NAGAHAMA, JAPAN · MARCH–APRIL 2027

More Than Skiing.
A Family Adventure in Japan.

A smiling child enjoying skiing at Gransnow Okuibuki
First turns. Big smiles. Memories together.
Photograph 1 of 3

A beginner-friendly ski experience where children connect with local Japanese kids, parents enjoy their own quality time, and families discover the magic of skiing and sakura in one trip.

Ages 3–105 Days / 4 NightsMarch–April 2027
Chat with Us on WhatsApp A friendly conversation. No commitment to book.

A LITTLE SNOW. A WORLD OF DISCOVERY.

What is DIVE INTO SNOW?

DIVE INTO SNOW is a 5-day / 4-night bilingual ski and family experience in Japan, designed for children experiencing snow and skiing for the first time.

Little discoveries. Big smiles.

Moments from dive in LIFE's snow adventures.

A child in a colourful jacket discovering the snowA child taking in the snowy mountain sceneryA smiling child exploring a little snow hideaway
Beginner-Friendly
Ages 3–10
5 Days / 4 Nights
Shiga, Japan

FOR YOUR CHILD. FOR YOUR FAMILY.

More Than Just Skiing

Family skiing at Gransnow Okuibuki

Ski with Local Japanese Children

Share the joy of skiing and connect with local Japanese children.

Two adults enjoying a quiet conversation over tea in a hotel lounge

Quality Time for Parents

Enjoy your own time while your children discover skiing.

A smiling adult holding a young child outdoors

Supported by a Local Team

Hands-on support from our Nagahama-based bilingual team.

A Japanese castle surrounded by spring cherry blossoms

Ski & Sakura

Discover the magic of winter and spring in one Japan trip.

Snow conditions and blossom timing vary with the weather.

ROOM FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY JAPAN

Their Adventure. Your Quality Time.

An instructor helping young children on skis

For Children

Discover snow, learn to ski, and build confidence through new experiences.

Two adults enjoying a spring walk along a traditional Japanese shopping street

For Parents

Enjoy a few hours to relax, work remotely, or explore Japan while your children are with our local team.

Hotel Pick-up & Return

Our local team can accompany your children between the hotel and the ski resort. Children may be collected from the hotel in the morning and returned after the program.

Parents who prefer to accompany their children are also welcome to do so.

Shuttle bus transportation costs are payable separately.

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FIVE DAYS, AT YOUR FAMILY'S PACE

Your 5-Day Family Adventure

Snow discovery, first ski experiences, and new friendships.
90-minute ski lessons on Days 3 and 4.

  1. DAY 01

    Welcome & Orientation

    Hotel check-in, meet & greet, and program orientation.

  2. DAY 02

    Snow Discovery

    Children explore snow through snowman building, snowball fights, sledding, and other introductory activities in the Kids Park.

    Local Japanese children are not scheduled to join on Day 2.
    A child proudly holding a colourful snowy creationA young child looking closely at the snow
  3. DAY 03

    First Ski Experience

    A 90-minute beginner-friendly ski lesson. Children practice fundamental skiing skills and become more comfortable on skis.

    Children exploring and playing in the snow
  4. DAY 04

    Ski with Japanese Children

    A 90-minute ski session with local Japanese children joining the experience. Children have an opportunity to enjoy skiing and cultural interaction together.

    Children enjoying a snowy slope together
  5. DAY 05

    Farewell & New Friendships

    Farewell lunch with participating families and local Japanese children.

GRANSNOW OKUIBUKI

See Where the Adventure Happens

Get a glimpse of the snowy slopes and beautiful surroundings where your children's ski adventure will take place.

Watch on YouTube ↗

LOCAL PEOPLE. PERSONAL SUPPORT.

You're Not Traveling to Japan Alone.

Our Nagahama-based team provides hands-on support throughout your family's experience, with bilingual staff and qualified childcare professionals.

A dive in LIFE team member connecting with a child in nature

Locally Based

Our team lives and works in Nagahama, Japan.

Bilingual Team

English-language support for international families.

Childcare Professionals

Qualified childcare professionals are part of the dive in LIFE team.

1,000+ Families

More than 1,000 Japanese families have been welcomed through dive in LIFE's children's and nature-based programs since 2021.

Official dive in LIFE organizer logoRooted in Nagahama.
Helping children discover through experience.
Satomi Kumagai, founder of dive in LIFE, smiling during a conversation
Satomi KumagaiFounder, dive in LIFE

A MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER

A Little More Than
a Family Holiday

When I became a parent, I discovered just how difficult it could be to find time for myself.

Between work, childcare, and everyday responsibilities, even a few hours of rest felt like a luxury. And although I sometimes desperately needed a break, I felt guilty about leaving my child in someone else's care.

What if children could have wonderful experiences of their own, while parents enjoyed a little freedom, without feeling guilty about it?

That simple question became the starting point for dive in LIFE.

Not every child has the opportunity to travel abroad. But what if we could bring the world to them?

Imagine children from Nagahama playing in the snow alongside children from Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and beyond. They might not speak the same language, but they can laugh together, discover things together, and become friends.

I want your children to experience the joy of nature, the warmth of our local community, and the excitement of making new friends. At the same time, I want you, as parents, to feel comfortable taking time for yourselves, knowing your children are enjoying something truly meaningful.

That is the experience we hope to create through DIVE INTO SNOW.

Read the full story

When I became a parent, I discovered just how difficult it could be to find time for myself.

Between work, childcare, and everyday responsibilities, even a few hours of rest felt like a luxury. And although I sometimes desperately needed a break, I felt guilty about leaving my child in someone else's care.

I began to wonder: What if children could have wonderful experiences of their own, while parents enjoyed a little freedom, without feeling guilty about it?

That simple question became the starting point for dive in LIFE.

In 2020, my family moved to Nagahama, a small city in Shiga Prefecture, surrounded by mountains, forests, rivers, and beautiful countryside.

I saw so much potential in this place. I wanted children to experience nature not just as something beautiful to look at, but as a place to play, explore, make discoveries, and grow in confidence.

So we began creating experiences where children could spend meaningful time outdoors, while their parents had the freedom to work, explore, rest, or simply enjoy a quiet moment.

Over time, my dream grew beyond supporting individual families.

Living in a smaller community, I've come to believe how important it is for children to discover that the world is much bigger than the place they know.

Not every child has the opportunity to travel abroad. But what if we could bring the world to them?

Imagine children from Nagahama playing in the snow alongside children from Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and beyond. They might not speak the same language, but they can laugh together, discover things together, and become friends.

I hope these simple moments help local children feel proud of where they come from, while inspiring them to become curious about the wider world.

And for families visiting Japan, I want to offer something more personal than an ordinary holiday.

I want your children to experience the joy of nature, the warmth of our local community, and the excitement of making new friends. At the same time, I want you, as parents, to feel comfortable taking time for yourselves, knowing your children are enjoying something truly meaningful.

Perhaps you'll explore the beautiful surroundings, enjoy a quiet coffee, or simply take a well-deserved break. And when you come together again, you'll have new stories to share.

That is the experience we hope to create through DIVE INTO SNOW.

My dream is to make Nagahama a place where families from different parts of the world come together, connect with nature, and discover something new about themselves and one another.

And I hope that one day, the children who meet here will visit each other's countries, reconnect as friends, and remember that it all began with a few wonderful days in Japan.

We look forward to welcoming your family.

Satomi Kumagai
Founder, dive in LIFE

THE PRACTICAL DETAILS

Plan Your Family's Adventure

BATCH 1

22–26 March 2027

BATCH 2

29 March–2 April 2027

Your Base Family Package

2 adults + 1 child · 5 Days / 4 Nights · Including 10% tax

TWO DISTINCT ROOM OPTIONS

Lake View Twin / Accessible Twin

Price upon enquiry

Total family package

A LITTLE MORE ROOM TO UNWIND

Premium Room with Private Open-Air Bath

Price upon enquiry

Total family package

Other Family Configurations

Additional pricing table pending verification. Please talk to our team about your family's configuration.

What's Included

  • Children's bilingual ski lessons
  • Ski equipment and clothing
  • Ski lift passes
  • Four nights' accommodation
  • Daily hotel breakfast
  • Childcare and family support from the local dive in LIFE team
  • Childcare support for younger siblings aged 0–2, if requested
  • Final-day farewell lunch

Not Included

  • International flights to and from Japan
  • Transportation between the international airport and the hotel
  • Local transportation, including shuttle bus fares to the ski resort
  • Lunches and dinners, except the included farewell lunch
  • Optional sightseeing and activities

Childcare support for children aged 0–2 is included without an additional childcare charge. The family package price does not decrease if childcare is not used.

Transportation to the Ski Resort

Shuttle bus transportation between the accommodation area and the ski resort is not included in the package price.

Transportation arrangements and costs will be explained separately by our team.

YOUR HOME IN NAGAHAMA

Green Hotel Yes Minatokan

Four-night accommodation with daily breakfast is included.

Lake View Twin room at Green Hotel Yes Minatokan

Lake View Twin

Accessible Twin room at Green Hotel Yes Minatokan

Accessible Twin

View bathroomHotel bathroom with a shower seat and handrails
Premium Japanese-style room with two beds and a seating area

Premium Room with Private Open-Air Bath

View private bathPrivate bath and shower adjoining the premium room

All room types are subject to availability at the time of booking.

NO RENTAL CAR NEEDED

Getting Here Is Easier Than You Think.

Travel to Nagahama from Kansai International Airport or Chubu Centrair International Airport without renting a car.

How to Get Here

Destination: Green Hotel Yes Minatokan, Nagahama, Shiga.

Have Questions About Your Family's Package?

Every family is different. We'd be happy to help you explore the best room option, package details, and arrangements for your family.

Chat with Us on WhatsApp

FIND YOUR FAMILY'S FIT

Is DIVE INTO SNOW Right for Your Family?

This experience could be a great fit for your family if...

  • Your child is experiencing snow or skiing for the first time.
  • You'd love your child to connect with local Japanese children.
  • You want some quality time for yourself during your family holiday.
  • You're looking for a family experience combining skiing and Japanese culture.
  • You appreciate having a bilingual local team to support your family.

Every family is different.

We'd be happy to explore whether DIVE INTO SNOW is right for yours.

Chat with Us on WhatsApp

A FEW THINGS YOU MAY BE WONDERING

Frequently Asked Questions

My child has never skied before. Is that okay?

Absolutely! DIVE INTO SNOW is specifically designed for children who are new to snow and skiing.

The program begins with snow play and discovery activities before introducing beginner-friendly ski lessons with bilingual support.

Children can learn at their own pace in a supportive environment.

Do parents need to accompany their children to the ski resort?

Not at all! Our local dive in LIFE team can pick up your children from the hotel, accompany them to the ski resort, and bring them back after their activities.

You're free to enjoy some quality time — whether that means relaxing, working remotely, or exploring the local area.

Of course, parents are also welcome to accompany their children if they prefer.

Shuttle bus transportation fees are not included in the package and are payable separately.

Can we join if we have a younger child aged 0–2?

Absolutely! Families with babies and toddlers are welcome.

While children aged 3–10 participate in the ski program, our childcare team can look after younger siblings aged 0–2 during the morning activities.

Childcare support is included in your family package at no additional cost.

Please let us know your children's ages in advance so we can discuss suitable childcare arrangements.

Does my child need to speak Japanese?

Not at all! Your child doesn't need to speak Japanese to join DIVE INTO SNOW.

Our bilingual team provides English-language support throughout the children's activities, helping them feel comfortable as they experience skiing and interact with local Japanese children.

Language differences can also be part of the fun, as children connect through skiing, play, and shared experiences.

Can we experience both skiing and cherry blossoms during our trip?

That's one of the special things about visiting Japan in late March and early April!

During this period, families may have the opportunity to enjoy skiing at Gransnow Okuibuki while cherry blossoms begin to bloom in nearby areas.

We've carefully selected the program dates to offer this unique combination of winter and spring experiences.

Please note that ski conditions and cherry blossom timing are influenced by weather and seasonal conditions and may vary from year to year.

Are meals included in the package?

Daily breakfast at the hotel and a farewell lunch on the final day are included in your package.

Other lunches and dinners are not included, giving your family the flexibility to explore local restaurants and enjoy Japanese cuisine at your own pace.

Do we need to rent a car or drive in Japan?

No, renting a car is not necessary to join DIVE INTO SNOW.

You can reach Nagahama from Kansai International Airport (Osaka) or Chubu Centrair International Airport (Nagoya) using public transportation.

During the ski program, our local team can accompany your children between the hotel and the ski resort, so parents don't need to drive.

Airport transfers and local transportation costs are not included in the package. Our team can provide guidance on available transportation options.

How will my child be supported during the ski program?

Your child will be supported by our local dive in LIFE team throughout the ski activities.

Our bilingual instructors provide beginner-friendly ski lessons, with an approximate instructor-to-child ratio of 1:5.

The dive in LIFE team also includes qualified childcare professionals and has welcomed more than 1,000 Japanese families through its children's programs since 2021.

We aim to create a comfortable, supportive environment where children can enjoy new experiences at their own pace.

Is late March or early April a good time for children to learn skiing?

Yes! DIVE INTO SNOW is specifically designed for young children experiencing snow and skiing for the first time.

Gransnow Okuibuki is one of western Japan's well-known ski resorts, typically operating through early April. In addition to natural snowfall, the resort uses snowmaking technology to help maintain skiable conditions during the warmer spring season.

Our program focuses on beginner-friendly areas rather than advanced slopes, allowing children to enjoy their first snow and ski experiences in a supportive environment.

Late March and early April also offer a special opportunity to combine skiing with Japan's beautiful cherry blossom season, with conditions and blooming times varying naturally from year to year.

A child smiling while sitting in the snow at sunset

YOUR NEXT FAMILY MEMORY STARTS HERE

Every Family Is Different.
Let's Talk About Yours.

Wondering whether DIVE INTO SNOW is right for your family?

We'd love to hear about your children's ages, travel plans, and what you're hoping to experience in Japan.

No commitment to book — just a friendly conversation.

Chat with Us on WhatsApp

Ask about pricing, dates, or your child’s first ski experience.

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