https://epicjapan.net/snow_season/ |
| Social Media | Facebook and Instagram |
*The information presented here is current as of October 2026