Chartered Bus for Ski and Snowboard Transportation in Japan

Overview

Planning a group ski or snowboard trip to a snowy mountain resort? For groups of 10 people or more, such as university clubs or company outings, chartering a private sightseeing bus is the most comfortable and efficient transportation solution. Dealing with large amounts of bulky ski and snowboard equipment, along with luggage, on public transport or in multiple small rental cars can be a logistical nightmare.

A chartered bus provides a safe and private sanctuary for your group’s long journey to the slopes. With a dedicated professional driver, you can relax, sleep, or socialize during the trip without the stress of winter driving. Crucially, your spacious, tourist-spec bus is equipped with a large-capacity trunk designed to safely store all your gear, clothing, and luggage.

We offer flexible plans, whether you need a quick day trip with a late-night departure or a multi-day itinerary. While winter is typically a slow season, recent chronic shortages of buses and drivers make early booking highly recommended to secure your vehicle.

Highlights:

• Massive Luggage Capacity: Buses feature large, under-floor, through-type trunks specifically designed to carry multiple skis, snowboards (35-45 sets on a Large Bus), and bulky luggage, accommodating equipment that won’t fit in standard vehicles.
• Ultimate Group Privacy: The vehicle interior is a private space where your group can socialize, sing karaoke, or play games without worrying about other passengers—a huge advantage on long journeys.
• Full On-board Facilities: Tourist-spec buses are fully equipped with amenities like salon-style seating (U-shaped seats in the back), karaoke systems, refrigerators, and kettles, maximizing fun and comfort on the road.
• Superior Cost Performance: While chartering may seem expensive, the cost is based on distance and time, not passenger count. The per-person rate becomes highly competitive and often cheaper than the combined cost of multiple Shinkansen and local bus transfers for a large group.
• Flexible Custom Itineraries: Arrange one-night, two-day, or day trip plans with late-night departures, with the driver handling the entire route directly to the ski resort.

Complete Details:

Our charter bus fleet offers different sizes to perfectly match your group size and the volume of equipment you are carrying.

• Vehicle Types and Ski/Luggage Capacity:
  • Large Bus (35–60 people): Ideal for groups of 30 people or more with equipment. The trunk can typically hold around 35–45 sets of skis/snowboards. Features are full facilities, perfect for long-distance comfort.
  • Medium-sized Bus (up to 27 people): Best for mid-sized groups (recommended 20 or less if carrying bulky gear). The trunk can hold about 20–25 pieces of ski/snowboard equipment. Offers spacious seats and comfort comparable to the large bus.
  • Minibus (9–25 people): Better for shuttle service and very small groups, but lacks the large storage capacity of the Medium or Large buses, making it less suitable for full-size ski/snowboard gear.
• Reference Fare Guides (Excluding Tax): Fares vary based on distance, time, and usage, with long-distance travel calculated from the bus depot and back.

• Cost Optimization: For long-distance travel, chartering a bus is often more cost-effective than using public transportation, as the cost per person decreases as group size increases.
• Safety Assurance: We recommend requesting a bus company that has achieved the “Safety Bus” certification system run by the Japan Bus Association, which indicates a high commitment to passenger safety.

Booking with Jasumo:

To secure your private bus for your ski or snowboard trip and receive a detailed quote based on your specific itinerary, preferred vehicle type, and departure date, please contact us using the Contact Us Form. We can help you arrange the optimal plan for comfort or cost.

Faqs

Is it difficult to store all our ski and snowboard equipment on a chartered bus?

Not at all. Chartered buses, especially the Large and Medium sizes, are designed with a through-type trunk room beneath the passenger floor. This spacious bay is specifically intended to store large, bulky items like ski and snowboard equipment, luggage, and winter wear easily and securely.

Do the chartered buses offer entertainment or facilities for the long trip to the mountains?

Yes, the tourist-spec chartered buses are highly equipped. Amenities often include a karaoke system, TV/DVD players, a refrigerator, and a kettle (electric hot-water pot). Many also feature salon-style seating in the rear, allowing your group to socialize and enjoy the journey comfortably.

Is chartering a bus more expensive than taking a bullet train (Shinkansen) or an overnight bus to the ski resort?

For groups of 10 or more, chartering a bus is often more cost-effective than fragmented public transport options like the Shinkansen, which requires multiple transfers. Since the bus price is fixed by time and distance (not passengers), the per-person cost becomes surprisingly reasonable when divided among a large group.

Can we arrange a multi-day trip, such as a two-night, three-day stay at the ski resort?

Yes, we offer highly flexible itineraries. You can arrange one-night, two-day, two-night, three-day plans, or even day trips with late-night departures, allowing the bus to wait for your return or drop you off and pick you up on a predetermined schedule.

What are the benefits of chartering a bus during the generally slower winter season?

While the winter season sees lower general demand for sightseeing, the rise in driver shortages means capacity can still be limited, especially around holiday weekends. Booking early ensures you secure your vehicle. The primary benefit remains having a dedicated driver who navigates snowy mountain roads safely while your group enjoys a private, comfortable space.

Location