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Ebisu Drift Festival: A Total Guide

Ebisu Drift Festival: A Total Guide

Ebisu Drift Festival, also known as the Ebisu Drift Matsuri, is a two-day extravaganza of drifting that takes place three times a year - spring, summer and autumn - at the world-famous Ebisu Circuit in Nihonmatsu, Fukushima. It's open for anyone to join, either as a driver, passenger or a spectator.

In addition to drifting seven courses freely over the course of two days, this is your chance to join a dedicated community, from amateurs to pros, who turn up in huge numbers every year to experience drifting in the heartland of northern Japan.

Looking to visit the circuit and experience the festival yourself? Here's everything you need to know:

What is the Ebisu Drift Matsuri?

Located halfway between charming Nihonmatsu City and the dominating Mt. Adatara to the west, the Ebisu Circuit runs racing events throughout the year. But none is more popular than the Drift Matsuri, typically held in April, August and November.

For reference, here are the Ebisu Drift Matsuri dates for 2025:

  • Spring: April 19th & 20th (Sat/Sun)
  • Summer: August 23rd & 24th (Sat/Sun)
  • Autumn: November 15th & 16th (Sat/Sun)

The G1GP, a drifting competition held exclusively for overseas visitors, is held on the Friday night preceding the weekend.

Access

While driving up from Tokyo is possible, it's a long journey - upwards of three and a half hours - that mostly sticks to highways and can be costly for toll roads.

Many visitors choose to take the shinkansen (bullet train) as far as Koriyama Station - taking about 75 minutes from Tokyo Station - then rent a car there to drive to the circuit. Popular rental services include:

These all have stores at Koriyama Station and can be reserved online in English.

(Overseas visitors using rental cars must have a valid license to drive in Japan, such as an International Driver's Permit acquired in your home country.)

Taking a local train as far as Nihonmatsu Station, then a taxi to the circuit, is also a potential option. Be aware that the circuit is quite spread out, and although it's possible to walk from course to course, the elevation can be extremely steep in places. Using a car is recommended, and especially one with enough power to get up steep slopes.

Tickets

For the 2025 spring edition, I arrived shortly after gates opened at 8.00am and there was already a queue forming outside the complex. (Volunteer staff were on hand to direct traffic.) Shortly after I arrived, a second lane was opened, and after that the line moved quickly into the circuit.

As a non-driver, I paid 3,000 yen - this was 2,500 yen for a spectator ticket, plus 500 yen to cover insurance for possible ridealongs. Full-face helmets are required for all drivers and passengers and can be rented at the course. I received a green spectator wristband, which the staff ask you to keep on for the duration of the weekend. (Children's tickets are 1,200 yen.)

Tickets to enter the festival as a driver are 20,000 yen online in advance (see the Ebisu Drift Circuit website in Japanese for more information) or 25,000 yen at the gate. Drivers receive a red wristband, without which you are unable to enter the track, plus a large seal which must be affixed somewhere visible on the car such as a rear window.

How many courses are there?

The Ebisu circuit is a massive complex with several excellent tracks. Times are accurate as of the 2025 spring festival.

Kita (North): One of the most popular circuits throughout the weekend and one of the best for getting up close to the action. Cars roaring down the back stretch whizz past mere inches from the watching spectators. This course is open from 9am until midnight on the Saturday night, making it a popular spot to watch those brave enough to drift in near darkness. 07:00 - 16:00 Sunday.

Car parking at North course has priority given to drivers - spectators should find space on the road or in the lots on the slope.

Nishi (West): Traditionally a track for grip racing, Nishi also features a famous short course that sees long drift trains in the final hour of Sunday (approx. from 3pm). 09:00 - 16:00 both days.

Higashi (East): A long grip racing track that is only available for drifting during the festival. Also features the main circuit office. 09:00 - 22:00 Saturday, 09:00 - 16:00 Sunday.

Minami (South): Formerly a famous drift track, the south course is now a 'slide park'. 09:00 - 16:00 both days.

Touge: This mountainous course is notorious for its tight bends, narrow track and elevation changes. This is less traversed during the festival and known as less beginner-friendly. 09:00 - 16:00 Saturday, 07:00 - 16:00 Sunday.

School Course: A wide, open short course perfect for practising tandem technique or warming up.

'Kuru Kuru Land': Two skid pads located on the road to Nishi course where drivers often go to practise donuts.

Things to Do While You're in Town

Nihonmatsu is a beautiful area famous for its lush nature and traditional Japanese architecture. Here are some ideas for side trips:

  • Hike the gorgeous Mt. Adatara and see the incredible view from the summit. Especially striking in November during autumn colour season.
  • Attempt the Extreme Onsen challenge, climbing an active volcano to soak in a real hot spring river
  • Visit Kasumigajo Castle Park, an excellent spot in cherry blossom season (usually blooming around spring festival dates) or in autumn. Mid-October to mid-November there is a famous flower festival where mannequins are layered with chrysanthemums.
  • Sample sake for free at Himonoya brewery
  • Make traditional washi paper at a real craftsman's workshop (great for families!)
  • Take in the ethereal atmosphere at Ryusenji Temple
  • Head to Dake Onsen, a hot spring town known for its tunnel of cherry blossoms and onsen options

Other Tips and Tricks

Here are some other pieces of advice I picked up during my trip:

  • Everyone is extremely friendly and happy to chat! Where possible, I tried to ask for permission before taking photos or videos of cars, though this is probably not necessary.
  • Cars for the festival can be rented at the Sideways Experience, a drift school based at North Course. Equally you can buy from Power Vehicles, a trusted dealer and mechanic's based on the road towards Touge and Higashi courses, who will offer support and repairs with any issues.
  • The circuit is famous for its lack of hard rules, but there are a couple: no drinking and driving, and drivers should obey yellow and red flags from the circuit staff.
  • Your wristband is valid for the whole weekend and re-entry is possible.
  • The circuit is connected to a local zoo, so the track restaurant is safari-themed and serves common Japanese fare like curries and noodle dishes.
  • There's a gas station on site, or across the road from the front gate.

More information:

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    Top 10 Things to Do in Fukushima Prefecture

    Welcome to Fukushima! As the third-largest prefecture in Japan, split into three distinct regions, there is no shortage of interesting options to make your trip worthwhile.In this article, we’ll break down the most popular spots, and give our recommendations for the absolute best of the best Fukushima has to offer.Follow us on Instagram for the latest information.1. Tsurugajo Castle, Aizu-Wakamatsu CityFormerly the site of one of the last great battles of the samurai era, the red-tiled fortress of Tsurugajo Castle was the centre of power for the Aizu Domain, a great clan of warriors who ruled this part of Japan until 1868.Though the main keep has undergone several rebuilds and refurbishments over the years, its signature reddish roof tiles are unique among Japanese castles. The interior houses a museum teaching visitors about the Aizu clan, with displays in Japanese and English, while the top floor offers wide-ranging views over the surrounding city.The castle grounds are also a busy spot in spring, when dozens of cherry trees bloom at once, and again in autumn, when trees of red and gold are illuminated in the evening.Nearby, the Tsurugajo Kaikan visitors’ center provides outstanding shopping options, including local snacks, gifts and sake, as well as kimono rental services. Visitors can also paint an akabeko here, one of the Aizu region’s most beloved toys, and an unofficial mascot of the area.2. Ouchi-juku, Shimogo TownSamurai travelling between Tsurugajo Castle and the historical capital of Edo (Tokyo) often stopped here at Ouchi-juku to rest and recover. The traditional thatched-roof village, located in Shimogo Town, is popular year-round for its tranquil atmosphere. The rows of houses, meanwhile, have been well-preserved for hundreds of years – many are restaurants serving local specialties, or stalls selling folk art or snacks.Although there is something unique about the village in any season, the area is at its busiest in winter, when the thatched roofs are laden with snow and snow sculpture lanterns light the paths. This is also the time of the Ouchi-juku Snow Festival, a major event in February featuring dancing, community games and a flaming torch parade.3. Goshikinuma Ponds, Kitashiobara VillageFormed in 1888 by the steam explosion of nearby Mt. Bandai, ‘Goshikinuma’ refers to the many volcanic ponds that can be found in Urabandai, an area of astonishing natural beauty. The colours of the water are known to differ even from day to day; a vibrant blue on Monday may have shifted to a brilliant emerald green by Tuesday.Perhaps most-visited is Bishamon-numa (pictured above), a good starting point known for its gorgeous red-leaved foliage in autumn. Visitors can take a gentle hike around the water’s edge, see koi fish, and take a rowboat ride on the water in small groups.4. Lake InawashiroAs Japan’s fourth-largest lake, Inawashiro is so massive it can be seen from space. In summer the great lake is used for water sports like wakeboarding, while in winter it’s common to see flocks of migrating swans at the water’s edge. Since three of Fukushima’s main ski resorts are based nearby – more on that below – a trip here combines well with a ski holiday, or with a visit to the Goshikinuma Ponds in autumn.The lake and its nearby mountain scenery can be seen by a nautical sightseeing tour, with two large boats – one swan and one turtle – leaving from the north dock multiple times a day. There are several campgrounds on all sides of the lake, and even a Finnish-style lakeside sauna that can be rented for those brave enough to dip in the water in winter.5. Ride the Tadami LineOne of Japan’s most scenic train lines, the Tadami Line takes passengers west from Aizu-Wakamatsu City all the way through the stunning Oku-Aizu region, and eventually into Niigata Prefecture.This is perhaps the best way to get to Yanaizu, a historic little town famous for its akabeko character and the majestic Enzoji Temple. It also features one of the four Chansey Parks, based around Fukushima’s official support Pokemon.Not only does the railway stop at several scenic areas, but the train itself is also the subject of breathtaking photos from the viewpoints at Mishima (Tadami River Bridge No.1, pictured above) and Kaneyama (Kaneyama Fureai Hiroba).This is also how many visitors choose to get to the ethereal Mugenkyo ferry crossing, within walkable distance of Hayato Station on this line.Find out more about the Tadami Line here.6. Learn about Fukushima’s disaster recoveryFukushima’s east coast was severely affected by the ‘triple disaster’ in March 2011 – earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster. This led to many people having to evacuate their homes, some for several years. Even now, nearly fifteen years later, revitalisation efforts are ongoing in many places with the support of proud, warm-hearted communities who are keen to welcome new guests.If you’re looking to learn more about the 2011 disaster and support the region’s recovery, many visitors choose to visit the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum in Futaba. This modern museum, completed in 2020, tells the story of Fukushima residents before, during and after the disaster, as well as exploring the ways modern technology can aid in disaster relief.Read our example itinerary here, and learn more about safety in Fukushima here.7. Go to a festivalTiming your visit to coincide with a festival is a surefire way to ensure a lasting memory of your time in Japan. Most towns in Japan have at least one yearly festival, often in summer, but there are also bigger festivals themed around certain historical events. In almost every case, festivals are a good place to hang out with friends and eat street food, while many have a cultural showcase of some kind or a fireworks display.(From left to right: Iizaka Fighting Festival, Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival, Taimatsu Akashi Torch Festival)If you’re looking to visit one of Fukushima’s biggest festivals, here are perhaps the most famous: Soma Nomaoi (May): horse racing in samurai armour Aizu Festival (September): samurai in full regalia parade through the streets (and you can join!) Iizaka Fighting Festival (October): massive floats crash into one another in an onsen town Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival (October): a parade of beautiful floats covered in lanterns Taimatsu Akashi Torch Festival (November): 20 huge torches are lit ablaze and burn through the nightReaching the top of Mt. Issaikyo rewards climbers with stellar views8. Experience incredible natureSince Fukushima is so massive, it’s easy to find somewhere to get away from the crowds of bigger cities and enjoy your trip at a slower pace in the countryside. Depending on the season, there’s always a spectacular photo spot worth visiting. For example:Cherry blossoms Fukushima’s sheer size means it experiences several cherry blossom seasons, separated by region. It usually starts with Iwaki City in the south-east in early April and ends in the mountainous west of Tadami as late as mid-May.The most popular spots include Hanamiyama, a valley that turns a vibrant pink and yellow, and Miharu Takizakura, a gigantic single cherry blossom tree over 1,000 years old.Check our dedicated cherry blossom guide, or our Google Maps list for more.Autumn coloursWith multiple locales that rank at the top of Tohoku’s best foliage lists, autumn is an excellent time to visit Fukushima. Most leaves are at their best in late October into early or mid November, depending on the region.The Goshikinuma Ponds are possibly the most striking autumn scenery, and some people even plan their whole trip around getting autumn photos here.Elsewhere, several shrines are well-known for their vibrant colours, such as Hanitsu Shrine in Inawashiro with its picturesque vista of red leaves, or the massive yellow gingko tree at Shingu Kumano Shrine in Kitakata.See our Google Maps list for more options.HikingAs a mountainous region, the central plinth of Fukushima offers several excellent hiking options for all levels. Day-trippers looking to stretch their legs will enjoy Mt. Azuma-Kofuji, a 45-minute walk around a crater offering splendid views over Fukushima City on a clear day, while peaks like Mt. Adatara or Mt. Issaikyo provide more of a robust challenge to intermediate climbers.Those looking for a change of pace may be interested in the Extreme Onsen challenge, where a tour guide escorts you up the volcanic back trails of Mt. Adatara to bathe in a real hot spring river. (Changing facilities are provided and a swimsuit is required.)9. SkiingThere are around 20 ski resorts in Fukushima Prefecture, ranging from small regional resorts to huge super-resorts with multiple courses for all levels. The quality of snow and variety of courses is comparable to other major resorts around Japan, but lift pass fees are typically lower and queues for lifts are typically shorter.Three of the biggest resorts are based in the Inawashiro region around Mt. Bandai: Nekoma Mountain, previously two resorts merged into one massive ski complex EN Resorts Grandeco, famous for its hotel where guests can ski directly to the first gondola lift Inawashiro Ski Resort, a large resort which offers free lift passes on weekdays.See our ski guide for more about these resorts.10. CuisineJapan’s fantastic food culture is one of the best reasons to visit Japan, and Fukushima is no different. You’ll find something delicious no matter where you visit in the prefecture.Regional specialties include: Ramen, especially ‘ramen heartland’ Kitakata City with its over 100 restaurants Sauce katsudon, breaded pork and sauce over rice in the Aizu region Enban gyoza, dumplings served direct from a circular pan to provide extra crispinessThe Fukushima Fruit Line, in the northwest of Fukushima City, is a row of over 20 orchards, many of which offer all-you-can-eat fruit picking experiences year-round. Long picking seasons ensure there is always something to pick whenever you visit – although peaches are most popular in July and August.Fukushima’s sake reputation is also stellar, with its products routinely receiving gold standard certifications at Japan’s major sake awards. There are several places to take a tour of a brewery and sample the local products, such as Yamatogawa, Homare or Suehiro.Looking for more information? Check out our: Access guide for getting to Fukushima Itineraries page for trip ideas Activities page for tour experiences with English support

    Top 10 Things to Do in Fukushima Prefecture
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    Michi-no-eki: 6 Roadside Stations to Visit in Fukushima Prefecture

    The Japanese roadside station or ‘michi-no-eki’ is something of an institution among Japan road-trippers, thanks to their ubiquitous nature, local charms and great food. There’s nothing like seeing a michi-no-eki appear during a long trip when you need one most, and they’re helpfully dotted all over Japan’s expansive road network.Compared to roadside services in other countries, some consider Japanese michi-no-eki as destinations worth travelling to for their attractions alone, not only as a rest stop on a longer journey. You’ll often see them full with not only travellers, but local people looking for fresh goods made by the region’s craftspeople.Though michi-no-eki vary in shape, size and services available, all have restrooms, plus some kind of restaurant or canteen, shopping options, and information about the surrounding area. In most places you can also expect an ATM, free internet, vending machines and options for charging portable devices.Since arriving in Fukushima, I’ve had the chance to visit about half of all michi-no-eki across the prefecture, and I’m here to bring you my top suggestions so far (with a few recommendations for fun places to visit nearby).Road Station Yotsukura Harbor, Iwaki CityNearby tourist spots: the floating shrine at Bentenjima, Aquamarine Fukushima aquariumBased in Iwaki in the south-east of the prefecture, this seaside road station is a perfect stop for travellers exploring the east coast. It has a beautiful wood-panelled canteen with a great selection of local cuisines, part of which looks out over the palm trees on the green out front, and there’s even outdoor seating on the deck.Yotsukura also offers a rare tomato-flavoured ice cream, in addition to a more traditional vanilla and a mixture of the two, which is perfect for a summer day. The seafront is roughly a hundred yards from the ice cream shop.Roadside Station Madeikan, Iitate VillageNearby tourist spots: Yamatsumi shrine, or heading east to Minamisoma for Soma NomaoiNestled in the woodland region between Fukushima City and the east coast, Iitate is a quaint village known for its greenery and abundance of smaller shrines. In summer it’s popular for visitors seeing its great sunflower patches, while this roadside station holds night-time illuminations in winter.In addition to a food court and a large shop selling local produce, there’s also a great souvenir shop selling arts and crafts. There’s even a few crane games!Aizu Yanaizu Roadside Station / HOTNearby tourist spots: Enzoji Temple, Chansey’s Lucky Park, January 7th Naked Shrine VisitYanaizu is a multi-faceted town despite its smaller size – the beautiful architecture at Enzoji Temple is the locale for the yearly ‘naked shrine visit’ on 7 January, as well as being the birthplace of the ‘akabeko’ red cow legend.The roadside station here features one of Fukushima’s four Chansey Parks, hailing the prefecture’s support Pokemon, with a public footpath nearby for anyone to use. The interior has an excellent canteen – the sauce katsudon, with deep-fried pork on rice, is amazing – and you can paint an akabeko in its ‘experience area’.Unsurprisingly, given the area's history, the shop is full of akabeko merchandise, and there’s even a few of the bigger cows hanging out nearby.Ozekaido Mishima Juku Roadside StationNearby tourist spots: Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint, Kaneyama Fureai Hiroba (train viewpoint)Located just down the road from Yanaizu, this is a great option if you’re looking to combine some of the region’s best sights. The roadside station in Mishima doubles as the parking area for the Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint, where the Tadami Line train crosses one of Japan’s most scenic bridges.The interior is also quite charming, featuring local products (including wicker crafts, a staple of the area) and a canteen serving hot food.Michi-no-eki Inawashiro Roadside StationNearby tourist spots: Fukushima’s big three ski resorts, Lake Inawashiro, Goshikinuma PondsA natural stopping point in any season, Inawashiro’s roadside station gets busy on the weekends for its prime location between some of Fukushima’s most popular natural spots. Lake Inawashiro, to the south, is one of Japan’s largest lakes, and can be traversed by sightseeing boat, while the Goshikinuma Ponds to the north are particularly gorgeous in autumn.The canteen here is some of the best food I've ever had while travelling across Japan:Inawashiro is also a good place to take a break if you’re heading to one of the big ski resorts nearby, among them Inawashiro (free on weekdays!), Grandeco or Nekoma Mountain.Roadside Station FukushimaNearby tourist spots: Mt. Azuma-Kofuji, Fukushima Fruit Line, Bandai-Azuma Skyline sightseeing roadPossibly the easiest michi-no-eki to visit from Fukushima City, this roadside station feels spacious and airy thanks to its beautiful wooden design.In addition to local rice, fruits and vegetables, there is a bakery area, plus a food court with a variety of options including ramen and curry. The nearby sweets shop serves ice cream in a bunny design, in homage to the giant ‘snow rabbit’ that forms as snow melts on Mt. Azuma-Kofuji every year.In fact, the whole michi-no-eki is themed after the rabbit, which also inspired one of Fukushima City’s mascots, Momorin. (seen here outside Fukushima Station!)Every michi-no-eki in one placeLooking for more options? We put almost every michi-no-eki into this Google Maps list:

    Michi-no-eki: 6 Roadside Stations to Visit in Fukushima Prefecture
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    Fukushima’s Big Three Ski Resorts - And How to Get There

    If you’ve ever been to Japan’s most famous ski resorts like Hakuba, you know Japan’s glowing reputation as a ski haven is well-founded.But what if I told you you can get: Better powder Better views Cheaper lift pass and rental prices Less crowded slopesAnd all in a shorter travel time from Tokyo?In my six years living in Japan, I’ve travelled to over ten ski resorts, including several weekends at Hakuba – it’s where I first learned to ski!But the more ski resorts I visited, the more I fell in love with the lesser-known places – you typically get a better deal on lift tickets, but without the runs clogged with people. Especially as a beginner turning the corner to intermediate level, having slopes almost all to myself felt like I was free to make mistakes without accidentally barrelling into someone.As of 2025, there are 16 (sixteen!) ski resorts in Fukushima Prefecture, largely located in the western mountainous regions which see heavy snowfall every year. But just because these are lesser-known resorts doesn’t mean they’re ‘small’ – in fact, some of the resorts on this list rival the largest resorts in the country in size.EN Resorts GrandecoGrandeco offers some of the best scenery I’ve witnessed at any ski resort in Japan, with panoramic views across Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro on a clear day. The variety of courses is excellent, with a mogul course, plus rails and jumps for snowboarders, and most of the mountain can be traversed following a single gondola ride.But Grandeco’s biggest strength lies at the foot of the slope, where the modern Grandeco Hotel feeds directly on to the ski resort. Guests can take their ski and snowboard gear from lockers listed with their room number, step out on to the snow, strap in and ski directly down to the gondola platform. When done with their day of skiing, guests cut through a gentle slope to return to the hotel. This convenient ‘ski in, ski out’ model is a game changer for many visitors.Level:Although an excellent choice for beginners thanks to its long and forgiving runs – one of which is four kilometres long! – Grandeco also features several tougher courses. Most popular among pros is the hidden ‘Powder’ course, which lives up to its name with thick powdery snow untouched by 95% of visitors. Those hunting the deepest snow must first traverse the narrow ‘Road to Powder’ forest path at the top of the mountain.Facilities: There is a large canteen serving all kinds of Japanese and Western fare at the bottom of the hill, plus a Baskin Robbins ice cream shop on site! There’s also a restaurant near the gondola drop-off station further up the slopes, where stonebaked pizzas are cooked from scratch. There is a rental shop inside the hotel, as well as at the ski centre by the gondola. Ski lessons are available, with English support on request. Parking is widely available and free.Access (Public Transport): From Koriyama Station, take a Ban’etsu West Line train to Inawashiro Station (about 40mins), where there is a free shuttle bus service to the resort (also about 40mins). All shuttle bus services in this article contain space for skis, snowboards and luggage. Equally there is a paid shuttle bus (approx. 2hrs) from Koriyama Station to the resort in winter, requiring an advance booking.For more details, see the resort’s English website.Courses at Grandeco can stay open as late as mid-April.Hoshino Resorts' Nekoma MountainPreviously two resorts, the merger of Hoshino Resorts Nekoma with Hoshino Resorts Alts-Bandai created one of Japan’s largest ski resorts, with the north and south side of Mt. Bandai now accessible on a single lift pass. Visitors can travel between the two on a scenic chair lift, meaning you can get gorgeous views over Lake Inawashiro on the south side in the morning, then ski the powdery snow of the sun-sheltered north side in the afternoon.Level:The south side is more beginner-friendly for its abundance of wide gentle slopes, with some narrower areas. The north side is a mixture of beginner and intermediate courses, although both areas are suitable for beginners while featuring some black courses for experts.Facilities: There are restaurants with large seating areas at the ski centres of both north and south areas, plus a charming café / restaurant called The Rider’s which sits halfway down the southern slopes, offering artisanal burgers. The base camps both north and south offer multiple rental shops and a variety of food options. Cashless payments are accepted throughout the resort, except for parking areas. Night skiing is available on the south side. Ski lessons are offered on both the north and south side, with English available upon request.Parking: North: 1,000 yen on weekends, holidays and New Year. Free on weekdays or for season ticket holders. South: Parking at the closest parking area (‘South A’) is charged on weekends, holidays and New Year, otherwise free. Parking areas B to D are always free.Access (Shuttle Bus): North: A free shuttle bus leaves from most major Urabandai hotels, including Grandeco, MERCURE Urabandai, Urabandai Kogen Hotel and Urabandai Lake Resort. No reservation required. South: From Bandaimachi Station, 15min shuttle bus, free of charge, reservation required. From Koriyama Station, 85min shuttle bus, 1,000 yen, reservation required. From Aizuwakamatsu Station, 45min shuttle bus, 1,000 yen, no reservation needed. 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Inawashiro Kanko Hotel and Hotel Villa Inawashiro are also located within the grounds.Level:The variety at Inawashiro is good, boasting 18 courses – only three of these are advanced level, albeit one of these is the All-Japan Ski Competition mogul course used in international competitions. Otherwise, the resort is a haven for beginner or intermediate skiers and snowboarders, since several slopes are extremely wide and gentle. If I was looking to start skiing tomorrow, Inawashiro would be my pick for a safe place to repeatedly fall over.Facilities: Each of the three base camps has rental facilities and canteen-style restaurants, where customers order from a ticket machine. There is a kids’ park and snow park close to the main slope at Center House Bandai. There are yakiniku (barbeque) restaurants in two mid-slope locations: Mt. Bandaisan Terrace in the western Sky Area, and Hyobaku Terrace in the eastern Minero area. This is a great place for customers to scorch meat at their own table while taking a break to warm themselves up. This is a popular ski resort for school trips and ski classes due to its forgiving slopes. Lessons are available in English or Japanese – in fact, the resort offers English ski classes as a pathway to English conversation practice for local students. (I watched a group of about twenty students pelting a ski instructor with snowballs at the end of one class.) Night skiing is available until ten o’clock, but requires a paid ticket from 4.30pm.Access (Shuttle Bus):Inawashiro Ski Resort runs free shuttle buses from various areas in the prefecture. These are usually limited to once a day and a return journey, and reservations are required. Bandai Atami Onsen to the resort in approx. 45 minutes. Numajiri / Nakanosawa Onsen to the resort in approx. 30 minutes. Koriyama Station to the resort in approx. 1 hour and 20 minutes. Fukushima Station to the resort in approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes (weekends and national holidays only). Iwaki Station to the resort in approx. 1 hour and 50 minutes (weekends and national holidays only).There are also multiple free shuttle bus departures daily from Inawashiro Station to the resort, taking about 20mins with no reservation required. For more details about bus stops, timetables and booking procedures, please visit the Inawashiro Ski Resort website.Impeccable groomed runs at Fairyland in KaneyamaOther Ski Resorts to ConsiderLooking to cast the net a little wider and explore Fukushima's deep snow country? Here are some options from across the prefecture:SannokuraUrabandai / Inawashiro Area: Adatara Kogen Ski Resort Listel Ski Fantasia Nihonmatsu Shiozawa Numajiri Ski Resort Sannokura Urabandai Ski ResortTadami Ski ResortTadami Area: Fairyland Kaneyama Tadami Ski ResortMinami-Aizu Area Aizu Kogen Nango Aizu Kogen Daikura Aizu Kogen Takatsue Aizu Kogen Takahata Oze Hinoemata OnsenGoogle Maps list of every resort:

    Fukushima’s Big Three Ski Resorts - And How to Get There
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