Snowmobile in Nagano

Experience the thrill of snowmobiling through Nagano’s stunning powder snow landscapes.
Perfect for adventure seekers looking for a unique winter activity beyond skiing.

❄️ Snowmobiling in Nagano: A Personal Recommendation

Most tourists who visit Nagano in the winter come for skiing and snowboarding. However, for those staying for a week or more — or simply not interested in skiing — there’s a fun and exciting activity I personally recommend: joining a snowmobile tour.

Nagano is famous for its soft and fluffy powder snow, and riding a snowmobile through this type of snow is genuinely a unique and thrilling experience. That said, snowmobiling in Nagano is not as accessible as you might think.

As far as I know, individual snowmobile use is restricted in national parks and near many ski resorts due to local regulations. Unless you’re part of an official operation, it’s generally not permitted to ride freely in those areas. Because of this, the number of companies offering snowmobile tours is quite limited.

Based on my personal experience, the regions where snowmobiling is actually possible are mostly limited to Nozawa Onsen, Hakuba, and Myoko. This means that depending on where you’re staying, joining a tour might not always be convenient or even possible.

If you’re planning to stay in Nozawa, Iiyama, Yamanouchi, Shiga Kogen, or nearby areas, I recommend the tour listed below. Full disclosure — this tour is run by the company I work with, so yes, this is a biased opinion. But I genuinely believe it’s one of the better options available in this part of Nagano.

If you’re staying in Hakuba or Myoko, you can find snowmobile tours there as well — a quick online search will give you several options.

Please note: This is a personal and biased recommendation, based on my own experience in the region. Expectations should be adjusted accordingly, as snowmobiling may not suit everyone’s preferences. Also, I do not claim to have complete legal knowledge regarding snowmobile regulations in Japan — the information shared here reflects my observations and should be treated as such.

Three people riding snowmobiles in snowy winter landscape with trees and snow-covered path
A man taking a selfie with a snowmobile in a snowy landscape under clear blue skies.

🏔️ Snowmobile Tour – Winter Adventure in Nozawa Onsen Area

Snow-covered mountain trails, silent forests, and the power you feel beneath the engine... If you’re looking for a winter experience different from skiing, the snowmobile tour in Nozawa Onsen is perfect for you. Get ready for a safe and thrilling ride through Nagano’s snowy landscape with professional guides!

🚀 Tour Overview

  • Location: Depending on weather conditions, the tour takes place in Sakae Village, Shiga Kogen, or the Nozawa Onsen area (Nagano)

  • Duration: Approximately 1–1.5 hours

  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate (suitable for beginners)

  • Guides: Japanese and English-speaking guides / Thats me :)

📌 Tour Details

The tour begins with a brief safety and operation training session. Participants then ride single or double snowmobiles on a guided route. The trail includes snowy forest paths, open areas, and scenic viewpoints. The route may be adjusted depending on weather conditions.

🗓️ Season & Booking

  • Season: Mid-December through late March (depending on snow conditions)

  • Booking: Reservations are recommended at least a few days in advance due to limited spots.

  • Transportation: Hotel pick-up service is available upon prior request.

📞 Contact & Booking Information

A person wearing a helmet and sunglasses taking a selfie on a snowmobile in a snowy landscape.
People riding snowmobiles through a snowy forest with snow-covered trees.
View from a snowmobile on a snowy trail with mountain landscape and trees in the background.
Yellow snowmobile on snow-covered ground with snow-covered trees and a snow bank in the background.
Yellow and black snowmobile parked on snow with a mountain and valley landscape in the background.