Come be surrounded by Mother Nature, enjoy ice fishing, and eat delicious, fresh smelt in Urabandai!
During November and December, smelt fishing is done from on board a traditional Japanese houseboat. From January through March, it can be enjoyed atop the ice. The houseboats and the rental houses available for ice fishing allow you to fish in warmth and comfort. A one-day, 700 fishing permit is required and can be purchased at convenience stores in Urabandai. For information about smelt fishing, please contact the Urabandai Tourism Association.
| Website | https://www.urabandai-inf.com/en/?page_id=24207 |
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| Contact | Urabandai Tourism Association (+81) 241-32-2349 |
| Best Season |
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| Opening Hours | Opening hours depend on the location Ice fishing season usually runs from Nov. to late Mar. |
| Parking | Available |
| Access | Hibara-chinai, Kitashiobara Village, Yama District, Fukushima Pref. 969-2701 View directions |
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| Getting there | By Car: 30 min drive from the Inawashiro-Bandaikogen I.C. exit off the Ban-etsu Expressway (via Route 115 and 459) By Train: 30 min by bus from Inawashiro Station (JR Ban-etsu West Line), via Bandai Toto bus' Inawashiro Line or Hibara Line. Alternatively, take a taxi straight from Inawashiro Station.
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Experience canoeing at Lake Hibara, one of Urabandai’s largest lakes! Outdoor Sports Club Bacss offers a range of fun tours and activities centred around Lake Hibara that you can join with family and friends, including trekking, canoeing and fishing.
Suzutake workshop tours began in the 1950s as a way of providing families with a chance to learn about the history and artistry of lacquerware. Even today, visitors are able to actually see artisans at work at three key stages of the Aizu lacquerware making process: 1) applying a base layer of unrefined lacquer or astringent liquid to wood; 2) adding additional layers of lacquer in a desired style, and 3) adding hand-drawn delicate designs ('makie') using either colored lacquer or gold and silver power (a technique called 'Sunken gold makie'). Visitors can also take part in a makie-painting experience.
Aizu Erosoku (painted candles) are sumptuous items that were long-prized among samurai families. Delicate and vivid patterns such as chrysanthemums, plum blossoms, and peonies are painted onto candles made of natural Japan wax extracted from the fruits of lacquer trees. Each candle is still painstakingly painted one by one, and they serve as regal decorations in Shinto and Buddhist ceremonies and weddings. A candle painting experience is available at Ozawa Candle Shop (Reservation required).
Mitsutaya is a speciality restaurant with roots dating back to the end of the Edo Period (around 1835). The restaurant is situated in a renovated miso storehouse. It is therefore fitting that the restaurant is famous for a local Aizu meal called 'miso dengaku'. Miso dengaku refers to skewered vegetables and meat which are topped with a miso paste before being cooked over an open flame. The skewers are cooked one by one. Skewer ingredients include konjac, deep-fried tofu, sticky, savory rice balls called 'shingoro mochi', and more. Each small dish is coated in miso for an unforgettable and savory flavor.
Takatsue Ski Area boasts a 360° spectacular view. As well as being a wonderful place to enjoy Aizu's winter landscapes, this ski area also offers snowcat ride experiences.
This shining golden waterfall appears in the midst of Urabandai's harsh winter. The water, containing sulfur and iron, freezes one layer after another, creating a frozen fall which shines a unique golden colour - giving it the name 'Yellow Falls'. Urabandai Tourist Association recommends that those wishing to trek to the falls should do so only as part of a guided tour, as the trail is not clear in winter.
With its high-quality powder snow, Hoshino Resorts Nekoma is perfect for all levels of experience, especially for full-fledged skiers. The Freestyle Park is popular among snowboarders on account of its rich variety of terrain features.The resort was formed in 2023 by combining two previous resorts, one on each side of Mt. Nekomadake, with the building of a connecting ski lift. This allows visitors to use both resorts -- a huge area with over 30 courses -- on a single ski pass.Ski passes can be bought from reception (south area shown here), and cashless payments are accepted.The plaza on the south side also features a ski rental shop, a large restaurant (11:00am - 2:00pm weekdays, 10:30am - 2:30pm weekends), ski goods store, and several smaller restaurants and cafes. There is some luggage storage on the 2nd floor and a rest area overlooking the ski lifts.See here for Aizu Ski Japan's page about Hoshino Resorts Nekoma.Typical day pass cost: Adult: 5200 yen Junior and senior high school students: 3800 yen Elementary school students: 2500 yen*Discounts are available for early booking, both for day passes and season passes. Visit the official website for updated prices.
Please note: Minowa Ski Resort is currently closed for the foreseeable future.The base area of the slopes is as high as 1,050 m above sea level, ensuring skiers high quality snow and crisp, clean air. The squeak of snow when you step on it and the feel of the snow underfoot are unforgettable.All the roads to Minowa Ski Resort are national routes, so even when they are covered with snow, they make for safe and comfortable driving. Moreover, the resort is within 30 minutes from the nearest ICs (interchanges) on all major expressways and free parking is available just in front of the rest house.Moreover, the entire surface of the parking area is paved so it's easy to walk on. Such ease of access is yet another attraction of this ski resort.