Travel Preparation Guide for your
Snow Goddess Retreat
Your dream escape to Hakuba, Japan, is closer than ever, and we’re here to make it magical and effortless.
This guide has everything you need to prepare for your journey with Goddess Retreats.
From travel tips to must-pack essentials, we’ll ensure your trip is stress-free and filled with joy. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
What You Need to Do Now…
- Sign your Participant Agreement Form & Waiver: Please sign and return.
- Book Travel Insurance: Arrange now to cover your trip. You are invited to purchase from any International travel insurance provider that covers skiing or snowboarding activities.
- Send us these details:
- Policy Provider Name
- Policy Number
- Insurer Contact Number (in case we need to assist during your stay in Japan)
- Send us these details:
- Check Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your final travel date from Japan.
- Book Flights to Narita Airport: Plan to arrive a day before the retreat starts.
Essential Information to Enter Japan
- Travel Visa – Most nationalities are granted visa exemption to visit Japan for 14 days.
- For Visa application procedures please follow this link.
- Departure Airline Ticket – You will need to present a confirmed ticket out of Japan.
- No Vaccination Required
- Travel Insurance – Ensure your insurance covers all ski / snowboarding activities during your stay in Japan.
- Accommodation Details – Use this information when you are filling in your arrival card. On your arrival card please write that you are visiting for pleasure / holiday and that the offical property name where the retreat is held is called:
- La Neige Honkan (Hakuba) – Address: Japan, 399-9301 Nagano, Kitaazumi District, Hakuba, Hokujō, 4748
- Customs declaration form Japan Customs recommends submitting declarations electronically via the “Visit Japan Web” App. Please login to the “Visit Japan Web” from the 2D code, and follow the instructions to complete the entry of your declaration information. After that, a 2D code including your declaration information will be created.
- After immigration – If you are arriving on Day 1 you can make your way directly to the Nikko Narita Hotel at Narita Airport
- Airport transfer, for shuttle service to the Narita hotel schedule please check here. Hotel Nikko Narita provides courtesy airport shuttles every 20 minutes
Departure Information
- Day 8 is your departure day from Hakuba.
- After a final morning group ski session on the mountain we say our goodbyes to all our new friends and prepare to depart. Your dedicated “Goddess Only” private coach transfer will depart from the retreat at 1pm and arrive into Narita Airport at approximately 7pm. If you are planning to leave Japan on the same day, you will need to book a flight departing after 9pm.
- Duration of travel from Hakuba and Narita Airport may vary, depending on the road and weather conditions. If you prefer to fly out the next morning, we can help you with booking a Narita airport hotel for the night.
- If you require to get to the airport prior to our scheduled transport, you would need to organize and pay your own transportation to Hakuba.
What to Pack
Clothing
- Base Layers: Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms (Uniqlo has a great range for cold weather essentials)
- Mid Layers: Fleece jacket or sweater
- Outer Layers: Waterproof and breathable ski jacket, Waterproof ski pants
- Ski Socks: Several pairs of warm, moisture-wicking ski socks. Avoid cotton, which can retain moisture
- Gloves/Mittens: Insulated and waterproof gloves or mittens. Consider liners for extra warmth
- Hat/Beanie: To wear under your helmet or for off-slope activities
- Neck Gaiter/Scarf: For warmth and protection from the wind
- Ski / Snowboarding Googles – essential for eye protection on the slopes. (Can easily be purchased in Hakuba – prices can range from $60-100++ USD upwards)
- Swimsuit for onsen visit
Accessories
- Sunscreen: High SPF, as UV exposure increases with altitude and reflection off snow on sunny days
- Small Backpack or Daypack: To carry essentials on the slopes
- Personal Medication
- Muscle relief cream
- Hydration System: Water bottle or hydration pack to stay hydrated
Yin Yoga & Après-Ski Essentials
- Yin Yoga – it’s essential to dress in layers to keep your body warm and comfortable during the long-held poses.
- Cosy Thick Socks
- Warm Indoor Gloves
- Extra Large Travel Scarf or Warm Shawl
- Warm Yoga Pants or Track Pants
- Long Sleeve Top
- Light Weight Sweater or Sweatshirt
- Casual Clothing: Comfortable layers for off-slope activities
- Warm Snow/Waterproof Footwear: Insulated boots or comfortable shoes
- Casual Accessories: Sunglasses for bright days off the slopes
What to Bring
- Journal – to capture your thoughts, reflections, and the coaching workshop. Journaling is a powerful way to process your journey, set intentions, and create a lasting record of your adventure.
- Paperback Book – for the ultimate digital detox, we also recommend packing a paper book to enjoy during your downtime. Whether it’s an inspiring read or a beloved novel, a physical book offers a chance to unwind, disconnect from screens, and fully embrace the serene retreat atmosphere.
- Sleeping Mask – Great for Traveling and Yin Yoga
- Camera or Smartphone for capturing memories
- Travel Documents such as passport, travel insurance, and any necessary permits. See Japan Travel Visa requirements here
- Chargers for your own devices
- Skiing/snowboarding gear. You also have the option to rent gear with our trusted partners.
- How much money to bring?
- Most places do accept cards. Note there are not a lot of convenient atms to get cash, so we recommend exchanging any cash to Yen enroute at airport exchanges. Please note that dinner on Night 1 at Narita is not included in your retreat package. Lunch on travel day to Hakuba is included, but all other days, include only breakfast and dinner. For your convenience, here’s a quick overview of typical costs. Lunch at the mountains dining halls or nearby cafes, generally cost $10+ USD.
- If you would like to upgrade your ski/snowboard lesson from a group lesson to private lesson, there will be an additional fee and is based on availability.
- Hakuba offers some shopping for ski clothes and equipment, and if you plan to spend more time in Japan before or after the retreat. Most businesses in Japan accept cashless payments, so you can conveniently use credit or debit cards.
