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Ski Vacation | January 29, 2026
BSSC Japan Ski Trip Recap: Tokyo & Niseko Japan
BSSC group of skiers ready to tackle fresh powder on the slopes of Niseko, Japan — unforgettable moments from our 2026 Japan ski adventure.
My name is Grant Santos, BSSC Soccer and Futsal Program Manager, and earlier this month, I had the pleasure of leading a Boston Ski & Sports Club (BSSC) group ski vacation to Japan. I’ve helped lead many of our ski trips, and this was one of the most unique and unforgettable ski destinations in the world. Our trip combined the fast-paced energy of Tokyo with seven nights at a ski-in, ski-out hotel in Niseko—famous for its deep, consistent powder.
Traveling as a group made every part of the journey more memorable, from shared meals and cultural experiences to first tracks together each morning. Below is a day-by-day recap of our BSSC Japan ski trip, highlighting the best moments from Tokyo and Niseko.
Tokyo – Day 1
BSSC group enjoying breakfast at Shinagawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo, Japan — fueling up before exploring the city on our Japan ski adventure.
After checking into the Shinagawa Prince Hotel the night before, our group started the day with a generous breakfast buffet just off the lobby. Warm baked goods, eggs, fish, fruit, tea, and coffee fueled us up for a busy first day. The hotel itself had countless amenities—including restaurants, a bowling alley, and even a 7-Eleven—and its location next to a metro station made getting around Tokyo easy for the group.
While I consider myself well-traveled, the Tokyo Metro was a bit overwhelming at first. After a few rides, though, navigating from point A to point B as a group became much more comfortable.
Sampling fresh sushi and seafood at Tokyo’s iconic Tsukiji Fish Market — a must-do Japanese food experience.
BSSC group riding street-legal go-karts around Tokyo Bay — a thrilling way to sightsee Tokyo’s skyline and bridges.
We took the metro to the Tsukiji Fish Markets, where we wandered endless alleyways filled with food stalls. As a group, we sampled incredibly fresh sushi, strawberries, sweet potato chips, giant grilled scallops, and even shared wagyu skewers. The diversity of fish—ranging from tuna and salmon to snow crab legs and sea urchin—was impressive.
That afternoon, we spotted a blooming cherry blossom for a quick group photo before heading out on a Street Kart tour of Tokyo Bay. Driving street-legal go-karts over Rainbow Bridge, around Tokyo Tower, and past landmarks like the Bandai Namco headquarters was an unforgettable way to see the city together.
Savoring rich ramen bowls at a hidden noodle spot in Shinjuku after a day exploring Tokyo’s nightlife.
We ended the day in Shinjuku, exploring the narrow, dimly lit passageways of Goldenhad -Gai. Dinner was at Niboshi Ramen Nagi, where I ate some of the best ramen I’ve ever had. We grabbed drinks next door at Kotetsu, a tiny bar offering Japanese citrus sours and local sake—exactly the kind of spot that’s even more fun with a small group.
Tokyo – Day 2
BSSC group learning traditional techniques and watching a live sumo show at Sumo Land Tokyo
Day two began with another breakfast buffet before we headed to Sumo Land. There, we enjoyed a hotpot lunch and a live sumo show. As a group, we learned sumo warmups, used a wooden sledgehammer to pound mochi for dessert, and even jumped into the ring to spar with former professional sumo wrestlers.
After exploring the area, we made our way to Tokyo SkyTree, riding an elevator over 450 meters to the top. While Mt. Fuji didn’t make an appearance, the city views were still spectacular.
Later that afternoon, we visited Shibuya Crossing, stopped by the Hachiko statue, and shopped at Don Quijote. That evening, our group gathered for a 20-course omakase dinner, featuring highlights such as black cod, tuna and snapper sushi. It was the perfect way to wrap up our time in Tokyo.
Niseko – Day 1
Powdery peaks of Niseko’s Hanazono ski area — prime powder skiing on Japan’s northern island.
After transitioning from city life to snow-covered mountains, our group arrived in Niseko, one of the world’s top ski destinations. Niseko features four major ski areas: Annupuri, Niseko Village, Hirafu, and Hanazono.
With snow falling steadily, many of us spent the day adjusting to wider powder skis as we explored the Niseko side of the mountain. Lunch at Niseko-Yo, the slopeside restaurant area in Niseko Village, included cheese balls and pork ramen—perfect fuel for a snowy first day.
That night, we stayed local for dinner before heading to Hirafu to visit Barunba, a small cave bar known for its colorful “Bruce Lee” cocktail.
Niseko – Day 2
BSSC group with backcountry guides in Hanazono — deep powder exploration with professional coaching.
On our second day, a smaller group skied with professional backcountry guides in Hanazono. We learned avalanche safety, carried proper gear in our backpacks, and accessed Niseko’s gate system.
Our guides, Theo and Becca—both from New Zealand, with Becca being a former Olympic snowboarder—helped us find untouched powder and coached us through the unique feeling of skiing deep snow. The best way to describe it is to say it’s like floating, or riding Aladdin’s magic carpet.
Après ski included warm cocktails at Bar Gyu, a hidden speakeasy accessed through a refrigerator door, followed by dinner at Tamashii Burger.
Niseko – Day 3
Riding the Hirafu gondola in Niseko — gateway to some of the best powder runs in Japan.
Day three began with a gondola ride to the center of the mountain, allowing us to ski over to Hirafu. I spent most of the day carving through powder with our BSSC group and exploring another section of the resort.
Après was all about recovery. I relaxed in the outdoor pool and visited the outdoor onsen, both of which were incredibly refreshing after a long ski day. We later took the free shuttle to downtown Hirafu to shop for souvenirs before returning to Niseko-Yo for an izakaya dinner. The salmon and seared duck were standout dishes.
Niseko – Day 4
Group hotpot dinner and karaoke night in Hirafu — lively après ski culture on our Niseko adventure.
The fourth ski day brought challenging weather, with morning fog so thick that I couldn’t see the trail I was skiing on. After taking a break indoors, I joined others in Hirafu as conditions improved.
Lunch was at Boyoso, a hidden ramen restaurant tucked into the trees between several trails. Ordering is done through a vending machine, and both the katsudon and shrimp/veggie tempura udon were excellent.
That night, our group gathered at QFox in Hirafu for hotpot and karaoke. Singing in front of the entire restaurant—featuring a mix of Japanese and English songs—made for one of the most fun and memorable group nights of the trip.
Niseko – Day 5
Bluebird skiing day in Niseko with Mt. Yotei peeking through — unforgettable alpine scenery.
After four days that felt like skiing inside a snow globe, Thursday delivered our only bluebird ski day. The sunny skies nearly revealed the summit of Mt. Yotei in the distance.
That evening, we traveled together to the neighboring town of Kutchan for dinner at Family Restaurant ROCO, recommended by our guide. The wagyu lasagna and Yotei French fries made the trip worthwhile. We finished the night singing in a private karaoke room nearby.
Final Ski Day
Scenic ride up the iconic ‘pizza box’ chairlift at Niseko Annupuri — high-elevation powder runs await.
Friday marked our last ski day—and surprisingly, the first day the top lifts of Niseko Annupuri were open. I rode the iconic single-seat “pizza box” chairlift to the top, which only operates on low-wind days.
While some group members hiked to Gate 2, others explored Annupuri’s terrain. Gate 7 quickly became a favorite, offering deep snow, trees, and multiple pathways that made every run feel like a new adventure.
For après, I walked down to Milk Koko, a nearby dairy farm, to enjoy custard and ice cream. That evening, we came together for a full group dinner at the hotel, sharing highlights and laughs from an incredible week.
Final Thoughts
Our time in Tokyo and Niseko was absolutely unforgettable. From world-class skiing and incredible food to shared cultural experiences, this BSSC group ski trip to Japan checked every box.
Group travel made the experience smoother, more social, and more rewarding. Japan’s combination of culture, cuisine, and endless powder makes it one of the best destinations for a ski vacation—and I can’t wait to see where our next BSSC ski adventure takes us.