About Us

At SNOKINAWA, we understand the thrill of exploring new ski/snowboard destinations. When integrated with the unique culture of Japan, it's even better.  That's why we make it our mission to provide  Japan ski/board tours with your personal objectives in mind.

The husband and wife team of Brian and Yumi lead each tour. Brian, an experienced skier that has lived/worked/skied in the US and abroad, is the trip planner, driver, and provides resort orientation. Yumi is our Japanese assistant who ensures a smooth experience as the interpreter for the group for after-resort activities (dining, onsens, etc.). With our combined experiences we strive to  create unforgettable Japan winter memories for our guests who will likely wish to return.

Brian and his wife Yumi enjoy traveling and skiing throughout the world. Yumi, from Nagasaki Japan, spent a year in the UK as a home health care volunteer while attending English classes. She worked in Japan as an English customer service representative for several companies until moving to the US with Brian in 2022. Although skiing only 6 years, she is a solid intermediate skier.

Brian is a retired professional engineer with 50+ years skiing experience.  While working in Germany he was a "trip captain" leading ski trips to Zermatt, the Dolomites, and Verbier for a US club. While working in Japan 7 years he skied extensively and organized several ski/board trips for co-workers. He has to date skied over 50 of the 350(!) ski areas in Japan. He is a Level 1 Professional Ski Instructor who has worked part-time at Big Sky, MT, which they consider their home mountain.

With their passion for travel, skiing, and Japan, starting Snokinawa Ski/Board tours was a natural progression.