NEKOMA Mountain Ski Resort Overview
Nekoma Ski Resort is now known as Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain, formed by merging the South Area (Alts Bandai) with the North Area (Urabandai Nekoma). It is the largest ski resort in the Tohoku region and works well for 2026-27 trips for everyone from beginners to experts, especially if you plan to ski 3 to 5 days in a row.
Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain: Tohoku’s Largest Ski Area, Linking North and South
NEKOMA Mountain combines the South Area (Alts Bandai, formerly Hoshino Resorts ALTS Bandai) and the North Area (Urabandai Nekoma Ski Resort). It covers 189 hectares with 33 runs, 13 lifts (10 double and 3 quad) and 3 magic carpets. The two areas are linked by a cross-mountain gondola, and the total vertical drop is 638 meters (1,338 m at the summit, 700 m at the base). It is the largest single ski resort in Tohoku, and the season can run from late November all the way to Golden Week in early May.
2026-27 Season Dates and Opening Hours
For the 2026-27 season, the North Area is scheduled to open from November 28, 2026 to May 9, 2027, and the South Area from December 12, 2026 to April 4, 2027, subject to snow conditions. Daytime lifts run from 8:30 to 15:30 (until March 26). From late March the North Area switches to a spring schedule, with lifts starting earlier on some days. Please check the official website for exact times.
Who Is Nekoma Ski Resort For? Two Highlights for the 2026 Season
Updates for 2026-27 include expanding the tree-run zones to 5 areas of about 27.5 hectares, and a new South Area accommodation, BunkLodge NEKOMA (scheduled to open on January 12, 2027). Beginner families are advised to stay on the gentle South Area slopes and Flowing Park, while intermediate and advanced skiers can take on North Area powder and the South Area’s “Four Steep Brothers.” Plan 3 to 5 days based at a single lodging, which leaves room for skiing, hot springs and a short Aizu cultural trip.
How to Get to Nekoma Ski Resort: Transport Options and Costs
The most recommended way from Tokyo is to take the Shinkansen to Koriyama and transfer to a shuttle. All transport options are listed below.
Tokyo to Nekoma Ski Resort: Shinkansen, Bus and Driving
- Tohoku Shinkansen + shuttle bus: From Tokyo via Koriyama Station, then a bus to the South Area, about 70 minutes, ¥1,800 (elementary school students ¥900), reservation required.
- JR Ban-etsu West Line: Change at Koriyama Station for Inawashiro or Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, and leave extra time for the return trip.
- Aizu-Wakamatsu route bus: Runs to the South Area, about 45 minutes, ¥1,000 (children ¥500), no reservation needed.
- By car: About 3 hours from Tokyo. Take the Bandai-Kawahigashi IC for the South Area or the Bandai-Kogen IC for the North Area, a 15-35 minute drive. Parking Lot A at the South Area costs ¥1,000 on holidays; Lots B to D are free.
Mt. Bandai Slope Highlights and Nearby Attractions
Below are the characteristics of the North and South Areas, the terrain parks and must-visit nearby sights, ordered by importance.
South Area (Alts Bandai): Wide, Gentle Slopes with a Hot Spring Resort Feel
The South Area is at 6838-68 Shimizudaira, Sarashina, Bandai-machi, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture. Its wide, gentle runs offer views of Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro as you ski, making it the main practice area for beginners and families. Hoshino Resorts Bandai Hot Spring Hotel sits right next to the South Area and offers ski-in/ski-out convenience. The area around the South Area summit lets you photograph the runs and Lake Inawashiro together and has the best views on the mountain.
North Area (Urabandai, Formerly Nekoma Ski Resort): A Haven for Dry, Fine Powder
The North Area is higher and its slopes face north, so it holds dry, fine “micro-snow” powder, and the season can last all the way to Golden Week in May. With big terrain variation and fan-shaped runs that all lead back to the base center, it suits intermediate and advanced skiers and has its own terrain park. Beginners who want to cross from the North Area to the South Area will find the connecting trail fairly difficult, so we advise against crossing between areas until you reach intermediate-to-advanced level.
Tree Run Zones: Expanded to 5 Areas of About 27.5 Hectares for 2026-27
The tree-run zones opened in the 2025-26 season around Frozen in the South Area. For 2026-27 they grow from 3 areas to 5, covering about 27.5 hectares: Frozen A to C, the advanced Black Valley D, and White Valley E, which beginners can also try. Entry is free with a lift ticket and a helmet is required. Check which areas are open and the snow conditions that day before you go in.
Four Steep Brothers: A Run of Steep Slopes for Intermediate and Advanced Skiers
The “Four Steep Brothers” are 4 runs in the South Area known for their steep pitch, and Black Valley 4 is among them. With sharp changes in gradient, they are the resort’s best-known test for intermediate and advanced skiers. The North Area’s fan-shaped runs are also steep in many places, so tackle them in the morning when your energy is highest. The steepest pitch at the resort is 33 degrees (Black Valley 5). Beginners should first get their turns steady on gentle slopes before trying these runs.
Night Skiing: About 2 km of South Area Runs on Limited Dates
Night skiing takes place on the South Area’s Zunai 1 and 2 runs (about 2 km), served by the Alts Express lift. For 2026-27 it is scheduled for January 9, 10, 16, 23 and 30, February 6, 13, 20 and 27, and March 6, from 16:30 to 20:00. A night ticket costs ¥2,700, and holders of that day’s lift ticket can keep skiing for an additional ¥1,000.
Global Park and Flowing Park: Two Terrain Parks in the South Area
Global Park has large jumps and obstacles for advanced riders who want to practice jumps and features. Flowing Park is a gentle terrain park designed for beginners and families, with low features and mild slopes. Both parks are in the South Area, and the North Area has Step Up Park North, so people can split up by level without beginners and experts getting in each other’s way.
Hike & Ride: Hiking Up to Ski Ungroomed Slopes
The resort offers free Hike & Ride areas, including Devil Peak in the North Area and Umaya in the South Area, newly added for 2026-27. You hike up on your own and ski down ungroomed slopes, which suits intermediate-and-above skiers. Please check the official website for opening days and rules, and confirm that day’s conditions and equipment requirements before entering a hike area.
Tsuchitsu Shrine: An Old Shrine to Aizu Domain Lord Hoshina Masayuki
Tsuchitsu Shrine stands at the foot of Mt. Bandai and enshrines Hoshina Masayuki, the first lord of the Aizu Domain. It was founded in 1675 and is called the “Nikko of Tohoku.” The present halls were rebuilt in the Meiji period after being burned in the Boshin War. In winter, snow covering the approach adds to the atmosphere, and it is a good place to learn about Aizu history between ski days. Plan a half-day and watch for snow on the roads.
Goshikinuma: Urabandai’s Best-Known Group of Highland Ponds
Goshikinuma is a group of ponds and marshes created by Mt. Bandai’s volcanic activity, showing shades of emerald and azure depending on the minerals in the water. It is a popular hiking route in summer and autumn, and in winter you can join a snowshoe hike. The Urabandai Visitor Center (9:00-16:00 in winter) offers information and gear rental, and the area works as a backup when bad weather prevents skiing.
Aizu-Wakamatsu’s Tsuruga Castle and Nanukamachi: Samurai Culture and Old Town Charm
Tsuruga Castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu (Wakamatsu Castle) is the historic symbol of the Aizu Domain, and its keep houses historical exhibits. The old Nanukamachi-dori street, within walking distance, preserves many samurai and merchant buildings from the Edo to Meiji periods. Both are good for a rest day in your ski trip, to experience Aizu’s local samurai culture and castle-town atmosphere.
Ski Resort Food: The Rider’s Burger Stand and Bandai Shokudo
The Rider’s -Burger Stand- on the South Area slopes is the signature burger spot. Bandai Shokudo on the first floor of South Resort Center WEST specializes in Bandai-sauce pork cutlet bowls and pork cutlet curry rice. South Resort Center EAST has yamacafe crepes, and Hoshino Resorts Bandai Hot Spring Hotel has the kisse kisse buffet restaurant. The 2026-27 season also adds a beer hall, Matatabi, so there are plenty of options for refueling between runs.
How Much Does Nekoma Ski Resort Cost? Lift Tickets and Gear Rental
Below are actual prices and buying tips for one-day tickets, multi-day tickets, the international pass and gear rental.
NEKOMA Mountain One-Day Lift Ticket: Window Price ¥6,500 for Adults
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (age 19 and over) | ¥6,500 |
| Junior high and high school students | ¥4,500 |
| Senior (age 60 and over) | ¥6,000 |
| Elementary school students | ¥3,000 |
| Preschool children | Free |
These are the 2026-27 ticket-window prices. Buying online through the official website is cheaper: the Super Early Bird (Oct 1 – Nov 3) is ¥4,200 for adults, the Early Bird (Nov 4 – Dec 13) is ¥4,400, and from Dec 13 the web price is ¥5,900. Elementary school students are those born April 2, 2014 to April 1, 2020, and junior high and high school students are those born April 2, 2008 to April 1, 2014. You may be asked to show ID when buying.
How to Buy Lift Tickets on the Official Website: Online Purchase Steps
Online tickets are bought from the “Tickets” page of the NEKOMA Mountain website. The “WEB 1-Day Ticket” section lists the Super Early Bird and Early Bird 1-day tickets and the 3-day and 5-day tickets that can be used on separate days. Click “Purchase here” for each ticket type and you are taken to the official asoview ticket page.
When you reach the purchase page, read the notice at the top first: the system checks the date of birth you enter against the ticket type and cancels the order if they do not match. Prices shown do not include the ¥500 IC card deposit (refunded when you return the card), and adult means age 19 and over. Choose the ticket type and quantity on screen and complete payment.
Multi-Day Tickets and Season Passes: Better Value for Consecutive Days
Besides one-day tickets, the resort offers multi-day tickets and season passes. The regular adult season pass is ¥90,000 (¥45,000 Super Early Bird, ¥48,000 Early Bird) and includes night skiing, suiting skiers who come often through the season. The per-day cost of multi-day tickets is lower than a one-day ticket, so if you plan to ski 3 days or more, compare prices and buy directly on the official website.
3-Day and 5-Day Tickets: From ¥3,800 per Day with Super Early Bird
For 2026-27 the official website sells 3-day and 5-day tickets that can be used on separate dates. The 3-day Super Early Bird (Oct 1 – Nov 3) is ¥11,700 for adults, ¥8,100 for junior high and high school students and ¥5,400 for elementary school students; the Early Bird (Nov 4 – Dec 13) is ¥12,300 for adults, ¥9,000 for junior high and high school students and ¥5,700 for elementary school students. The 5-day ticket is ¥19,000 for adults at Super Early Bird and ¥20,000 at Early Bird. These prices do not include the ¥500 IC card deposit, which is refunded when you return the card.
The Ikon Pass: 7 Days at This Resort with an Ikon Pass
NEKOMA Mountain has been part of the Ikon Pass since the 2025-26 season. Ikon Pass holders get 7 days at the resort and Ikon Base Pass holders get 5 days, which is handy if you also ski in North America, Europe and elsewhere. Check the current season’s rules and blackout dates before you buy.
Gear Rental Sets: The Burton STEP ON® Strapless Binding System
Both the North and South Areas offer Burton STEP ON® strapless snowboard rental, which makes putting on and taking off the board quicker and saves beginners time. Rental prices for standard skis or snowboards, boots and poles vary by number of days and grade. For group trips, measure everyone’s boot sizes the night before so the rental counter queue on arrival day does not eat into your riding time.
Where to Stay near Nekoma Ski Resort: Selected Hotels and Trip Preparation Tips
Below are three lodging-base strategies, plus specific tips on trip preparation and handling the weather.
Hoshino Resorts Bandai Hot Spring Hotel: A Ski-in/Ski-out Resort Stay
The hotel is right beside the South Area ski resort, with a 0-minute walk to the lifts. It has a hot spring to soothe tired muscles after skiing and an Aizu SAKE Bar. Breakfast includes Aizu wappa-meshi, and dinner is the kisse kisse buffet. Some ski-stay plans allow late check-out; please confirm the conditions on the official website.
BunkLodge NEKOMA: New Lodging beside the Resort, Opening January 2027
BunkLodge NEKOMA is scheduled to open on January 12, 2027, in Bandai-machi, Fukushima Prefecture, and operates until March 7, 2027. NEKOMA Mountain is about 15 minutes on foot from the lodging. Rooms include a 6-person room (3 bunk beds) for 1 to 6 guests and a 4-person room for 1 to 4 guests. The lodge has a first-floor public bath, a gear maintenance area, a laundry room and free lockers. Check-in is from 15:00 to 22:00 and check-out is at 12:00.
Koriyama View Hotel Annex: A Convenient Station Hotel
This hotel is about 5 minutes on foot from the West Exit of JR Koriyama Station. It suits travelers who use Koriyama as a transfer base and continue to the ski resort or other Tohoku sights the next day, and its rates are noticeably friendlier than hotels beside the slopes.
Choosing a Lodging Base: Urabandai, Inawashiro or Aizu-Wakamatsu
Urabandai is right next to the ski area and suits those focused on a ski holiday. Inawashiro is reachable by rail and has the easiest transfers. Aizu-Wakamatsu has many dining choices and full city amenities. Choose a base according to your number of ski days and how much sightseeing you want to add.
Trip Preparation and Weather Backup: Do Not Fill the Whole Arrival Day
On arrival day, picking up lift tickets and renting gear alone takes a good deal of time, so we do not recommend planning a full day of skiing. If strong wind or weather stops the lifts, you can walk a short trail at Goshikinuma, soak in the hot spring at your hotel, or visit Tsuruga Castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu and the surrounding area, mixing skiing and sightseeing flexibly.
FAQ
Q: How much is a one-day lift ticket at NEKOMA Mountain?
The 2026-27 window prices are ¥6,500 for adults, ¥4,500 for junior high and high school students, ¥6,000 for ages 60 and over and ¥3,000 for elementary school students. Preschool children are free, and official-website Early Bird tickets are cheaper.
Q: How do I get from Tokyo to Mt. Bandai in Fukushima?
Take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Koriyama Station, then a reservation-only direct bus (¥1,800 for adults, about 70 minutes), or take a route bus from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, about 45 minutes.
Q: When does Nekoma Ski Resort open in 2026, and what are the hours?
The North Area is open from November 28, 2026 to May 9, 2027 and the South Area from December 12, 2026 to April 4, 2027, with daytime lifts from 8:30 to 15:30.
Q: Is Nekoma Ski Resort good for beginners? Which area suits novices?
The South Area (Alts Bandai) has gentle slopes suited to beginners and families. The North Area has more powder but steeper runs, so beginners should stay in the South Area.
Q: On which dates is night skiing open?
For 2026-27 it is scheduled for January 9, 10, 16, 23 and 30, February 6, 13, 20 and 27, and March 6, from 16:30 to 20:00, in the South Area.
Q: Can I use the Ikon Pass at Nekoma Ski Resort?
Yes. NEKOMA Mountain has been part of the global Ikon Pass system since the 2025-26 season.
Q: When is the best season for skiing in Fukushima?
January to February has the most reliable snow and a high chance of powder, while from March warmer temperatures suit spring skiing. The North Area of NEKOMA Mountain is scheduled to operate until May 9, 2027.
