Most people know Japan for its culture, scenery, and food. But for thrill-seekers, the land of the rising sun is the powder Mecca of the World! With fantastic places like Tenjin, Rusutsu, and Kiroro, this fascinating country is the snowiest place on the entire planet. But if you’re planning on snowboarding in Japan, you’re gonna need a plank that can handle deep powder snow. That’s because thigh to waist deeps snow is a regular occurrence in this part of the world. So in this article, we’re going to reveal how to choose the best snowboard for Japan, as well as provide some great recommendations to give you ideas. Are you ready? Let’s dive straight into it!
How to Choose the Best Snowboard for Japan
Choosing the best snowboard for Japan can be quite overwhelming. That’s because there are plenty of options out there. If you type the entry on any shopping website, chances are you’ll get a list of hundreds of products with different wonky shapes. So, here we have some tips on what qualities you should look for in the best snowboard for Japan. This will make sure you get the most excellent option that’s worth both your money and time.
Stance
A snowboard with a setback stance is a must if you plan on riding in powder. It’s true that you can still use a plank with a centered stance, but that’ll take a lot of effort and consume too much of your precious time. You’ll certainly lose focus on the more important things, as most of your concentration is devoted to keeping the board’s nose stay floating and the tail sink. So, keep this in mind when you plan to buy the best snowboard for Japan.
Design
The best snowboard for Japan should have a nose that’s both wider and longer, as that’ll help the board not sink too deep into the snow. On the other hand, you’ll also want to make sure that it has a narrower tail – an important feature that’ll give you the exact amount of floatiness you need. Additionally, it’s even better if you manage to get products with specific rockers in the chamber profile. That should make the plank float and perform consistently.
Ability
Another important factor in choosing the best snowboard for Japan is ability. You see, there are tons of boards made for all kinds of different skill levels. They all come with specific flex, shape, construction, material, and design. So, it’s very important to realistically assess your abilities. If you don’t feel confident enough for that, go to a local shop and ask someone with more experience for help.
Yes 420
13
The Yes 420 is something that truly represents the definition of a true best snowboard for Japan. It’s a powder board through and through. It’s got a fat nose, radial taper, and a fat midsection, everything you need to keep the board floating on top of heavy snow. Apart from its shorter dimensions, around 150cm maximum, this plank will allow you to execute a variety of tricks without any noticeable interruptions.
In addition, YES also includes a mid-flew and Poplar weightless core feature to keep the entire board light. Overall, this is a pleasant product. At around 500 bucks, it wouldn’t be a bad investment. You should be able to slash and devour all those bottomless without any problem. Make sure to check out this one while you can.
What We Love
Great design that provides the perfect amount of floatiness
Pros:
- Fat nose
- Radial taper
- Poplar weightless core
- Fat midsection
Cons:
- The design is less appealing
Burton Flight Attendant
12
There’s nothing better than a nice soft landing while riding on powder and Burton Flight Attendant manage to give you just that. This fantastic plank is built with camber for a more precise sliding experience. Apart from that, you’ll also get a rocker on the nose for better floatiness. We also love Burton’s freeride geometry, which allows it to function both as directional and a twin tip.
Being the best snowboard for Japan, the Burton Flight Attendant features a Certified Super Fly II core. This means you’ll get a pretty light board, but at the same time, it can receive a lot of beating. Furthermore, this incredible plank also has a Carbon I-Beam which should give you more flexibility and responsiveness.
What We Love
Specific camber for a more precise sliding experience
Pros:
- Certified Super Fly II core
- Carbon I-Beam
- Big rockered nose
- 10mm taper core
Cons:
- Doesn’t include any freebies
Lib Tech BRD
11
Lib Tech BRD will be perfect for those of you looking for something a little more ‘all-rounder’. This board has everything you need for a fun ride. For starters, there’s camber just under your feet for unrivaled precision. Next, the addition of a ‘medium flex’ will provide a more versatile riding experience. And last but not least, there’s the Magne-Traction that’s brilliantly positioned to keep up with your every turns, take-offs, and landings.
Construction-wise, Lib Tech BRD uses triaxial biaxial fiberglass which is well known for its durability. As for the cores, they opted for Original Power construction with Paulownia and Aspen. Both are guaranteed to make the board light enough, but also pop at the same time. To conclude, this is pretty fine gear. If you’re planning to buy the best surfboard for Japan, Lib Tech won’t disappoint you.
What We Love
Perfect gear for all-rounders
Pros:
- Original Power construction
- Medium flex
- Magne-Traction
- Triaxial biaxial fiberglass
Cons:
- Not suitable for those looking for something specific
Nitro Squash
10
If you’re not an adventurous type, Nitro Squash will be the best snowboard for Japan for you. This super-swallow-tailed pow board features the True Camber, a traditional design widely recognized for its effectiveness. It may not be as technologically advanced as the newer planks, but you’ll get an invaluable familiarity under your two feet.
Another thing we want to mention is the tail. It has a pretty dramatic swallow design. At first glance, it looks just like any other board. But on a closer inspection, we notice that it has a progressive cut which allows for better traction and acceleration. To summarise, Nitro Squash will be perfect for ‘traditional’ riders. And with a price tag of around 500 bucks, it’s quite affordable for a deep powder board.
What We Love
True Camber with traditional design
Pros:
- True Camber
- Tapered swallowtail squash
- All-terrain flexibility
- Progressive sidecut
Cons:
- Only available in limited sizes
Rome Stale Fish
9
Designed with big ideas in mind, Rome Stale Fish is a gear that delivers a surf-like riding experience on snow. All possible thanks to the swallow-ish tail design that allows you to glide smoothly over any white surface. Furthermore, this incredible plank also features the Free-the-Ride Camber which is specifically designed to keep the board float in solid powder.
Apart from that, you’ll also get the incredible Directional Diamond 3D. This feature will give you the perfect turn and the right amount of agility. In conclusion, Rome Stale Fish is a recommended best snowboard for Japan. It has everything it takes to make a snowboarding session exciting and fun. Make sure to check it out while you can.
What We Love
Swallowtails that allow smoother glides
Pros:
- Free-the-ride Camber
- Directional Diamond 3D
- Swallow-like tail
- Lightweight
Cons:
- It doesn’t get enough reviews
Capita Spring Break Powder Racer
8
As its name suggests, the Capita Spring Break Powder Racer is the best snowboard for Japan designed to get you down the slopes as fast as possible. It shoots straight like a bullet in any powder, making it a sensational directional bomber. Another thing we love about this beauty is design. It has a big nose, wide waist, and flat tail – all the kinds of stuff you need for enjoyable high-speed riding.
As for the core, this plank is a solid piece unit measured at 160 centimeters. It has a magnetic combination of Kevlar, Technora + flax booster, Magic Bean resin, and Holysheet Fiberglass. Whatever awaits you down the slopes, this beast will devour it mercilessly!
What We Love
Specific design for a high-speed riding experience
Pros:
- Kevlar core
- Magic bean resin
- Technora booster
- Great design
Cons:
- The design isn’t for everyone
K2 Cool Bean
7
The K2 Cool Bean is one of the most popular alternatives available on the market and we can immediately see why. With a price of around 460 bucks, this board is much more approachable than most of the other products on this list. Plus, it can deliver more than just sub-par performance. This plank has Directional Rocker Baseline which can make the nose floaty enough. Furthermore, there’s a swallows tail that bumps only a little in high-speed riding.
Apart from that, another thing that makes the K2 Cool Bean really, well, cool is that it’s available in three different sizes. From 138 to 150, there will always be something for everyone. To summarise, this gear is the best snowboard for Japan that is easy to approach. It will be great for beginner to intermediate riders. Plus, the price won’t force you to break the bank. So don’t hesitate to buy it if you spot one in the wild.
What We Love
All-round board with approachable design
Pros:
- Directional Rocker Baseline
- Affordable
- Available in three different sizes
- Swallows tail
Cons:
- It has a less attractive design
Bataleon Surfer Ltd
6
With Its super funky nose and tail design, Bataleon Surfer Ltd isn’t for everyone. But if you’re looking for a fast-blazing riding experience like no other, this is the best snowboard for Japan you’ve been looking for! This board has a 3BT build that combines both speed and toughness brilliantly. It’ll literally send you flying through the bottomless pow!
If there’s one thing to complain about this board, it’s its versatility. With an extremely exaggerated nose and tail, the Bataleon Surfer Ltd won’t be suitable for those who desire a more casual snowboarding experience or better control. But on the bright side, this gear will be perfect for thrill-seekers. Make every time you spend in Japan worthwhile with this incredible plank!
What We Love
An incredible board built for speed
Pros:
- 3BT build
- Defined nose
- 3D shaped swallowtail
- Bright design
Cons:
- Not as versatile as other similar products
Jones Storm Chaser
5
At around 600 bucks, the Jones Storm Chaser may not be the most affordable option out there. But if you value quality more than anything, this excellent board won’t disappoint you one bit. It promises to provide a smooth surf-like riding experience over deep powder.
In order to achieve that, Jones teamed up with top surf shaper Chris Christenson. Furthermore, they include a perfect rocker and fat waist for added floatiness. If that’s not enough, the board also uses the FSC Bamboo Surf Core to make sure it pops. In short, if budget isn’t a problem and you have enough skills (and guts), this best snowboard for Japan is a no-brainer.
What We Love
Sophisticated design to provide a surf-like experience
Pros:
- FSC Bamboo Surf Core
- Rounded Recycled ABS Sidewalls
- Fat waist
- Directional shape
Cons:
- It’s quite pricey
Never Summer Swift
4
Starting its business in 1983, Never Summer Swift knows a thing or two about making the perfect plank. With this new product, they promise a power shredder that manages to deliver the utmost performance in any type of condition. If you look closely, the big nose part features an early rise design to prevent the board from floating between turns. On the other hand, you’ll find a bat-shaped tail that’s specifically designed to provide better stability.
Another praiseworthy innovation from Never Summer Swift is the Fusion Rocker Camber. It’s claimed to be able to produce surf-like performance, even in less ideal conditions. To conclude, this board is an exemplary solution for speed heads. If you don’t mind shelling out 600 bucks for the best snowboard for Japan, this one is a must-have.
What We Love
Early rise nose which prevents the board from being too floaty
Pros:
- Fusion Rocker Camber
- Bat-shaped tail
- Durable
- Big nose
Cons:
- Not too budget-friendly
Lib Tech Skunk Ape
3
With size variations from 157 to 170 cm, the Lib Tech Skunk Ape is a remarkable gear that will be perfect for big riders. It has wide and directional twins that are specially crafted to conquer entire mountains. Apart from that, you’ll get tons of incredible features, including the Lib Techs C2 camber, Magne-Traction, and Horsepower construction.
As we mentioned earlier, the Lib Tech Skunk Ape is one of the few boards designed for riders of more generous proportions. That’s why you’ll find a footpad that can accommodate wider feet here. Apart from that, we couldn’t find anything to criticize about this product. If you don’t already own the best snowboard for Japan and are planning to buy one, this one is worth considering.
What We Love
Directional twin designed for riding the whole mountain
Pros:
- Magne-Traction
- Horsepower construction
- Lib Techs C2 Camber
- Accommodates a wider range of feet
Cons:
- It has a less good switch, compared to older models
Rossignol XV Sushi
2
As you might have guessed from the name, Rossignol XV Sushi is a powder deep board that’s inspired by fish. It promises a smooth and agile riding experience, almost like an angler swerving swiftly in the water! But this doesn’t mean you’ll get a bumpy ride. To ensure a more sturdy and stable landing, Rossignol uses a slight swallowtail. They also added a fat-light nose.
Apart from that, we also love the cool design. It got its inspiration from Japanese powder board from the 90s, which of course was very popular at its time. If there’s one thing that makes us a little disappointed with this product, it’s its size. Rossignol Sushi is only available in 144, which might be a massive deal-breaker for some. But with that being said, this is still the best surfboard for Japan which is worth considering.
What We Love
Cool design inspired by 90’s Japanese powder board
Pros:
- Slight swallowtail
- Fat-light nose
- L.I.T.E frame core
- AmpTek Elite Camber
Cons:
- Only available in 144
Lib Tech T.Rice Orca
1
If you’ve been snowboarding long enough, Lib Tech T.Rice Orca is definitely not a strange name to your ears. It is one of the most popular gears in the Lib Tech product line, all thanks to its incredible versatility. Apart from that, this hell of a beast features a directional shape and a C2X camber profile – making it perfect for freestyle on an ocean of white.
In addition, Lib Tech Orca uses flex with a medium-stiff rating. Riders with intermediate to advanced abilities will not have much difficulty with this plank. And for an even better experience, we suggest pairing it with one of our 13 best ski helmets with visors.
What We Love
Offers high versatility in all types of terrain
Pros:
- Whale tail technology
- 7mm trench gouging sidecut
- Directional shape
- Floaty nose
Cons:
- Only available in one size
