Aizu, a Snow and Ski Haven on the Doorstep of Tokyo!

Where is Aizu? What kind of place is it?

Aizu is located in the western part of Fukushima Prefecture, which is itself in the northeastern region of the main island of Honshu and is bordered by Yamagata, Niigata, and Tochigi prefectures.

Aizu has no shortage of tourist attractions, such as the nature-rich Bandai-Asahi National Park, Tsurugajo Castle, Aizuwakamatsu with its old townscape, the 1,300-year-old Higashiyama Onsen hot springs, and Lake Inawashiro, a beautiful lake where you can swim if you’d like. Areas in Aizu designated as heavy snowfall areas typically record temperature below freezing during the winter. The ski resorts around Mt. Bandai each have their own special characteristics and are popular with everyone from families and advanced skiers alike.

Major ski resorts in the Aizu area
- Listel Ski Fantasia
- Grandeco Snow Resort
- Snow Paradise Inawashiro Ski Resort
- Hoshino Resort Nekoma
- Inawashiro Resort
- Family Snow Park Bandai x 2
- Aizu Kogen Nango Ski Area
- Urabandai Ski Resort
- Aizu Kogen Daikura Ski Resort
- Aizu Kogen Takahata Ski Resort
- Hoshino Resort Alts Bandai
- Sannokura Ski Resort
- Aizu Kogen Takatsue Ski Resort
- Tadami Ski Resort
- Fairyland Kaneyama Ski Resort
- Grandee Hatoriko Ski Resort
- Blue Resort Minowa
- Numajiri Ski Resort
- Ski Resort Ten-Ei
- Oze Hinoemata Onsen Ski Resort

Major Tourist Spots in the Aizu Area
- Mt. Bandai
- Lake Inawashiro
- Aizuwakamatsu
- Tsurugajo Castle
- Aizu Bukeyashiki Samurai Residence
- Higashiyama Onsen
- Ashinomaki Onsen
- Mt. Iimori
- Goshikinuma
- Ouchi-juku

The fastest and most convenient route is the Shinkansen + JR + bus

It takes about 90 minutes from Tokyo Station to Koriyama Station, the gateway to Aizu. It then takes about 45 minutes from Koriyama Station on the JR local line. Once you get off the train at Inawashiro Station, which connects to accommodations and ski resorts in the Aizu area, you will be greeted by a spectacular view of Mount Bandai. Some free shuttle buses for the slopes and ski accommodations also stop here.

Main ski resorts that are easily accessible from Inawashiro Station
- Listel Ski Fantasia
- Grandeco Snow Resort
- Snow Paradise Inawashiro
- Hoshino Resort Nekoma Ski Resort

Main accommodations that are easily accessible from Inawashiro Station
- Urabandai Grandeco Tokyu Hotel
- Hotel Listel Inawashiro
- Urabandai Lake Resort

Bring everything you need with ease from Tokyo Station

Those who have traveled with ski or snowboard equipment know that it is not easy. If you plan to travel with your own equipment, the direct bus from Tokyo Station to Urabandai Kogen Station via Hotel Listel Inawashiro makes life much easier. With the exception of the year-end and New Year holidays, there are buses running every day from mid-December to late March. There are two stops along the way where you can take a break as well as buy snacks and drinks.

Advanced booking is required for the direct bus service. There is also a direct bus service to the Hotel Listel Inawashiro from Tokyo Station and Saitama Shin-Toshin (Saitama New Urban Center) specifically for guests of the hotel.

Accommodations accessible by direct bus
- Urabandai Grandeco Tokyu Hotel (transfer along the way)
- Hotel Listel Inawashiro (direct)
- Urabandai Lake Resort (direct)

Head straight to skiing from Haneda and Narita airports

When you head to the Aizu area from Haneda Airport, you don't need to go all the way to Tokyo Station. A direct bus departs from Haneda Airport, stops at Tokyo Station, and heads to Urabandai-Kogen Station via Hotel Listel Inawashiro. If you leave Haneda Airport in the morning, you will arrive at Urabandai-Kogen Station in the afternoon. The bus goes from the Inawashiro area to the Bandai and Urabandai areas and around various ski resorts, so it's a good idea to check in advance which bus stop is closest to your target ski resort.

From Narita Airport, the direct bus to Koriyama Station is a comfortable and convenient way to reach the Aizu region. Depending on the year, there may be a direct bus to the Inawashiro area, so if you're interested, please check it out.

Reference: https://www.aizubus.com/highway/urabandai/urabandai_line_up
https://www.fukushima-koutu.co.jp/highway/02_13.html

*This information is correct as of October 20, 2020. The highway bus service between Fukushima/Koriyama and Narita Airport is currently suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please refer to the official website for details and the latest information.

Take advantage of free shuttle buses from hotels to ski resorts!

The best way to enjoy skiing in the Aizu area is to use the free shuttle buses. There are about three round trips a day depending on the route, so you can use the bus of your choice depending on your stay.

Bus routes from Hotel Listel Inawashiro (departure times)
- Grandeco Snow Resort (transfer required): (Outbound) 8:00 / (Return) 16:00
- Hoshino Resort Nekoma Snow Park & Resort: (Outbound) 8:00 / Return 16:10
- Snow Paradise Inawashiro: (Outbound) 8:50, 13:50 / (Return) 13:00, 14:20, 16:10
- Hoshino Resort Alts Bandai: (Outbound) 8:30 / (Return) 16:00
*In case of insufficient snowfall, the bus for Alts Bandai may be changed to Blue Resort MINOWA.

Bus Route from Urabandai Grandeco Tokyu Hotel
- Hoshino Resort Nekoma: (Outbound) 9:10*, 10:20, 13:05, 15:10 departure / (Return) 9:00, 10:10*, 13:15, 14:05*

Bus route from Urabandai Lake Resort
- Grandeco Snow Resort: (Outbound) 8:30*, 9:15, 10:25*, 13:30, 14:20* departure / (Return) 9:15*, 10:25, 13:10*, 15:15, 16:30*
*From December 19, 2020 to March 28, 2021. Other services from 26 December, 2020 to 28 March, 2021.

Reference: https://www.grandeco.com/english/access.html

Take a relaxing winter ride by train or bus to Aizu this winter!

The Aizu area is close to Tokyo and is well serviced by free shuttle buses and other public transportation, making it easy to get to ski resorts without needing a car. All of the ski resorts offer ski and snowboard rental services and lessons, so even if you're a beginner and don't have any equipment, don't worry! This winter, enjoy snow life in the convenient and welcoming Aizu area!

[Note] Pricing information and schedule are correct at the time of writing and are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website before your trip.