Winter gear

We often get asked about winter ski and snowboard equipment for those people coming to Snow Country for a winter vacation.

Buying - good ski/snowboard shops are pretty scarce in and around Snow Country which surprises many people who come here. There is a big one in Muikamachi that has a good selection of equipment but apart from that you are limited to a few smaller ones dotted around in the different towns. Most resorts have a small shop that sell a small range of goggles, hats, sunglasses, gloves, etc if you forget something and bigger areas may have slightly better shops on site.

If you are heading through Tokyo on your way here there is a good street between Kanda and Ochanomizu that has lots of winter sports shops. Gear may be no cheaper than your home country though there are usually good offers on past season's models.

Second hand shops are usually a good place to get great deals on gear that has usually been well looked after.

If you own your own gear the courier services in Japan are very convenient. They will deliver everything to your accommodation so you don't have to lug it around with you. There isn't much luggage space on the bullet trains.

Renting - There is normally a good selection of rental shops in every town, many hotels on the slopes offer rental equipment and the resort itself will also have a rental department so you will be spoilt for choice.

Some rental shops offer a free shuttle to the resort when you hire you gear from them for example Daishin Sports in Yuzawa. This is an amazing add-on especially if you are looking to explore several resorts in the same area.

Being a massive year for snow many people want to get on some bigger, wider skis or boards. There are several shops around that offer this kind of equipment. The rental shop under Yuzawa Ski House in Onsen Gai or the Pro Shop in the Mitsumata Car Park (which also rents other backcountry essentials like beacons, shovels and probes) are just a couple in the Yuzawa area.

If you have any questions, get in touch.