Well, that’s a wrap.
After weeks of deep turns, vending machines, cultural curveballs, and powder dreams, it’s time to pull the goggles off and reflect on what just happened. Here’s what I’m taking with me and what I’d do differently next time. Because yes, there will be a next time.
What I’m Taking With Me
1. Snowboarding in Japan is Not Just About the Snow
Yes, Japow is real. It’s face-shot deep, feather-light, and addictive. But what made the trip unforgettable was as well everything around it: late-night onsen baths, ramen via vending machine, staff sprinting through airports to help us catch a flight, and heated toilet seats that changed my life. Japan surprised me every single day.
2. Culture Shock Can Be Beautiful
At first, I felt like a polite alien, bowing too much, forgetting my toilet slippers, and getting lost in photo booths and capsule machines. But then I got into the rhythm. The rituals. The respect. The quiet. It taught me to slow down, pay attention, and never assume anything.
3. You Can Plan for Snow — But You Can’t Control It
We had dry spells. We had bottomless days. And that’s the game.
4. Gear Fails Make the Best Stories
Cable-tied my bindings, taped down skins, carried Calorie Mate like gold. These little disasters? Now they’re my favorite memories. Pro tip: always pack zip ties and duct tape. Always.
5. The Mountain Deserves Your Respect
Japan’s backcountry is no joke. No rescue. No second chances. That lesson hit hard. We followed the rules, used the right gear, and still got lucky to not fall in a river sometimes.
What I’d Do Differently Next Time
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Explore more of the backcountry. Longer hikes, touring missions, and maybe even climbing a volcano or two. No guide, just us, the map, and our legs. A bit more wild, a bit more free.
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Only bring my powder board and a splitboard. I never touched my park board, which I brought to Japan the entire trip. Most parks aren’t even fully built until later in the season, and the terrain in Japan is perfect for carving, even if there is no fresh snow.
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Pack even lighter. Most places had washing machines. Shampoo? Everywhere provided. Extra hoodie? Just took space.
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Get better at Japanese basics. Even just a few words would’ve gone a long way.
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Book a cooking course. I need to learn how to cook a proper ramen — not the instant kind, but real, slow-simmered deliciousness.
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Try karaoke (for real). No more skipping the classics. Next time I’m going full Beyoncé.
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Win in the pachinko. (Okay – not really. But I’ll definitely try again and embrace the chaos.
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Visit Hakuba and the resorts on the main island. Want to go beyond Hokkaido and see what the rest of Japan’s slopes have to offer.
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Plan a stop in Tokyo. To actually explore the city. We skipped it this time, and I felt like we missed a whole side of Japan.
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What’s Next?
This trip lit a fire in me. Not just for snow, but for storytelling, slow travel, and cultural deep-dives. So yes, I’ll be back to Japan, but maybe also to places like Georgia or even Chile. Same powder obsession, new stories.
And as for this blog? This is the last post in the Japow series, but it won’t be the last adventure. I’m already dreaming up the next one.
Until then: Keep the stoke high, your board waxed, and your heart open.
Arigatou and see you soon.
🏂🇯🇵
More about Japow:
The Ultimate Japow Guide
Freeride Safety, Apps, and Survival Rules
The Culture of Japan – Beyond the Powder
Insta vs. Reality – The Japow Edition
My Takeaways & Next Time’s Game Plan
Media: All video footage is owned by me. Some images were generated using Midjourney AI.
