WHY ASAHIKAWA

Accredited & Trusted
Mint Powder Guides, alongside our parent company Mint Tours®, is part of a select group of fully accredited operators in Japan. We hold the correct licenses, work permissions, and insurance, and operate as a registered Japanese company with over 20 years of guiding and travel expertise. Your trip is safe, legal, and protected — with your booking handled through Mint Tours®, an accredited travel agent.

Guides Who Know These Mountains
Our guides are qualified professionals in snowboarding, splitboarding, and ski touring — and they live and work here all winter. With deep local knowledge, storm-tracking expertise, and access to terrain most visitors never see, we’ll guide you to the best snow, from quiet zones to a few closely guarded secrets you’ll be talking about long after your trip.

Safety Comes First
Our team includes both local and international guides, all authorized to work in Japan. Safety is our top priority. Every guide is trained in avalanche hazard management, backcountry travel, and emergency medical response, holding recognized certifications and maintaining ongoing professional development. Every decision is backed by planning, not guesswork.

Everything, Handled for You
Whether you’re after single-day guiding or a fully planned trip, we make it seamless. We can arrange guiding, accommodation, transport, lift passes, and more — all backed by over two decades of experience and the protections of booking with a licensed travel agent.

Chosen by the Snow Industry’s Best
From first-time visitors discovering Japan to professional athletes and media teams chasing the perfect shot, we deliver the same meticulous planning, logistics, and on-snow expertise to every trip. Our reputation means we’ve guided some of the most respected names in the snow industry — including Chad Otterstrom, Todd Richards, Austin Sweetin, Eero Ettala, and Heikki Sorsa — along with film crews from around the world. Every guest receives the same world-class service and attention to detail.

Why Who You Book With Matters
Your guide choice shapes your entire trip — from the snow you ride to the safety and security you have. New tour operators appear in Japan every season, but few meet the country’s strict regulations. Many run without the correct permits, accreditation, or insurance, putting both your safety and your booking at risk. Unlicensed operators can be shut down at any time, leaving guests stranded and out of pocket. We meet every legal requirement, so your trip is protected, safe, and focused on delivering the best days possible.