Fukushima
Season endedHoshino Nekoma Mountain
A large connected resort in Fukushima, northern Japan. It spans the north and south sides of Mount Nekoma and is known for light powder, a long season, and a wide mix of family and advanced terrain.
My recommendation
Nekoma is my pick for uncrowded, cold snow rather than sheer volume. Lift queues stay short even on a powder day, and the north side's sheltered, north-facing runs keep the snow dry long after a storm. The south side is where I'd put a family — wide, gentle, with a real park and lesson heritage — while one parent rides the north. On a windy day the connecting lift can shut and leave you on one side, so choose your base with that in mind. If maximum snowfall is the goal, Myoko or Yuzawa are the bigger bets.
TakFounder · Japow GuidesBased on local data and reviews
About the Resort
Hoshino Nekoma Mountain is a large ski resort in Fukushima, in northern Japan. It was formed by joining two former resorts, Alts Bandai on the south side and Nekoma on the north side of Mount Nekoma, connected by a lift since the 2023–24 season and skied on one ticket. Together they make a big mountain with 33 courses, a summit of about 1,338 m, and a vertical drop of about 638 m.
The south area has wide, gentle slopes that suit families and first-time skiers, plus a kids park with a snow escalator and separate areas for sledding and ski practice. The north area sits above 1,000 m on a north-facing slope, with steeper runs, tree-run zones added in recent seasons, and cold, light snow that the resort calls "micro-fine snow".
Sitting east of the Niigata and Myoko resorts, Nekoma sees fewer big storms — nearby weather stations record roughly 60% of Myoko's or Yuzawa's snowfall — but the north side's aspect and elevation mean the base typically holds past two metres into spring. The north area has the longest season in Fukushima, usually running from early December into Golden Week; the south area opens later and closes earlier, and the connecting lift can close in strong wind, so check the daily status before visiting.
The resort is run by Hoshino Resorts and has hotel and dining options nearby. It can be reached from Tokyo in about three and a half hours: the Tohoku Shinkansen to Koriyama Station and then a reserved bus to the south area.
Official website: Hoshino Nekoma Mountain
Getting There
The answer first — details on the full access guide.
Tokyo StationTohoku Shinkansen
Koriyama StationAizu Bus reserved shuttle 'Nekoma Mountain Koriyama-bin'
Nekoma Mountain South Area= the slopes; free in-resort shuttle to the North Area
Roughly 2.5–3 hours from Tokyo. The Koriyama shuttle (4 a day, 2025-26: 13 Dec–5 Apr) must be reserved, up to 30 min before departure. Alternative: JR to Aizu-Wakamatsu, then the Aizu Bus route bus, about 45 min and ¥1,000, no reservation. No Bandaimachi Station shuttle in 2025-26.
Location & Access
By Car
South area is about 15 min from the Bandai-Kawahigashi IC. North area is about 35 min from the highway exit. Mountain roads have snow in winter; snow tires or chains are required.
Parking
Free parking at both areas. On weekends, holidays, and the New Year period, a shuttle runs from an overflow car park to the center.
By Train
Tokyo Station -> Koriyama Station (~1.5 hrs, Tohoku Shinkansen), then a reserved bus to the south area; or Tohoku Shinkansen to Bandaimachi Station, then a free reserved shuttle bus to the south area (~15 min, web reservation required). About 3.5 hours in total from central Tokyo.
Where to Stay
Add your dates to see live prices for Hoshino Nekoma Mountain.
Terrain & Slopes
The numbers that matter for a family day.
33
Courses
13
Lifts
2km
Longest run
30%
Beginner-friendly
Beginner30%
Intermediate40%
Advanced30%
Snowboard ParkNot Available
Back CountryNot Available
Tickets & Pricing
Current Prices2025–26 season prices, for reference
1-Day Lift TicketAdultAbout 6,300 yen
1-Day Lift TicketChildAbout 3,000 yen
1-Day Lift TicketSeniorN/A
Lessons
Lesson in Japanese JA
Ski Lesson : N/A
Snowboard Lesson : N/A
Why You'll Love Hoshino Nekoma Mountain
One large mountain with terrain for every level
33 courses across two connected areas
Two former resorts are now joined into one. The south area has wide, gentle slopes that suit families and first-time skiers. The north area has steeper runs and more snow. With 33 courses in total, families and stronger skiers can each find slopes that fit them on the same ticket.
Light, dry powder snow
The resort's micro fine snow
The resort sits high on Mount Nekoma, where the snow is cold and light. It is marketed as micro fine snow. The north area in particular is known for good powder. New tree-run zones have been added in recent seasons for skiers who want off-piste terrain.
A long season and a dedicated kids park
Family snow play and months of skiing
The season is long and usually runs from early December to early May, so families can visit even in spring. The south area has a kids park with a snow escalator, plus separate areas for sledding and for ski practice. This makes it an easier place to bring small children.
Travel Tips
The small moves that save an hour of queuing with children.
🚌 Getting There
Tokyo Station -> Koriyama Station (~1.5 hrs, Tohoku Shinkansen), then a reserved bus to the south area; or Tohoku Shinkansen to Bandaimachi Station, then a free reserved shuttle bus to the south area (~15 min, web reservation required). About 3.5 hours in total from central Tokyo.
Shuttle runs every 30 minutes during peak season
🎿 Equipment Rental
Full rental sets available on-site. Reserve in advance during peak season.
Ski set: —/day • Snowboard set: —/day
💳 Payment Methods
Credit cards accepted at ticket counters and restaurants.
Cash preferred at some smaller vendors
🌨️ Best Time to Visit
January to February for the best powder conditions.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends
Latest News from Hoshino Nekoma Mountain
Openings, closings and conditions — translated from official sources.
No news available at the moment.
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View the planning timelineFrequently Asked Questions
Everything you asked us about Hoshino Nekoma Mountain.
Yes. The south area has wide, gentle slopes and a kids park with a snow escalator. There are separate areas for sledding and for ski practice. Families can stay in the south area, while stronger skiers explore the steeper north area on the same ticket.
English support is limited compared with large international resorts. There is a ski school, but it is best to book a lesson ahead of time and confirm English directly with the school before you travel.
The resort says the trip to the south area takes about 3.5 hours. Take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Koriyama Station (about 1.5 hours), then the reserved bus to the south area (about 70 minutes). The free shuttle from Bandaimachi Station did not run in 2025–26; check the official access page for the current season before relying on it.
The two areas are joined by a lift, so you can ski between them on one ticket. The south and north areas can have different opening dates and hours during the season, so it is best to check the daily status before you go.
The south area has a kids snow play area and sledding. The resort is run by Hoshino Resorts and has hotel and dining options nearby. There is less of a town here than at an onsen resort, so most activities are based at the resort itself.
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TakFounder · Japow GuidesI'm a Tokyo-based snowboarder and father of two, with over 20 years on Japan's slopes. Resorts I have personally visited are marked “Visited” and include my first-hand notes. The other resorts are summarized from public ski-area data and local reviews. I add my own notes over time.