Snowshoeing opens winter paths in Tazawako. This snowshoe hiking tour in Akita gets you into snowy areas usually shut off, with Lake Tazawa views and easy-to-follow guided photo stops.

You’ll also get a very “small group, local pacing” experience (max 6), and the practical gear side is covered for you: snowshoes, boots, and poles are included.

One consideration: you need moderate physical fitness, and you’ll have to plan for cold-weather clothing because waterproof outer layers and gloves are not provided.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Gear included, fitting handled: Snowshoes, boots, and stocks (poles) come with the tour, so you can travel lighter.
• Winter access most people miss: Snowshoes let you reach snowy routes that are usually closed due to heavy snowfall.
• Lake Tazawa in the background: You’ll hike a mountain beside an old ski resort with major lake views along the way.
• Animal tracks + photo checkpoints: Expect to spot animal sign and stop for scenic, Instagram-worthy moments.
• Tea or coffee in the snow: You’ll pause at a wilderness stopping point for a warm break plus snacks and local sweets.

Why Tazawako Works So Well for Snowshoeing

Tazawako turns winter travel into something hands-on. Instead of just looking at snow from a road, you’re walking through it with the right tools, which means you can actually reach places that are typically off-limits when snowfall is heavy.

This matters because the best winter experiences aren’t only about views. They’re about access and rhythm: the slow pace, the quiet, and the feeling that you’re seeing winter the way locals do—step by step, not from a bus window.

The tour also hits a nice mix of “active” and “rewarding.” You’ll hike long enough to feel like you did something (about 2 hours 30 minutes), but you also get built-in breaks for tea/coffee and snacks so you’re not just trudging for the entire time.

Meeting at Alpa Komakusa and Getting Ready with Provided Gear

Your starting point is Alpa KomakusaKomagatake-2-16, Tazawako Obonai, Semboku, Akita 014-1201, Japan. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, which makes planning simpler on a winter day when you might not want to coordinate extra transport.

One of the smartest things here is that the essentials are included: snowshoes, boots, and poles. That’s big for value and convenience. If you’re visiting from elsewhere in Japan—or from abroad—you’re not stuck hunting for winter gear at the last minute.

You’ll also have a guided setup for safety. Insurance is included, which doesn’t make the snow less slippery, but it does mean the operator is covering the basics you want on a winter outdoor activity. The tour is small (maximum of 6 people), which usually translates to better attention while you’re learning how to move in snowshoes.

Walking from the Old Ski Resort: Forest, Tracks, and Photo Stops

The hike itself takes place on a mountain adjacent to an old ski resort. That’s a useful detail because it suggests you’re not hiking in some random nowhere place—you’re walking in a winter area that has some existing winter history and terrain familiarity.

What you’ll focus on:

• Forest walking in heavy snow conditions
• Lake Tazawa in the background at scenic moments
• Animal tracks (you’ll be guided on what to look for)
• Instagram-worthy checkpoints where the guide will bring you to viewpoints worth photographing

The “animal tracks” part is one of those small details that can make a big difference. Instead of treating snow like a uniform white blanket, your attention shifts to signs of life. It turns the hike into a nature mini-detective game, which is great even if you’re not a hardcore wildlife person.

Photo stops are also practical. In snowshoe terrain, it’s easy to get into a hurry and forget to look up. The guide’s checkpoints help you slow down, frame shots, and actually enjoy the sightlines—especially when Lake Tazawa starts peeking through.

A Tea Break in the Wilderness (Yes, It’s Part of the Point)

Half the charm of winter hiking is the warmth break. This tour includes a tea break at a stopping point, with coffee and/or tea provided, plus snacks and local sweets.

That’s not just comfort. It’s pacing strategy. With cold weather, you burn energy moving your legs in snow, and you also lose heat faster than you expect. A planned warm pause keeps the experience enjoyable instead of turning into a “survive the hike” situation.

Also, having sweets and snacks included is a quiet value boost. Winter days add up fast—small purchases become bigger spending. Here, the operator handles part of your on-trail fueling.

Lake Tazawa Views: How to Get the Best Out of the Scenery

The description promises a spectacular view of Lake Tazawa, and the route is designed so you can see it with the mountains and snowy forest around you. Because you’re hiking (not just standing in one spot), the views tend to feel more earned—like you get to gradually build a picture of the lake rather than seeing it for a quick second.

Here’s what I’d do as you’re moving:

• Stay ready to look for the lake between trees, not only from the biggest overlook.
• When you stop for a checkpoint, take 30 seconds to breathe and watch the wider view, not only to snap photos.
• Expect cold air to make you want to rush—plan a slower pace mentally so you actually enjoy the sightlines.

You’ll also appreciate the fact that the route visits areas that are usually closed off during winter due to heavy snowfall. That’s the real reason the lake views feel special: it’s not just a view, it’s a view from a route that most people can’t reach easily.

What’s Included vs. What You’ll Need to Bring

This tour includes:

• Snowshoes, boots, and poles
• Insurance
• Coffee and/or tea during the tea break
• Snacks and local sweets
• Mobile ticket (so you’re not juggling paper confirmations)

What’s not included is just as important. You should plan to bring your own cold-weather gear, including:

• Waterproof coats and pants
• Snow gloves
• Neck warmers
• Sunglasses

Why this matters: snowshoeing means you’ll be outdoors for a couple of hours in conditions where wind and moisture can sneak in. Even if you feel bundled up before you start, you can get uncomfortable fast once you’re working your legs through deep snow.

If you’re deciding what to pack, focus on staying dry and protecting your hands and face first. The body often does fine as long as you don’t lose warmth through wet sleeves or cold fingertips.

Guides, Group Size, and the Human Touch (Ginji and Daiki)

This kind of tour lives or dies by the guide. The provided feedback for this experience is very positive, with a 5/5 rating from four reviews—and one review specifically called out the enthusiasm and friendliness of the guides Ginji and Daiki.

Even without seeing you’re hiking with them firsthand, their names matter here because they signal that the operator runs the tour with real people who know how to explain what you’re seeing. That’s what makes the difference between a hike where you just follow along and a hike where you actually understand why a patch of snow is interesting or what those tracks might mean.

Small group size (up to 6) also helps. You’re not stuck waiting while someone figures out their snowshoe setup. You can move at a pace that keeps the group together, which is especially valuable in cold weather.

Price and Value: What You Get for About $100.81

At $100.81 per person, this isn’t a budget add-on, but it’s also not priced like an all-day private excursion. The value comes from what’s handled for you.

You’re paying for:

• Snowshoe equipment (snowshoes, boots, poles)
• Insurance
• A guided winter route to usually inaccessible snowy areas
• A warm break with coffee/tea
• Snacks and local sweets

A quick reality check: if you were to rent snowshoes and boots separately and then try to self-navigate winter trails safely, you’d likely spend comparable money once you factor in rentals, insurance-type coverage, and a guide’s local knowledge. The tour bundles those needs into one simple package.

Duration also matters. At about 2 hours 30 minutes, it’s long enough to feel like real time outside, but short enough to stay reasonable when winter daylight is limited.

Who Should Book This Snowshoe Tour in Tazawako

This is best for you if you want a guided winter experience that’s more than just a scenic walk. You’ll likely enjoy it if you like nature details (like animal tracks), want warm breaks built in, and care about getting views of Lake Tazawa from a snowy route that most people can’t access on their own.

You should also be the right fitness level. The tour says moderate physical fitness is needed. That doesn’t mean you have to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable walking in snow for a few hours and handling cold conditions.

It also fits well if you’re traveling with family or a small group dynamic, since the tour is capped at 6 people. Couples can enjoy the quiet pacing too, especially if you’d rather have a guide who points out what matters than a crowded tour.

Should You Book This Snowshoe Hiking Tour in Tazawako?

If your goal is a genuinely active winter outing with practical support—equipment, warmth break, snacks, and a guide who helps you read the snow—this is a solid choice. The biggest “yes” is the combination of winter access plus Lake Tazawa views, not just because it looks good, but because the snowshoe route gets you into areas most people can’t reach.

If you don’t want to deal with bringing waterproof winter clothing and cold-weather essentials, then you might want to think twice, since those items are not included. Also, if weather is a major concern for your travel schedule, build in flexibility, because the experience depends on good weather.

FAQ

How long is the snowshoe hiking tour in Tazawako?

The tour lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes.

What does the tour include?

It includes snowshoes, boots, and poles, insurance, coffee and/or tea during a tea break, snacks, and local sweets.

What should I bring since some winter gear is not included?

Waterproof coats and pants, snow gloves, neck warmers, and sunglasses are not included, so you should plan to bring these.

Where do I meet, and does the tour end there?

The tour starts at Alpa KomakusaKomagatake-2-16 Tazawako Obonai, Semboku, Akita 014-1201, Japan, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 6 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The tour also requires good weather; if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.