JAPAN
FEBRUARY 14-22 // $1,000 + FLIGHT
TRIP
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What makes Ride Nature different from other mission organizations is the strategy to use action sports as a tool to train leaders for ongoing ministry, reach the lost with the Gospel outreach events, inspire a new generation as we pioneer into new communities, and serve the local leaders who carry on the work of disciple making long after we leave. This is the mission for every trip we lead. Trip Vision
We’re heading to Niseko, Japan — one of the snowiest places on earth — to partner with our good friend JP Koch and his family, who have been faithfully doing ministry among Japan’s snowboard community for years. This trip is all about encouragement, presence, and partnership — coming alongside a family who has been living out the gospel in one of the most spiritually unreached nations in the world.
From deep powder runs to slow chairlift conversations, from late-night fireside hangs to serving behind the scenes, our prayer is that every moment would reflect the love of Jesus. We’ll help support JP’s ongoing discipleship efforts, connect with the local snow community, and explore creative ways to share hope and truth in a culture marked by beauty, respect, and quiet searching.
It’s peak snow season in Niseko, and we’re stoked to be there — serving, riding, and watching God move through the mountains.
Spaces are limited — come ready to serve and shred.
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The cost for the trip is: $1,000
*This price does NOT include your flight cost. Only in country expenses.What’s Included
All in country needs including;
Lodging
Transportation
3 meals a day
Water and snacks
Group free day
What’s NOT included;
Additional expenses;
Additional snacks or special food requests
Additional activities or board rentals aside from group activities
Personal emergencies
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February 14-22
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Itinerary coming soon!
TRIP PROCESS
Submit Application – Complete and send in your trip application.
Trip Leader Review – Please allow 1–2 weeks for our team and trip leaders to review your application and respond.
Approval & Payment Details – Once approved and after background checks are finished, you’ll receive trip payment details.
Initial Payment – Make your initial trip payment to confirm your spot.
Book Flights – After your initial payment is received, you can move forward with booking flights.
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We know that team members will be traveling from all over, and we’re here to help make that process simple and stress-free. Once your application has been approved, our staff will personally connect with you to share our team’s travel plans, including flight details, schedules, and arrival instructions. You won’t need to figure things out on your own—we’ll guide you through the process to make sure your travel lines up with the rest of the team.
While every trip looks a little different, our goal is always to keep travel as safe and coordinated as possible. Whether you’re flying from across the country or driving in from nearby, we’ll make sure you know exactly what to expect and how to connect with the group when it’s time to go.
FACTS ABOUT japan
Population?
Japan has a population of roughly 125 million people, with Niseko located on the northern island of Hokkaido — a region known for its small mountain towns and welcoming locals.Geography?
Niseko sits in the heart of Hokkaido, surrounded by volcanic peaks and deep powder snow. It’s one of the snowiest places on earth, offering world-class terrain for skiing and snowboarding with stunning views of Mount Yotei, often called “the Mount Fuji of the North.”Language?
Japanese is the official language, though English is commonly spoken in tourist areas like Niseko.Money?
Japanese Yen (¥)Faith?
Less than 2% of Japan’s population identifies as Christian, and many people have never personally heard the gospel. The dominant religions are Shintoism and Buddhism, with deep cultural roots and traditions.Random Fact?
Niseko is famous for its “Japow” — the light, dry powder snow that draws riders from around the globe every winter. Some areas can see over 50 feet of snowfall each year!
“It had been 2 years since we returned to Hokkaido, Japan. A place best known for having the best snow on earth—incredible and skiing! But, the real reason we traveled was to meet with people, love them, and continue encouraging them to follow Jesus whether they know Him or not. Sometimes, we forget how simple the mission truly is. Love God. Love people. Make disciples.”
-Julio marin Meet your trip leader
zak and ela braun- chilliwack bcHi! I'm Ella.I’m passionate about creativity, discipleship, travelling and sharing God’s love with others. I was born and raised in Canada and now live in beautiful Chilliwack, British Columbia with my wonderful husband, Zak.
I’ve had the opportunity to study art, theology, and worship – a combination that reflects my heart for both creative expression and spiritual formation. I love creating in all kinds of ways, through photography, music, pottery, and writing – and I’m continually amazed at how God uses creativity to connect with people and reveal His heart.
Building relationships and walking alongside others in life-on-life discipleship is something I deeply value. I also have a passion for action-sports ministry, particularly snowboarding, and I love seeing how God can use those spaces to share the gospel in meaningful and authentic ways.
My desire is to be a vessel in the work God is doing globally – to serve, create, and lead in ways that point people toward Him. I look forward to witnessing how God works through this mission and uses each of us to further His kingdom!
Hey! Zak here.A bit about me: I’m a filmmaker and storyteller with a passion for using creativity to point people toward Jesus. I call Chilliwack, British Columbia home with my lovely wife, Ella.
I love anything that gets me outside like surfing, running, skating, or exploring the backcountry where I’m constantly reminded of how God reveals Himself through creation and adventure. Through my work in film and photography, I seek to tell stories that inspire others to live with purpose, courage, and wonder.
I’m stoked to be part of leading teams with Ride Nature where I went through the discipleship program, staffed for a few years and now return in this role. I’m excited to see how God uses creativity, community, and action sports to share the gospel and make His love known to the ends of the earth.
Q&A’s
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Absolutely. As we lead mission trips all throughout the year, whenever we have openings in trips we welcome others to apply to join the team. YOU HAVE TO BE 18 OR OLDER TO TRAVEL WITHOUT A PARENT OR GUARDIAN.
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We gladly welcome ANYONE to join us on our trips, even those who may not call themselves a “surfer” or “skater”. While our trips ARE focused on action sports outreach, all that we ask is that you have a heart and desire to see others reached with the Truth of Jesus Christ and are excited to see that happen through action sports outreach.
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Basic traveling needs. PASSPORT, clothes, shoes, socks, refillable water bottle, deodorant, etc. A suggested packing list will be sent out to you at least one-month before the trip.
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Drugs, weapons, large amounts of spending money, alcohol, pornography of any kind, tobacco products, etc…
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Unless we notify you in advance that you will need to bring additional spending money for visas, exit fees, activities, etc, the only spending money you will need to bring will be for personal snacks and/or souvenirs.
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Cultural and local dishes. Depending on the location of the mission trip the food we eat varies. While we try very hard to build solid relationships with the individuals located in the areas we are working in, we prefer to eat the local food and experience the culture of the area. If you have food restrictions or allergies, please make sure to let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
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We take safety and privacy seriously—those are non-negotiable. Guys and girls will always have separate sleeping areas, unless a married couple requests to stay together. These are mission trips, not vacations, so while we usually have modern comforts like air conditioning, there may be times we’re roughing it a bit. If that’s the case, we’ll make sure you know ahead of time. If you’d like private accommodations, please let us know when you apply.
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Depending on the location of the mission trip, immunizations vary. Please consult your family doctor with any questions regarding this. We as an organization recommend the following vaccines; Hepatitis A/B and Tetanus/Diphtheria (DT).
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On the mission trips that we’re doing work projects we ask that everyone bring; pants, closed toe shoes, and work gloves. For girls: no short shorts, no low cut shirts, culturally accepted clothing, etc. Girls: Please bring a one-piece swimming suit, rash guard or t-shirt that you can wear on top of your two-piece if that’s all you have. Guys: Board Shorts.
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If you are elderly or are prone to health problems, we strongly recommend a thorough physical examination before traveling. Also, medical identification (tags, bracelet, card, etc.) must be carried by anyone with chronic illness such as diabetes or heart conditions. Our trips typically require some form of work and strenuous activity and may require standing/walking/working for long periods of time. Persons with mental illness or physical disabilities are required to disclose such information to the Mission before being approved to travel. If you have special needs while traveling (such as a medical condition, food allergies, or other special requirements), please let us know before your trip, and we will try our best to accommodate you as best as possible. Be sure to bring whatever you need with you in your carry-on luggage.
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Absolutely. In fact we prefer to lead mission trips with groups and individuals all from one area. Many times we have experienced that the individuals on mission trips grow closer as a group, developing deeper relationships with one another, and growing spiritually. For this reason, we encourage and welcome groups to travel together on mission trips with the goal and intent that they grow closer and stronger as a group. If you would be interested in having Ride Nature lead your youth or school group on a mission trip contact us today at trips@ridenature.com.
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We are currently looking for individuals to help lead and organize mission trips throughout the year. As a trip leader/coordinator you are responsible for recruiting and organizing the mission team, assisting in trip fundraising and fundraising coaching for the team, communicating with the group before the trip, and help leading the trip on the ground. Ideally we are looking for youth pastors, small group/Bible study leaders, or teachers for a role like this. Generally, when someone assists in leading a team, we as an organization cover the leader’s expenses for that trip, making it free for them. For more information about being a trip leader or if you are interested in leading a trip, please email trips@ridenature.com.
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IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, OR NEED ADDITIONAL HELP PLEASE EMAIL US AT MISSIONS@RIDENATURE.COM.