Destination Spotlight

Iizaka Onsen & Kenka Matsuri Autumn Festival

Iizaka Onsen & Kenka Matsuri Autumn Festival

WHERE IS IIZAKA ONSEN & WHAT IS A ‘KENKA MATSURI’?

The main part of the 2024 festival, in which the parade floats crash into one another, will take place on Saturday 5th October. The parade route and local map are available in English here.

Iizaka Onsen is a quaint town built around the sources of the Iizaka Onsen hot springs. Iizaka Onsen hot spring water has been loved for over a millennium, and is well-known in Japan. Residents of Tokyo often pop up on the Shinkansen to take a dip in the relaxing waters of Iizaka Onsen!

One thing that onsen-lovers should know about Iizaka Onsen is that the hot spring water is very hot. I visited the oldest public bath in the town called ‘Sabako-yu’ on my first day in Fukushima. I’d read the English information pamphlet that said that the water was hot, but I thought “Well, I’ve been to onsen before – how hot can it be?!” Spoiler alert: hotter than you can imagine! (Around 46 degrees Celsius!)

There are plenty of onsen you can take a dip in even if you’re not a fan of hot springs that are super hot. The further away from the source you get, the cooler the water gets. Guess where Sabako-yu is? About 200m away from the source… The being said, as long as you let your body get used to the temperature gradually, it's possible to enjoy the super hot onsen too!

 

HOW CAN I EXPERIENCE A HOT SPRING IN IIZAKA ONSEN?

PUBLIC ONSEN

There are 9 public hot springs in Iizaka Onsen that you can try out for a small fee. Many of them sell small towels that you can use to dry off after bathing, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own towel! Public onsen in Japan are almost always separated by gender – unless very clearly specified! – and are open to anyone (with the exception of people with tattoos in some cases).

Local people from Iizaka Onsen start visiting the public baths when they are very young, and visit regularly with family and friends until they are old enough to have a family of their own. They will then bring their own children to the public baths, and the cycle of onsen appreciation continues!

Public onsen are great places to meet and chat with local people and immerse yourself not only in Japanese culture but in local history and traditions!

ASHIYU （足湯）- FOOT-BATHS

There are also 3 public foot-baths in Iizaka Onsen, which are free to use, and can be visited by anyone. One of the biggest foot-baths in Iizaka Onsen is in Kyu-horikiri Tei – a traditional residence that dates back over 500 years ago.

You can find out about the names and locations of some of these public hot springs and public foot-baths on Iizaka Onsen Tourism Association’s website here!

HIGAERI NYUYOKU （日帰り入浴） – DAYTIME ONSEN

One more way to enjoy hot springs in Iizaka Onsen is to visit ryokan (traditional Japanese inns).

Many ryokan in Iizaka Onsen offer visitors the chance to take a dip in their onsen, even if you’re not staying the night.

Daytime onsen visits are available at a number of Iizaka Onsen’s many ryokan, including Hotel Juraku  & Yoshikawaya. Check out this website to see which ryokan hotels English-speaking staff.

The price of a trip to a daytime onsen ranges depending on the establishment, but tend to cost between 300 yen to 1400 yen. The more expensive the day onsen, the bigger the establishment and the better the range of baths.

 

Please note that many higaeri nyuyoku onsen only offer this daytime onsen option before 14:00 or 15:00.

Hotel Juraku is the exception to this rule, as it is open most days until 21:00.

Many ryokan in Japan have a “no tattoo” policy. If you have a tattoo, you can still enjoy onsen, but you’ll need to reserve a private bath as opposed to bathing with the locals. See this post on reserving private baths.

 

HIGHLIGHT OF IIZAKA ONSEN – KENKA MATSURI

As well as its amazing, relaxing hot spring water, Iizaka Onsen is also known for Kenka Matsuri (translates as ‘fighting festival’!), which is one of three main fighting festivals in Japan. The festival is always held on the first weekend of October.

Fighting festivals make up just one of the types of festival held in autumn in Japan. There are many shinto festivals held in autumn, after the rice harvest has taken place, as a way of thanking the gods for that year’s harvest, and to pray for the prosperity of local people who worship at the shrines.

During Iizaka Onsen’s Kenka Matsuri, 6 portable shrines (mikoshi) and 6 festival floats (yatai), are paraded around town before being brought to Hachiman Shrine in the center of Iizaka Onsen.

Each yatai represents one area of Iizaka Onsen Town, and each mikoshi belongs to one of these various areas.

The climax of the festival is reached at around 20:00 on the second day of the festival, when the yatai are brought to Hachiman Shrine – and the fighting begins.

Yatai festival stalls are decorated with lanterns, and are accompanied by the omnipresent beat of the Japanese taiko drum. The sound of the taiko drum actually reverberates from inside the yatai – where the drummer ferociously smashes at the drum for the duration of the festival.

Once these yatai reach the grounds of Hachiman Shrine, they crash into one another at great force. The reason for this is that each area of Iizaka Onsen, represented by their yatai, is trying to stop another area’s mikoshi from entering the grounds of Hachiman Shrine. Only one mikoshi can enter the shrine first, and receive good luck for the year to come.

Once the mikoshi reaches the back of the shrine, the festival is over.

WHY SHOULD I GO TO SEE IIZAKA’S KENKA MATSURI?

This festival is super exciting, and I love the atmosphere.

The evening air carries the beat of the taiko drum – which persists for the entire festival – the smell of yummy festival foods, and the surprised gasps of onlookers at the sight of floats toppling over, yatai set on first from their lanterns, and men making a narrow escape from underneath them.

I’ve never been to a Japanese festival as absorbing, exciting and lively as Kenka Matsuri.

All the participating locals involved in the festival – from young kids in school to teenagers chanting and following their respective yatai float, to grandpas passing on their traditions – truly put their hearts into the evening, which makes it extra special.

I love wandering around Iizaka Onsen on the night of main Kenka Matsuri event. It’s a great opportunity to soak up the amazing atmosphere of a town which is usually so quiet and sleepy.

Hachiman Shrine, which becomes the main stage for Kenka Matsuri, is less than a 10 minute walk from Iizaka Onsen station, meaning that even if you have a wander through the streets, it won’t take you long to get back to the action.

Unlike other festivals in Japan, Iizaka Onsen’s Kenka Matsuri is relatively unknown amongst visitors from abroad, meaning that you can have an authentic Japanese festival experience, and get to interact with the locals.

The crashing of the yatai at Hachiman Shrine usually begins at 20:30, but because it gets crowded on festival days, I recommend you get there early and visit with friends who can save your spot when you go to the loo or go to grab a beer at the food and drink stalls.

 

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO IN IIZAKA ONSEN?

Aside from the festival, Iizaka Onsen is absolutely worth visiting for the excellent onsen, its picturesque streets, adorable cafés and kind local people.

Iizaka Onsen is also home to the Buddhist temple known as Nakano Fudoson Temple, which really leaves an impression on visitors with its mysterious cave and beautiful waterfalls.

Iizaka Onsen’s central location also lends itself to including it as part of an itinerary for a weekend away in Fukushima City. Onsen lovers can even try and compare its waters to those of Tsuchiyu Onsen or Takayu Onsen.

WHY NOT MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT?

Here’s an idea for a way to spend your weekend in Iizaka Onsen & other areas of Fukushima City during festival time!

SATURDAY OCTOBER 6

  • Travel to Iizaka Onsen from Fukushima Station via the Fukushima Transportation Iizaka Line.
  • Take the bus to Nakano Fudoson Temple and spend some time exploring the caves and waterfall!
  • Travel back to Iizaka Onsen and check in at your ryokan for the night.
  • Wander the streets in the evening during festival time.
  • Make sure to walk over to Hachiman Shrine by 20:00 (the main event of the festival begins at 20:30).
  • Enjoy the festival, try the local delicacy Enban Gyoza for dinner, and stay at a ryokan overnight.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 7

  • Spend some time exploring Iizaka Onsen by day (check out the Kyu-horiki Tei former residence, foot-baths, day onsen and cute shops).
  • Take the Iizaka Line back to Fukushima Station.
  • Have lunch in Fukushima (Ideas for restaurants here!)
  • Check out the Fukushima City Inari Shrine Autumn Festival in the afternoon and evening. See here for the location of Inari Shrine!

MORE INFORMATION

  • Check out this website for a list of places to eat in Iizaka Onsen.
  • Fukushima City’s Convention Association has prepared a decent list of restaurants and izakaya in central Fukushima City. Check it out here!

 

ACCESS

Iizaka Onsen can be reached in about 2 hours from Tokyo. Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Ueno Station or Tokyo Station to Fukushima Station (90 min), and from there take 25 min train. (See here for info about reaching Fukushima Station)

 

Latest posts

  1. Useful Information

    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
  2. Useful Information

    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
  3. Useful Information

    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. For more details about timetables and reservation procedures, please check the official Nekoma website.Inawashiro Ski ResortMy favourite resort I’ve been to in Japan for its cost-effectiveness, Inawashiro is famous locally for its pricing campaign, in which lift passes are free on weekdays. Weekend prices are always half-price, too, making it a discounted 2,800 yen for adults and 1,400 for children of elementary school age. Even at full price, the resort is terrific, boasting a variety of courses, great views and empty runs, but for free, it’s incredible value for money. Although you have to join the resort’s member program, it’s free to join, takes ten minutes and I was relieved not to receive any newsletters to my email.The base camps at Inawashiro are split into three areas, each with expansive parking and served by a circular shuttle bus. 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
Show All (133)
Top