About Us
About Us
At Powder Search Japan, we combine deep snow industry knowledge, local Japanese expertise, and decades of professional charter bus experience to provide seamless, fully tailored transportation throughout your time in Japan.
Powder Search Japan was created through a unique partnership between a lifelong snowboarder and surfer with extensive experience in the Japanese snow and surf industries, and a professional Japanese transport company with more than 25 years of experience in the charter bus and booked hire transport industry.
By bringing together international travel experience and trusted local transport operations, we are able to offer a personalised service designed specifically for travellers who want to explore Japan’s winter destinations with ease.
The result is a service built for guests who want to experience Japan’s legendary powder snow at the highest level — with comfort, flexibility, and local expertise.
Why Powder Search Japan Exists
While snowboarding across Japan, we noticed a common problem.
Many visitors stay at beautiful ski resorts, but once lifts close in the afternoon, transportation becomes very limited. Shuttle buses stop running early, towns become crowded, and taxis can be extremely difficult to find.
It is not uncommon to see families and groups waiting more than 90 minutes in freezing snow for a taxi at the station or restaurant areas.
Powder Search Japan was created to solve this problem.
Instead of being restricted by shuttle schedules or long taxi lines, our guests have a dedicated private chauffeur and vehicle, allowing them to move freely between resorts, restaurants, towns, and hidden powder locations.
Powder Search Japan Mission
1️⃣ Deliver the Best Snow
We monitor snowfall and weather patterns daily, guiding you directly to the best mountain conditions available.
2️⃣ Create Freedom of Movement
Seamless travel from airport to alpine resort — and between mountains — without stress or wasted time.
3️⃣ Share Culture & Connection
Beyond the slopes, we introduce Japan’s onsen, cuisine, and rich regional traditions.
4️⃣ Travel Safely & Comfortably
Safety first, always. Thoughtfully planned transport for a smooth and secure journey.
Our Values
Flexibility
Adapting to changing snow and weather to ensure the best possible mountain choice each day.
Hospitality
Professional English support that bridges cultures with clarity and care.
Respect
Deep respect for the mountains, the local people and community, and the environment that sustains them.
Safety First
Meticulously planned operations with safety, terrain awareness, and responsible guidance at the core.
The Founder & Chauffeur
Mitsu Nishina
Powder Search Japan was founded by Mitsu Nishina, a Japanese snowboarder and surfer who previously served as Country Manager of Rip Curl Japan.
Mitsu has spent decades travelling throughout Japan’s snow regions — particularly Nagano, Niigata, and Gunma — both professionally and personally. Through this experience he developed a deep understanding of how Japan’s ski destinations operate, from resorts and accommodation to transport logistics and weather patterns.
Fluent in both English and Japanese, Mitsu personally serves as your English-speaking chauffeur and guide, helping international visitors navigate Japan’s winter destinations with ease.
Ex-Rip Curl Japan Country Manager
Ex-SurfStitch.com Starting member Operations Manager
Over 30 years of Snow/Surf Experience
Living in Australia and Japan for over 30 years
Japanese Bus/Hire car Driver license
Owner of FunChannel Transport in Gold Coast
BlueCard ( mandatory child-related employment screening check) Holder
Favorite Ski field-Nozawa/Tsugaike/Furano/Geto/Maiko/Kawaba
The Transport
Professional Transport Partnership
To ensure the highest level of safety and reliability, Powder Search Japan works in partnership with Zipang Bus, a professional transport operator based in Shonan, Kanagawa (near Tokyo).
Zipang Bus has more than 25 years of experience providing transport services for:
- Japanese schools and universities
- Government organisations
- Corporate commuter transport
- Domestic and international tourists
Over the past five years, the company has increasingly worked with overseas travel companies, helping them organise transportation and recommend destinations that best match their clients’ expectations.
Vehicles Designed for Snow Travel
Through this partnership we can provide a range of professional vehicles suited to different group sizes and travel styles.
Luxury Salon Bus
Designed for premium travel, the salon bus features:
- Spacious lounge-style seating
- Two refrigerators
- Large TV screen
- Meeting-style seating area in the rear
- Large luggage compartment suitable for skis, snowboards, and suitcases
Micro Buses
Comfortable mid-size buses ideal for families or small groups. Some models include reclining seats and onboard refrigerators for drinks.
Best in the Snow-4WD Commuter Snow Bus
Our 4WD commuter buses are particularly suited for winter mountain travel. Equipped with studless winter tyres and four-wheel drive, they provide safe and reliable transport in snowy mountain conditions.
Experience That Matters
Driving in snow regions requires specialised skills and training. Many transport companies avoid operating in these areas due to the risks and additional vehicle maintenance required.
Zipang Bus employs experienced professional drivers who are trained for snow-road conditions, ensuring our guests travel safely even in heavy winter weather.
Our Structure
Reservations are handled through Powder Search Japan (Australia).
Operations in Japan are carried out in partnership with Zipang Bus, with Mitsu personally driving many of the tours to provide a fully personalised experience.
This structure allows us to combine:
- International customer service
- Local Japanese transport expertise
- Personalised chauffeur-style travel
Government Approved Hire bus tour operator.
Years of safe operations and experiences.
Shonan-Kanagawa Based Company approved for Pick up and Drop off customers from Narita/Haneda Airport as well as Tokyo Hotels etc.
Holds various busses
-Commuter 4WD bus
Confort 9pp, max 14pp without luggage
-Micro bus with Friedge
Confort 15pp, max 28pp without ludggage
-Salon bus with Fridge and Karaoke and party table
Confort 27 people. Plenty of luggage space under the bus
