Home to the Bandai-Asahi National Park, Aizu‘s inland location boasts some of the driest snow in Honshu which the locals dub micro fine powder. If immersing yourself in local culture, laying first tracks and winding down the day with sake and onsen is your thing then Aizu should be on your list.
Aizu
Aizu in Fukushima prefecture is a mountainous region steeped in natural beauty and heavy snow known as micro fine powder.
Updated: Mar 18 2025
Aizu - the mountainous region in Western Fukushima is known for skiing, ancient samurai culture, hot onsens and sake.
Skiing in Aizu
Aizu ski areas are located in 2 regions. Resorts around Mt Bandai known as Urabandai or Bandai highlands, and Minami Aizu (South Aizu) where resorts are spread out in the mountain ranges. Minami Aizu resorts are off the radar of jetsetting skiers and even domestic travelers.
The largest and most popular resort in Aizu is Nekoma. The South side of the mountain used to be called Alts Bandai and the North side, Nekoma, but they have been combined into one gigantic resort. You can ride the Nyalts chair to access either side. With 33 runs altogether there is lots to explore, plus the resort also offers CAT and heli-skiing.
Grandeco is located in Urabandai, North of Mt Bandai, an area known for heavy snowfall. With the resort’s elevation there is a high chance of scoring powder days.
Near the town of Inawashiro is Inawashiro Snow Paradise a medium sized resort with wide slopes ideal for beginners and intermediates. Also close to town, Listel Ski Fantasia is oriented towards family holidays with a gentle main slope and operated by the ski in ski out hotel at the base.
Minowa and Numajiri are small resorts at the base of Mt Adatara. Minowa is worth checking out due to it’s high elevation starting at 1000m.
Takatsue is the highest resort in Aizu with a respectable elevation of 1650m at the top. The resort is known for it’s super fine powder snow.
Things to do in Aizu
Aizuwakamatsu also known as Samurai City is a popular tourist destination with traditional buildings and natural landscapes giving visitors a glimpse into the historical life.
Samurai Culture
Aizu Wakamatsu is known as the City of the Samurai. You can learn about their ways by visiting Tsuruga castle, temples and swordsmiths.Aizu Hanko Nisshinkan
Once one of the largest training centers for the Samurai. Today it houses a museum with workshops to introduce you to the techniques of Bushido.Nanokamachi Dori
A shopping street in Aizuwakamatsu which has retained it’s old world charms with traditional buildings from the Taisho era. Visit the souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes and sake brewery.Akabeko
The red cow is Aizu’s mascot and is meant to bring luck and ward off sickness. You can buy them in many different forms in Aizu.What to Eat in Aizu
Sauce Katsudon
Aizu’s version of the popular dish where the cutlet is dipped into a tangy sauce complimenting the pork perfectly. Try this at the resort restaurants.Negi Soba
Created by Misawaya restaurant this unmistakable dish which features a large stalk of leek balancing across your soba bowl is a local favourite. You are mean to use the leek as chopsticks.Kitakata Ramen
This ramen originating from Kitakata in Northern Fukushima is one of the most popular versions in Japan. It is characterized by a very light shoyu based broth and wavy noodles.Wappa Meshi
Mountain vegetables and seafood are steamed on top of rice in a Wappa (round bamboo) container. This infuses the rice with flavour to make a delicious meal.Where to Buy & Rent Ski & Snowboard Gear in Aizu
There are ski and snowboard shops in Fukushima, Koriyama, Inawashiro and Aizuwakamatsu. Most resorts have rental centers and small shops with a limited range of gear.
Where to Stay in Aizu
Aizu resorts have ski in ski out hotels. There are also hotels and ryokans in Koriyama, Inawashiro and Aizuwakamatsu cities.
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