Best Aizu & Tohoku Ski Resorts: Bandai, Inawashiro, Zao Onsen, Geto Kogen & Appi Kogen
Of Japan’s major ski regions, Tohoku including the multiple resorts of Aizu, are the least well-known and least frequented by international visitors. But for those who do make it, the resorts of Aizu and Tohoku offer some excellent skiing and snowboarding and unique experiences typified by the ‘Snow Monsters’ of Zao Onsen. On this page you will find the following information:
— Tohoku Ski Resorts: The Stats & Facts
— Japan Ski Resorts: Everything You Need to Know
When planning your visit to any of the Tohoku resorts it’s important to note their distance from starting points such as Tokyo. Of the resorts listed below, Hoshino Resorts Alts Bandai and Inawashiro Snow Paradise are the nearest – around 290KM to the northeast of the capital – while Zao Onsen Ski Resorts, Geto Kogen Ski Resort and Appi Kogen Ski Resort are 375KM, 490KM and 585KM to the north of Tokyo, respectively. Not only do the resorts lie notably further from Tokyo than the resorts of Nagano and Niigata, but they also lie at significant distance to each other. Basically, before booking your trip you need to do some planning.
While it takes a little time to reach the resorts, it’s easy to do so using the Tohoku Shinkansen (‘Bullet Train’) line running to and from Tokyo Station. Services run frequently throughout the day and given the speed of the service, dramatically reduces the travel time to each resort when compared to driving. For more information about the best way to reach each of them, see ‘How to Get to the Resorts’ below.
TOHOKU SKI RESORTS: THE STATS & FACTS
Of all of Japan’s major ski areas including Nagano, Niigata and Hokkaido, it’s likely that the one you haven’t heard of is Tohoku. Located to the northeast of Tokyo, Tohoku is an expansive area with lots of little resorts and a couple of bigger ones which are slowing building strong reputations. On this page we will discuss our recommendations of the best ski resorts in Tohoku including:
HOSHINO RESORTS ALTS BANDAI — INAWASHIRO SNOW PARADISE — ZAO ONSEN SKI RESORT — GETO KOGEN SKI RESORT — APPI KOGEN SKI RESORT
When considering a winter getaway to Tohoku, it’s important to recognise that the region consists of multiple prefectures including Fukushima, Yamagata, Miyagi, Akita, Iwate and Aomori with the three resorts discussed below located at significant distance of each other. This contrasts to Nagano, Niigata and Hokkaido which are prefectures to themselves all of which offer clusters of resorts in relatively close proximity. But if you have the time and energy to head to the resorts of Tohoku, you’ll find far fewer international visitors at each of them, allowing for a very ‘Japanese’ resort experience.
HOSHINO RESORTS ALTS BANDAI, FUKUSHIMA
Operated by the Hoshino Resorts group – the same company operating the glitzy Hoshino Resorts Tomamu in Hokkaido – Bandai is a small to medium-sized resort designed to cater to a high-end market, especially those based in Tokyo. Located in Fukushima Prefecture, it is the largest resort within the ‘Aizu’ grouping. Alts Bandai doesn’t receive the legendary dumps of powder that many resorts in Japan are blessed with and has a relatively short season. For that reason, it’s important to set your expectations before booking a trip to Bandai. Designed to give visitors a full ‘resort’ experience including high-end accommodation and all-inclusive ski packages, Hoshino Resorts Alts Bandai is a decent resort but one best-suited to beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders looking for ski fields within relatively easy reach of Tokyo – but best to avoid weekends and holidays when the resort can be very crowded.
Operating Dates & Times
Dependent on snow conditions, the resort is typically open from the second-half of December until the end of March with lifts operating from 08:30 to 16:00. Night-skiing is available from 17:00 to 21:00 on Saturdays between late-December and early-March.
Ski Runs
Bandai is a small to medium-sized resort – around 120 hectares – offering 22 ski runs serviced by 1 gondola and 7 chairlifts. Located between 580 to 1280 metres above sea level, the resort offers a decent – by Japanese standards – 700 metres of vertical however the steepest pitch only hits 29°. The official breakdown lists trails as: Beginner 35% / Intermediate 40% / Advanced 25%. The longest run is 3KM.
Highlights
The resort ascends the flanks of three small mountains – Mount Bandai, Mount Nekomagadake and Mount Umaya – reaching a maximum elevation of only 1280 metres*. It’s low elevation and inland location mean that Bandai doesn’t receive the powder of resorts in Nagano, Niigata and Hokkaido and with backcountry being prohibited, advanced skiers and boarders are likely to find little joy at the resort. With that said, Bandai boasts four terrain parks so if jumps and hits are your thing, then it’s worth a visit. Best-suited to beginners to lower-intermediate skier and boarders and families, the mellow terrain and wide lower runs are ideal for learning-on and building-up your confidence. But in reality, there are better options in Nagano and Niigata, all of which are located closer to Tokyo than Bandai.
*Hoshino Resorts Alts Bandai is one of several resorts on Mount Bandai including Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Ski Resorts, Urabandai Ski Resort, Inawashiro Ski Resort and Grandeco Snow Resort. Inawashiro is the only other resort of decent size however for international visitors, this resort – Hoshino Resorts Alts Bandai – is definitely the best option.
Tickets & Passes
Day passes for Bandai cost: Adults (18+): JPY4900/ JHS & HS Students (13-17): JPY3700 / ES-aged children (6-12): JPY2300 / Infants (0-5): Free / Seniors (60+): JPY4500.A range of other tickets are also available including half-day and night-skiing.
Rental & Ski School
The resort offers excellent rental including high quality ski and snowboards, stocking mostly Atomic and Burton. Ski and snowboard lessons are also available with group lessons only provided in Japanese however private lessons can be booked in English. Rental and lessons can be arranged at the main resort hotel, Bandaisan Onsen Hotel – see below for details.
Kids & Families
Bandai is a good resort for families including those with young children. On the mountain, there are two kids parks in which families can enjoy using sleds, rafts and other snow gear. Admission to both parks is free. An indoor playroom and childcare facilities for kids aged 8 months to 6 years are also available (daycare is likely to only be staffed by Japanese-speakers).
Accommodation & Village Info
Accommodation options at or near the resort are limited, with the large Bandaisan Onsen Hotel being the most convenient option. Offering ski in/out convenience, the hotel is located at the base of the resort and offers guests high-end rooms, restaurants and facilities including an ‘onsen’ (natural hot spring) and indoor swimming pool. A variety of Western-style rooms are available with restaurants serving both Japanese and international cuisine. The hotel has English-speaking staff, making it a good option for international visitors. Away from the hotel there are a number of small guesthouses and lodges providing accommodation in nearby villages however they lack the convenience of direct access to the resort. For more information and accommodation listings, see our ‘Bandai Ski Resort Area’ hotel page.
Getting to Bandai
Distance to Tokyo Station: 290KM / 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Nearest major station is Koriyama Station: 55KM / 1 to 1.5 hours from the resort.
To reach the resort from Tokyo, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Koriyama Station – 75 to 95 minutes – and then switch to a shuttle bus service from the station to Alts Bandai – another 90 minutes. For more information, see ‘How to get to the Resorts’ below.
INAWASHIRO SNOW PARADISE, FUKUSHIMA
The second largest of the ski resorts on the flanks of Mount Bandai – and one of many in the increasingly popular Aizu ski region – ‘Inawashiro Snow Paradise’ offers good skiing and snowboarding for beginner and lower-intermediates and those looking for some decent powder without the crowds. Under 20-minutes drive from Hoshino Resorts Alts Bandai, Inawashiro is big enough to entertain you for a day or two, while on clear days offering outstanding views of the surrounding landscape. While the powder might not be as good as some of Japan’s more famous resorts – especially those in Nagano and Hokkaido – it’s good enough that Inawashiro and other resorts in the Mount Bandai / Aizu area are starting to attract attention and won’t likely stay quiet for much longer.
Operating Dates & Times
Dependent on snow conditions, the resort is typically open from the mid- December until mid-March with lifts operating from 08:30 to 16:30. Night-skiing is available on Saturdays from late-December until mid-March from 16:00 to 22:30.
Ski Runs
Inawashiro is a small to medium-sized resort – around 120 hectares – offering 18 ski runs serviced by 10 chairlifts. Located between 675 to 1255 metres above sea level, the resort offers 580 metres of vertical with a steepest pitch of 42°. The official breakdown lists trails as: Beginner 50% / Intermediate 35% / Advanced 15%. The longest run is 3.5KM.
Highlights
The resort is made-up of two small interconnected resorts – Minero and Chuo / Centre Area – with facilities at the bottom of each ski area. The on-piste action is rather tame meaning that the real appeal is the tree zones and lack of competition for powder. While Inawashiro doesn’t receive the same quality of powder as the more celebrated resorts of Nagano and Hokkaido, when the powder is good, it offers some of the best tree skiing and snowboarding while on clear some of the best views of any resort in Tohoku. When considered in combination – great views, tree zones and little competition for powder (especially from international skiers and boarders), you start to understand the appeal of Inawashiro.
Tickets & Passes
Day passes for Inawashiro cost: Adults (13+): JPY4800 / ES-aged children (6-12): JPY4000/ Seniors (50+): JPY4400. A range of other tickets are also available including half-day and night-skiing.
Rental & Ski School
The resort has both rental and ski school but those services are only available in Japanese located at the base of the ski runs. Best-enjoyed as a daytrip when staying in Hoshino Resorts Alts Bandai, it’s a good option to bring your gear with you and head straight into the trees.
Kids & Families
Inawashiro isn’t particularly well-suited to international visitors with children. While it does have a daycare centre and kid’s rooms, there is little to no English available making nearby Hoshino Resorts Alts Bandai.
Accommodation & Village Info
The resort offers a limited choice of accommodation below the Chuo / Centre Area with many lodges operating shuttle services to the ski fields. Inawashiro Shikinosato is probably the pick of the bunch, offering both Japanese and Western-style rooms. There are a number of lodges and guesthouses spread around the base of the resort with the accommodation of Hoshino Resorts Alts Bandai also offer convenient bases from where to head to Inawashiro. For more information and accommodation listings, see our ‘Bandai Ski Resort Area’ hotel page.
How to Get to Inawashiro
Distance to Tokyo Station: 290KM / 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Nearest major station is Koriyama Station: 55KM / 1 to 1.5 hours from the resort.
To reach the resort from Tokyo, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Koriyama Station – 75 to 95 minutes – and then transfer to a local train service to Inawashiro Station – 40 minutes – from where, free shuttle buses run onto the resort – another 15 minutes. For more information, see ‘How to get to the Resorts’ below.
ZAO ONSEN SKI RESORT, YAMAGATA
Zao Onsen is a medium to large-sized ski resort, offering a decent mix of terrain and connected to a hot spring village. Best-known for the snow-wrapped trees at its summit, Zao attracts mostly Japanese, Chinese and Korean skiers and snowboarders and to date, hasn’t found big popularity with Westerners. The resort offers around 186 hectares of terrain and a decent 880 metres of vertical. Best-suited to beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, newbies will enjoy the resort’s long, mellow runs while intermediate and advanced riders can find some fun by heading into the trees and off-piste (but be discrete about it). While the ‘Snow Monsters’ are the top of the resort offer a unique and beautiful landscape in which to ride, it’s worth noting that the striking trees are the product of regular wild weather (which you won’t see in the promotional photos) and bluebird days are somewhat rare in the middle of winter. But wild weather equals empty ski runs so even that can have its positives…
Operating Dates & Times
Dependent on snow conditions, the resort is typically open from early-December until the end of April or even into May, with lifts operating from 08:30 to 17:00. Night-skiing is available from 17:00 to 21:00 in the Uwanodai and Yokoura areas of the resorts however exact dates of operation vary.
Ski Runs
Zao Onsen is a relatively large resort – by Japanese standards – offering 186 hectares of terrain, accessible via 25 ski runs and serviced by 2 ropeways, 1 gondola and 31 chairlifts. Sitting between 880 to 1661 metres above sea level, the resort offers a decent 780 metres of vertical with the steepest pitch hitting 38°. The official breakdown lists trails as: Beginner 40% / Intermediate 40% / Advanced 20%. The longest run is an impressive 9 to 10KM long, making it one of the longest in Japan.
Highlights
Without doubt the most famous feature of Zao Onsen is its towering ‘juhyo’ or ‘Snow Monster / Snow Ghosts’ – the snow and ice entombed trees populating the very top of the resort. Formed by constant blasts of cold air, ice and snow originating in Siberia, the Snow Monsters are reason enough for many people to make the journey to Zao Onsen. You are free to ride between the trees as you begin your descent down long ski runs, the longest of which stretches 9 to 10km making it one of the longest in Japan. On-piste the action is pretty mellow, best-suited to beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. While backcountry is technically off-limits but not policed all that well, so if you’re discrete and avoid going under operating lifts, then you should be able to enjoy some powder all to yourself. Much like Nozawa Onsen in Nagano, the traditional hot spring village connected to the resort creates an authentic feeling atmosphere. At its busiest on weekends and holidays, Zao is mostly empty of weekdays making it an enticing option for anyone wanting a true ‘Japanese’ ski experience.
Tickets & Passes
Day passes for Zao cost: Adults (18+): JPY5500/ JHS & HS Students (13-17): JPY4800 / ES-aged children (6-12): JPY2800 / Infants (0-5): Free / Seniors (60+): JPY4800.A range of other tickets are also available including half-day and night-skiing.
Rental & Ski School
When it comes to rental and lesson, Zao is quite lacking in comparison to many other resorts. Independent rental stores are spread around the resort and village however most outlets supply dated gear with limited to no services in English. Located inside the Zao Base Centre Jupia, Zao Ski Rental is one exception to this, supplying decent gear and staffed by some English-speakers. Some guesthouses also provide in-house rental. While a convenient option the quality and prices really do vary so if getting your hands to some decent equipment is important to you, make sure to ask in advance. Ski and snowboards schools exist in Zao however only provide groups lessons in Japanese. Zao Ski School and Zao Heim Ski School provide private lessons in English. Both are located at the base of the Uwanodai ski area.
Kids & Families
The resort isn’t well-suited to families with young children. There are few dedicated facilities for families and no daycare. If you choosing a resort that is family-friendly is a priority for you, both Hoshino Resorts Alt Bandai or Appi Kogen are better options.
Accommodation & Village Info
Zao Onsen is, as the name suggests, traditionally a hot spring area with the village offering lots of guesthouses with in-house ‘onsen’. Many are family-run and while you’ll likely struggle to find many guesthouses catering specifically to international visitors, you’re almost guaranteed to receive a warm welcome anywhere you choose to book. There are no large hotels in the village, a fact which has allowed Zao Onsen to retain its traditional appearance while the lack of foreign visitors, means that the entire resort still feels very ‘Japanese’. Like all the resorts of Tohoku, don’t expect much nightlife. For more information and accommodation listings, see our ‘Zao Onsen Ski Resort Area’ hotel page.
Getting to Zao Onsen
Distance to Tokyo Station: 375KM / 4 to 5 hours. Nearest major station is Yamagata Station: 18KM / 40 minutes.
To reach the resort from Tokyo, take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata Station – 145 to 175 minutes (depending on which service you choose). Once at Yamagata, shuttle buses or taxis will take you onto the resort – another 40 minutes. For more information, see ‘How to get to the Resorts’ below.
GETO KOGEN SKI RESORT, IWATE
Largely unknown to international visitors, Geto Kogen Ski Resort is a bit of a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by the masses. Located in Iwate Prefecture, Geto receives a large amount of snow each season – up to 15 metres – making it another Japanese powder paradise with some excellent tree zones. The resort is relatively compact with good infrastructure and enough to keep you entertained for a day or two but keep an eye on the weather. Subject to heavy snow, the weather can be harsh and cancel your plans making Geto Kogen a good option for travellers with their own transport who can time their visit for a bluebird day following a big dump of powder.
Operating Dates & Times
Dependent on snow conditions, the resort enjoys a long season with limited areas open as early as late-November and staying open until late-April or even into May. The full resort is typically open from the second week of December until the end of March with lifts operating from 08:30 to 16:30. Night-skiing is available from 16:00 to 20:00 on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from mid-December until the end of February.
Ski Runs
Bandai is a compact resort – around 90 hectares – offering 14 ski runs serviced by 2 gondolas and 3 chairlifts. Located between 430 to 1070 metres above sea level, the resort offers a reasonable – by Japanese standards – 640 metres of vertical with the steepest pitch hitting 36°. The official breakdown lists trails as: Beginner 40% / Intermediate 40% / Advanced 20%. The longest run is 3KM.
Highlights
Geto Kogen’s big appeal is the huge amount of snow it receives – something that most international skiers and boarders are yet to discover. It is a compact resort but one with good infrastructure making it an ideal one or two-day destination. The action on-piste is pretty mellow so intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders will want to head into one of around a dozen official tree zones. Outside of those, you’ll also find some good backcountry but keep an eye-out for the ski patrol who might have something to say if you’re too far out of bounds. Between a 1.5 to 2 hour drive from Appi Kogen, Geto Kogen is a great option for those based at Appi looking for a change of scene, especially for travelers with their own transport who can time there visit for a bluebird day after a big dump
Tickets & Passes
Day passes for Geto Kogen cost: Adults (18+): JPY5400 / JHS & HS Students (13-17): JPY3200 / ES-aged children (6-12): JPY2200 / Seniors (60+): JPY4200. A range of other tickets are also available including half-day, multi-day and night-skiing-only.
Rental & Ski School
Both rental services and a ski / snowboard school operate out of the resort’s large central building. There’s a good range of ski and snowboard gear available, including backcountry gear, along with backcountry guides and the usual range of group and private ski and snowboard lessons. There is however little English across the resort including at the rental outlet and ski school.
Kids & Families
The resort features a ‘Kids Area’ at the base of the central ski field with childcare services available in the large main building. As Geto Kogen is largely unknown to international visitors, there is little English with most services including childcare services only available in Japanese. For that reason the resort is not well-suited to international visitors with children, who would be better serviced by heading to Appi Kogen.
Accommodation & Village Info
Geto Kogen does not have a central village and the only accommodation at the resort is Geto Kogen Lodge – a single large dormitory-style space that sleeps up to 88 guests in bunk beds. While the accommodation is for upscale than your average dormitory and includes a good onsen and other perks, it’s best-suited to younger travellers who don’t mind being together with a lot of other people. For families or anyone wanting privacy and a more upscale experience, it’s definitely not for you. Within 10 to 15 minutes drive of the resort you’ll find a range of other accommodation including small hotels and lodges that offer a better quality of stay but are only an option for visitors with their own transport.
Getting to Geto Kogen
Distance to Tokyo Station: 490KM / 6 to 7 hours. Nearest major station is Kitakami Station: 25KM / 40 minutes.
To reach the resort from Tokyo, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Kitakami Station – around 180 minutes. Once at Kitakami, irregular bus services run onto the resort. Operating three times each day – at 07:40, 09:10 and 10:10 – the bus takes around 50 minutes to reach Geto Kogen. For more information, see ‘How to get to the Resorts’ below.
APPI KOGEN SKI RESORT, IWATE
Located at significant distance from Tokyo, Appi Kogen Ski Resort is arguably the best resort in Tohoku but that distance has so far limited its appeal to international visitors. Those who do make it tend to love it as they discover a good-sized resort with good infrastructure and facilities catering well to English and Chinese-speakers. With a reputation for beautifully-groomed runs, Appi also offers some nice tree zones where you can find some excellent powder. All-in-all, Appi offers something for everyone.
Operating Dates & Times
Dependent on snow conditions, the resort typically enjoys a long season from late-November until into May, with lifts operating from 08:30 to 15:40. Night-skiing is available from 16:00 to 20:00 on most Saturdays during the season. The resort’s day-pass includes night-skiing.
Ski Runs
Appi Kogen offers visitors 282 hectares of terrain accessible via 21 ski runs and serviced by 1 gondola and 10 chairlifts. The resort is another low one, located between 694 to 1304 metres and offering 620 metres of vertical. The steepest pitch in the resort hits 34°. The official breakdown lists trails as: Beginner 30% / Intermediate 40% / Advanced 30%. The longest run is 5.5km.
Highlights
Offering a large amount of terrain – by Japanese standards) – Appi Kogen is larger and has better infrastructure than Zao Onsen. Added to this, Appi is better setup to cater to English-speakers and generally enjoys better weather than Zao, making it a good option for anyone wanting to enjoy a very good resort with all the facilities and services you could need. On the mountain, Appi doesn’t have any super long runs – the longest is 5.5km – however its courses have an average length longer than most resorts in Japan. The runs are beautifully groomed allowing skiers and snowboarders to hit some good speeds, while there’s good powder hidden away just off the courses. All-in-all, Appi Kogen doesn’t yet attract the crowds of Westerner’s you’ll find at the most popular resorts of Nagano and Hokkaido, but those who make it there tend to love it and tell their friends. Expect Appi to grow in popularity in coming years.
Tickets & Passes
Day passes for Appi cost: Adults (18+): JPY5300/ JHS & HS Students (13-17): JPY3200 / ES-aged children (6-12): JPY2800 / Infants (0-5): Free / Seniors (60+): JPY3800.A range of other tickets are also available including half-day, multi-day and night-skiing-only.
Rental & Ski School
Salomon Station offers high quality rental gear that can be booked online in advance of your arrival in Appi. It has three outlets in Appi Plaza, ANA Crowne Plaza and ANA Holiday Inn Resort open from 08:15 (or 07:45 on Sundays) until the close of the lifts. Ski and snowboard lessons are also available in English and can be arranged directly through the resort’s hotels and guesthouses.
Kids & Families
Appi Kogen offers a good range of facilities for families with children including a kids-only ski area, Appi Snow Play Land in which families can enjoy sledding, tubbing and more, along with childcare and other features that will make it appeal.
Accommodation & Village Info
Unlike Zao Onsen, Appi doesn’t have a village connected to the resort but instead offers large hotel accommodation in form of Hotel Appi Grand. Located at the base of the resort, the hotel offers ski in/out convenience and variety of rooms, featuring Western amenities. There are multiple restaurants, a couple of bars a hot spring, swimming pool, a day spa and full-suite of services. Hotel Appi Grand is staffed by English and Chinese -speakers making it a convenient option for international visitors wanting to package their entire ski trip and have support while there. Other large hotels include Holiday Resort Inn and ANA Crowne Plaza*. Away from the hotels, there is a village around one kilometre from the resort where you’ll find small lodges but little in the way of dining and nightlife. For more information and accommodation listings, see our ‘Appi Kogen Ski Resort Area’ hotel page.
*It’s worth noting that the presence of large hotels makes the resort popular with tour groups. If that’s something you want to avoid, best to consider another resort or at least look for accommodation at a smaller lodge or guesthouse.
Getting to Appi Kogen
Distance to Tokyo Station: 585KM / 4 to 5 hours. Nearest major station is Morioka Station: 45KM / 45 to 60 minutes.
To reach the resort from Tokyo, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Morioka Station – 130 to 200 minutes (depending on which service you choose). Once at Morioka, buses or taxis will take you onto the resort – another 45 to 60 minutes. Alternatively, you can switch to the local JR Hanawa Line and head to Appi-Kogen Station – a 60-minute journey. From there, infrequent shuttle buses will run you to the resort. For more information, see ‘How to get to the Resorts’ directly below.
HOW TO GET TO THE RESORTS
Most international visitors heading to the ski resorts of Tohoku will do so by starting their journey from Tokyo. While all resorts lie at some distance from the capital, the journey to each is relatively straight-forward thanks to Japan’s fantastic train network. Our ‘How to Get to the Aizu ＆Tohoku Ski Resorts’ page has everything you need to know about getting there by train or the option of driving yourself.
JAPAN SKI RESORTS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Did you know that the resorts of Tohoku are just some of the hundreds spread throughout Japan? Needless to say, when you choose Japan for your winter getaway you are spoiled for choice! Our ‘Japan Ski Resorts’ page has everything you need to know to start planning your ski and snowboard adventure including: LATEST NEWS & DEALS, THE BEST RESORTS IN NAGANO & JAPAN, FAQs and of course OUR SKI PACKAGES, ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORT & TOURS.
