Fukushima Prefecture is one of Japan’s premier “powder snow” havens, with plenty of ski resorts flaunting fluffy snow perfect for skiing and more.

Why Fukushima for Winter Sports and Snow Activities?

Being the 3rd largest prefecture in Japan, Fukushima is chock-full of large-scale ski resorts boasting a diverse range of courses for all levels. In addition to skiing, snowboarding and snow trekking are extremely popular in Fukushima.

Many of these ski resorts have wide, spacious slopes, preventing them from feeling crowded even when busy. With plenty of room for all, you can relax and enjoy a fun-filled day of winter sports without fear of colliding with others.

The ski resorts of Fukushima have stable snowfalls throughout the season, and the high-quality powder snow remains for a surprisingly long time. Being soft and luscious, Fukushima’s snow is ideal for beginners and children too!

Many ski resorts also have “snow parks,” allowing children and adults plenty of opportunity to unwind in the snow. Kids can also partake in sledding and more at the “kids park,” making them great places for family holidays. Some are even equipped with childcare facilities (for certain ages) and ski schools, so parents can ski while their children are left in good care.

Fukushima Ski Resorts

Here are some of the ski resorts in Fukushima Prefecture.

For more information, visit this page.

Recommended Ski Resorts

1. Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain

With 13 lifts and 33 courses, the expansive Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain is one of the largest ski resorts in Japan. Its enormous skiing fields, connected by lifts running north-south on Mt. Nekomadake, open for a long season of December to May, and present perfect runs making the most of the conditions. You can race down the mountainside on a wide selection of unique courses, with panoramas of Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro from the south. The north overlooks Mt. Bandai and Lake Hibara from behind, and its high altitude yields exceptional snow and a long opening season. There’s also a number of ski-in, ski-out hot spring hotels and restaurants. You can reach the resort in a 15-minute drive from the Bandaikawa Higashi IC, or by using the local bus from Koriyama Station (which is connected to the bullet train). There is also a free shuttle bus from Bandaicho Station, the closest station to the resort.

https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/bandai/sp/nekomamountain/

2. EN RESORT Grandeco

The base of EN RESORT Grandeco sits at an altitude of over 1,000 metres. With thick coverings of high-quality snowfall, it opens for an extended season from late November to early May. You can ski-in and ski-out of the resort’s own official hot spring hotel, and use the high-speed hooded quad-lift for quick access to make the most out of your Japan skiing holiday. From the top of the gondola lift is a 3,500-metre beginner course, letting first-timers and children practice while having a blast. And to help you improve even more, there are private lessons offered in English at the Grandeco Ski School, certified by the Ski Association of Japan. You can reach EN RESORT Grandeco in a 3-hour and 50-minute drive from Tokyo, and it’s 30 minutes from the closest interchange (Inawashiro Bandai-Kogen IC). Alternatively, there is a free shuttle bus that departs from Inawashiro Station (JR Bandai Nishi Line).

https://resort.en-hotel.com/grandeco/snow/

3. Inawashiro Ski Resort

Inawashiro Ski Resort contains 18 courses spread out over the grand Bandai-Asahi National Park surrounded by Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro, granting magnificent views as you race down the slopes. The Minero Area is home to one of the hardest runs in the Tohoku region, and its All-Japan Ski Competition Course boasts fresh uncompressed powder snow. There are also motion recorders, automatic cameras, and the Kids Zone with a hooded carpet lift, making it an excellent spot for the whole family. Inawashiro Ski Resort is just a 10-minute drive from the Inawashiro Bandai-Kogen IC, and there is also a free shuttle bus departing from Inawashiro Station (JR Bandai Nishi Line).

https://www.inawashiro-ski.com/

Must-See Winter Attractions

1. Little Snow Monsters

The trees of Mt. Nishi-Azuma, one of Japan’s most famous snowy mountains, are short and densely packed, becoming engulfed in a deep frost during the winter. While the phenomenon of frost-covered trees can be found in several places throughout Japan, the unique miniature size of those on Mt. Nishi-Azuma have led to their adorable moniker: “Little Snow Monsters.” You can view this surreal spectacle up close while hiking the ridgeline – an enchanting, otherworldly experience!

• Peaks in mid-February
• Snowshoes essential
• Tour guides available

How to Get There:

• Take the gondola lift from Grandeco Snow Resort (round trip) + No. 4 Chairlift (runs on public holidays/weekends, one-way, cannot be used for descending)
• Take the gondola lift (round trip)

2. Yellow Falls

Yellow Falls, an ice cascade appearing during winter in the crater of Mt. Bandai, is coloured yellow by water droplets mixing with sulphur and iron before freezing. You can witness the beauty of this phenomenal natural wonder up close while hiking atop the snow.

• Peaks between mid-January and late February
• Guided tours with snowshoe rental recommended

Tour Companies:

• Mokumoku Shizen-juku (mountain climbing)
• Natural Biz
• Outdoor Sports Club Bucks

3. First Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint

The JR Tadami Line, nicknamed the “world’s most romantic railway,” runs alongside the remote Tadami River through gorgeous valleys reminiscent of Northern Europe. The First Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint is super popular come winter, and the stark monochrome scenery enchants all who visit.

• Peak winter scenery is between late December and late February
• Closed between 1-3 January

Please feel free to inquire regarding shuttle buses (return services between airports and destinations), hotels, lift tickets, ski rental gear (skis, clothing, etc.), and more. Visit this page.

Australia’s Official Fukushima Prefecture Representatives
For any enquiries regarding Fukushima tourism, please feel free to reach out to
sales_fukushima@nta.com.au or call
Simon Williamson (Australian Attractions): 0438 744 633
Nippon Travel Agency Australia Sydney Office: (02) 9275-9661

Fukushima’s Website for Travel Professionals