Oze National Park Private Snowcat Tour (Snowshoeing)
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For much of the winter, Oze National Park lies beneath deep snow, accessible only to experienced mountaineers or authorized personnel. Yet it is during this season that Oze reveals its most extraordinary beauty.
A snowcat (CAT) is a tracked snow vehicle that allows access deep into Oze’s winter landscape. Traveling comfortably by snowcat, guests can reach the heart of the national park and explore its pristine scenery.
Experience a truly special outdoor adventure, snowshoe trekking through the vast snowfields and the serene silence of wintertime Oze.
Tour Details
Snowshoeing is an easy-to-enjoy winter activity that requires no special skills. With snowshoes, cold-weather gear, and equipment rental included, even first-time participants can join with confidence.
As this is a completely private tour, start times and pacing can be customized to suit your preferences.
Overnight guests only
| Tour Period | Late January – mid-April *Please let us know your preferred date. |
|---|---|
| Duration | Approximately 8 hours (including transportation) |
| Pricing | •110,000 JPY per group (2 guests) *Minimum participants: 2 •Additional guests (3 or more): 43,000 JPY per person •Children (Elementary school age): 30,000 JPY per child •Children (Ages 4 and above): 22,000 JPY per child Maximum group size: 6 guests Included: •Private guide •Lunch •Insurance •Cold-weather outerwear •Snowshoes & trekking poles•Snow boots, hat, and gloves Participation in the tour requires insurance coverage. Applications are accepted via the contact form. ーー Optional Add-Ons: Return run (ski or snowboard) 5,000 JPY per person Guests with skiing or snowboarding experience may enjoy a scenic return run along a beautifully groomed forest road (approx. 9 km). *Ski or snowboard rental is included with this option. Private round-trip transportation (optional) Round-trip transportation from SHIROIYA Hotel can be arranged for 68,000 JPY per group (up to 6 guests). Transfers are operated by Nippon Chuo Kotsu Co., Ltd. using an Alphard-class vehicle. |
| Sample Itinerary （Without Hotel Transfer) |
•9:30 a.m Meet at Oze Tokura Ski Resort •10:00 a.m Check-in, change, snowcat ride to Fujimi Pass then to Ayamedaira •12:00 p.m. Return to Fujimi Pass for lunch •1:00 p.m. Depart Fujimi Pass *Guests may ski back via forest road if opting for the return run •2:00 p.m. Return to Oze Tokura Ski Resort, change clothes •2:30 p.m. Tour ends Please travel by private car or public transportation. |
| Sample Itinerary (With Hotel Transfer) |
•8:00 a.m Depart SHIROIYA Hotel •9:30 a.m Arrive at Oze Tokura Ski Resort •10:00 a.m Check-in, change, snowcat ride to Fujimi Pass → Ayame-daira •12:00 p.m. Return to Fujimi Pass for lunch •1:00 p.m. Depart Fujimi Pass *Optional forest road return run available •2:00 p.m. Return to Oze Tokura Ski Resort, change •2:30 p.m. Depart ski resort •4:00 p.m. Arrive back at SHIROIYA Hotel *Arrival times may vary depending on traffic conditions. |
| What to Bring [Required] | Activity-appropriate clothing, thick socks, water bottle, sunglasses |
| What to Bring [Optional] | Sunscreen, snacks or energy food |
| Payment | Please pay at the hotel front desk. |
| Reservation Deadline | At least 7 days in advance |
| Cancellation Policy | 7–4 days prior: 10% 3–2 days prior: 20% Day before: 30% Same day: 50% No-show: 100% |
| Reservation | To make a reservation, please apply via the CONTACT page. * Please note that your preferred date may not be available depending on the reservation status |
Important Notes
Arrival times may vary depending on traffic when transfers are arranged
Tours may be cancelled due to weather or trail conditions
Participation is limited to guests aged 4 and above
*Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Return Run (Optional)
With appropriate equipment, guests may enjoy a smooth and scenic run back along a well-groomed forest road stretching approximately 9 km.
*Ski and snowboard rentals are available as an optional add-on
About Your Guide
Kensuke Numano
Hometown: Takahagi City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Base: Katashina Village, Gunma Prefecture
・Certified guide, Katashina Mountain Guide Association
・Certified mountain guide and ski guide, Japan Mountain Guides Association
・Certified instructor, Japan SUP Association
・CONE leader (school support), Nature Experience Activities Promotion Council
・Swift Water Rescue First Responder
・Representative Director, Ogino Outdoor Sports Promotion Association
・Head of HIGHFIVE Mountain Works
・Operator of Amber Forest Inn
Active year-round in the mountains of Gunma, Kensuke Numano was born in northern Ibaraki, where his youth was shaped by surfing and skateboarding along the region’s sandy coastline. In his twenties, he became deeply immersed in snowboarding, traveling the world to compete in halfpipe events.
After a memorable run on Mt. Shibutsu in Oze National Park, he relocated to Katashina Village in the mountain’s foothills, where he continues to explore the rich natural terrain aroundOze. Alongside his guiding work, he played a key role in establishing the Gunma Prefecture environmental education program “Oze School,” serving as its administrative director for seven years and sharing the importance of nature with local children.
In winter, he leads powder-focused tours in the forests of Snow Park Oze Tokura and hosts ski and snowboard lessons at Marunuma Kogen Ski Resort, conveying the fundamental joy of “snow surfing.” In summer, he operates SUP tours on Lake Suganuma—home to the clearest waters in Honshu—offering guests a rare experience of silence and reflection in a pristine, untouched landscape.
He also operates Forest Lodge Amber, located on the slopes of Mt. Nikko-Shirane near the activity sites, where guests are welcomed with restorative stays and nourishing meals, providing holistic support throughout their visit.