Cultured Snow Journey Family Snow AdventureCultured Snow Journey Family Snow Adventure

Cultured Snow Journey
The Spirit of Culture, Food and Snow

Family Snow Adventure
Skiing, Eating, Learning—Unforgettable
Memories for Parents and Kids

ItinerarySTAY|DAY 1 – 4 : Bandaisan Onsen Hotel by Hoshino Resorts

DAY 1

Arrive at Bandaisan Onsen Hotel by Hoshino Resorts

Get Ready for Skiing/Snowboarding

Stop by the South Resort Center to rent all the ski or snowboard gear you need, so you’re ready to hit the slopes quickly and comfortably the next day.

Akabeko-themed Snow Play

Step into a snow-filled wonderland featuring Akabeko, Aizu’s beloved 400-year-old red papier-mâché cow. Experience the magic of Aizu's unique traditions through winter activities you won't find anywhere else such as building Akabeko snowmen, Akabeko sledding.

Check-in and relax in a cozy room

Relax in a family-friendly room until dinner and recover from the travel fatigue.

Dinner at the Hotel

Enjoy a tasty buffet featuring Aizu’s local favorites like soba and Kozuyu, along with yummy miso and koji-based dishes rooted in the region’s fermentation traditions. Even kids will find flavors to love!

Rest in the Onsen

There's no better way to relax before bed than in soothing natural hot spring waters in a beautifully designed bathhouse inspired by Aizu’s traditional lacquerware craftsmanship—the perfect way to unwind as a family, and a wonderful introduction to Japan’s cherished bathing culture.

DAY 2

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start your day with a hearty hotel breakfast featuring local flavors and Western-style options, perfect for kids and those less familiar with Japanese cuisine.

Kids Ski Lessons

NEKOMA Mountain offers a unique teaching method to help children make confident progress in skiing or snowboarding, all while having a blast on the slopes! The program features six carefully designed levels tailored for kids aged 3 to 12, ensuring every child learns at their own pace and builds strong skills in a fun, supportive environment.

First Ride Experience

While your child is mastering new skills in their lesson, take advantage of a complimentary first ride for the thrill of carving through fresh, untouched powder.

Savor the Joy of Japanese Cuisine

Discover your favorite Japanese dishes at Bandai-Shokudo, located in the South Resort Center.

TIP!

Use Your Breakfast Ticket for Lunch!

At NEKOMA Mountain, you can redeem your hotel breakfast ticket to enjoy a delicious lunch at a selection of restaurants.

Family Fun Time at the Kids Park

Experience an afternoon full of excitement at the Kids Parks located in both the North and South areas of NEKOMA Mountain. Children can enjoy sledding, gentle slopes, and tubing (the North area only) for a safe and memorable experience while the whole family bonds together in the snowy outdoors.

DAY 3

Sleep In and Discover Fun Beyond the Slopes

Enjoy a restful morning before partaking in indoor activities. Encourage your child's imagination with the Tewassa Aizu handicraft experience, where they can paint traditional Akabeko dolls, known as the "cow that carries happiness."

Sweet Treats for the Whole Family

Reward yourself and your children with delightful sweets at NEKOMA Mountain. Indulge in delicious Japanese-style crepes and aromatic coffee at Yamacafe, a charming café located in South Resort Center.

Aibase! Dancing

This special in-house activity translates to 'Let's dance together!' in the local dialect. Join the hotel staff for a lively family dance around the iconic red cow and traditional gate, moving to the cheerful rhythm of folk songs that bring Aizu’s rich history and culture to life for all ages.

DAY 4

Family Fun on the Slopes

Spend a magical day on the slopes, carving through fluffy powder snow on family-friendly runs. Take breaks for hot chocolate, build a snowman, or start a snowball fight. A family day on the slopes promises unforgettable moments in a breathtaking winter wonderland.

DAY 5

Travel to Ashinomaki Onsen

A charming hot spring village with a rich history, surrounded by the stunning landscapes. Renowned for its high-quality alkaline waters, this onsen is known to help beautify the skin and promote health and wellness, making it an ideal escape for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

Recommended Accommodation

Ouchi-juku

Step into the past with a visit to Ouchi-juku, a beautifully preserved post town nestled in a quiet mountain valley. This historic village features traditional thatched-roof houses and unpaved streets that transport you to the Edo period, offering a glimpse into life as it was centuries ago.

Pure Ramen Bliss

At Uende, savor the delicate balance of simplicity and depth in their Aizu Mountain Salt Ramen, featuring a crystal-clear broth made with rare mountain salt created by evaporating hot spring water.

DAY 6

Ashinomaki Snow Park

Make the most of your final day in the snow with a fun-filled visit to Ashinomaki Snow Park. From exciting banana boat rides and mini snowmobiles to exploring charming kamakura (snow huts), there's plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Aizu Lacquerware Workshop

Unleash your creativity at the Aizu Lacquerware Workshop, where you can try your hand at one of Aizu’s most cherished traditional crafts. Fun and hands-on, this experience lets all ages create a beautiful, personalized keepsake to take home.

Tsuruga Castle

Built in 1593, Tsuruga Castle stood as the proud stronghold of the Aizu clan during the 1868 Boshin War, famously withstanding over a month of fierce attacks. Its snow-covered grounds in winter offer a breathtaking view, blending samurai history with seasonal beauty.

A Soak Fit for a Samurai

Relax in a soothing hot spring, a ritual loved by samurai in the winter. Surrounded by enchanting snow-covered scenery, it’s the perfect, peaceful way to conclude your family’s snow adventure in Aizu.

DAY 7

Check-out & Head to your next destination!

ItinerarySTAY|DAY 1 – 4 : Bandaisan Onsen Hotel by Hoshino Resorts

DAY 1

Arrive at Bandaisan Onsen Hotel by Hoshino Resorts

Ski or Snowboard at NEKOMA Mountain's South Area

Enjoy the stunning views of Lake Inawashiro.

Connect with Snow Enthusiasts at the 'Hangout’

Make plans and use the complimentary WAX BAR to prepare your gear for the day ahead.

Relax in the Onsen

Rest your muscles in natural hot spring waters fed by Mount Bandai, in a bathhouse reflecting the elegant artistry of Aizu’s traditional lacquerware.

Dinner at the Hotel

Delight in a buffet featuring local favorites such as Aizu soba and Kozuyu, complemented by miso and koji-based dishes honoring Aizu’s rich tradition of fermentation.

DAY 2

Breakfast at the Hotel

Kick off your day with an invigorating breakfast crafted from fresh local ingredients, just what you need before hitting the slopes.

GoPro Rental

Get ready to capture your best moments! Rent a GoPro to show off your adventure.

First Ride Experience

Hotel guests can enjoy a complimentary first ride to experience the thrill of gliding through fresh powder.

NEKOMA Mountain North Area

Experience the North Area’s renowned micro-fine powder snow, where the soft, weightless glide enchants snow enthusiasts from across the globe. Venture into the Deep Powder Area for the ultimate carving experience.

Taste of Japanese Lunch

Satisfy your appetite with hearty Japanese favorites, such as a warm, comforting bowl of curry rice or ramen at NEKOMA Shokudo, located in the Kita (North) Resort Center.

TIP!

Use your breakfast tickets for lunch

At NEKOMA Mountain, redeem your hotel breakfast ticket to enjoy lunch at various restaurants.

Aizu Sake Bar

Explore a curated selection of locally brewed sake, handpicked by in-house Sake Sommeliers for an authentic taste of Aizu.

Aibase! Dancing

This special in-house activity translates to 'Let's dance together!' in the local dialect. Join hotel staff in a lively dance around the iconic red cow and traditional gate, moving to the rhythm of folk songs that celebrate Aizu’s vibrant history and culture.

DAY 3

Thrilling Tree Run Experience

Embark on an adrenaline-filled journey in the South Area’s new 20-hectare tree run zone, where thrilling runs weave through expansive terrain.

Après Ski at The Rider's Burger Stand

Located halfway up the slopes in the South Area is a Burger Stand famous for its delicious burgers. Savor hearty burgers made with juicy beef and fresh vegetables that go perfectly with a selection of craft beers.

Take a Fun Break

For entertainment off the slopes, The Rider's Burger Stand features a billiards table and a skate ramp for riders looking to unwind or show off their skills.

Snow Athletics

Feel the thrill at Flowing Park in the South Area, where rolling terrain, gaps and banks create a playful course suited for all skill levels. For slopestyle enthusiasts, Step Up Park South features 2–10m kickers and a dedicated hiking zone.

'Izakaya GO' Experience

Discover the flavors of Aizu Wakamatsu with the ‘Izakaya GO’ service, a culinary journey that connects you with the local community and lets you experience authentic Aizu hospitality.
*Complimentary shuttle departs the hotel at 5 PM (pre-booking required)
*Return shuttles to the hotel available at 8:30 PM and 10 PM

DAY 4

CAT RIDE Tour Experience

Head beyond the lifts and into untouched terrain on a thrilling CAT RIDE tour where you'll explore deep snow and carve through the freshest, most exhilarating powder.
*Pre-booking required

Last Run at NEKOMA Mountain

Make the most of your day with a memorable last run on your favorite slopes at NEKOMA Mountain, the perfect way to conclude your skiing or snowboarding adventure.

Traditional Dinner at Aizu Yushoku Takazen

Indulge in a special dinner highlighting the rich culinary heritage of Aizu, featuring carefully crafted dishes made from local ingredients and time-honored recipes that tell the story of the region’s culture and flavors.
*Pre-booking required, shuttle bus is available

DAY 5

Check-out and Explore Aizu Wakamatsu’s town

Take a shuttle bus, train or taxi

TIP!

Store Your Luggage at Nanukamachi Tourism Center

Akabeko Painting Experience

Experience the charm of Aizu where you can paint your own version of the iconic red cow and take home a piece of local tradition.

Aizu Wagyu Beef

Discover the flavors of Aizu at Shibukawa Donya, which includes exquisite Aizu Wagyu beef in a historical setting. Step into a culinary legacy that blends rich tradition with sumptuous fare.

Tsuruga Castle

Built in 1593, this castle played a key role in the 1868 conflict between the former shogunate and the new government forces. As the stronghold of the loyal Aizu domain known as the "Last Samurai," it withstood over a month of fierce attacks, earning its reputation as an impregnable fortress.

A Sake Brewery Cherished by Samurai

Since 1850, this historic brewery has crafted sake using the pure waters of Aizu. Visitors can not only savor its time-honored brews but also explore the traditional brewery buildings that have stood the test of time.

Stay at Higashiyama Onsen

This historic hot spring town with a 1,300-year legacy is nestled in the natural beauty of Tohoku. Known for its gentle mineral waters and serene atmosphere, it has long been a beloved retreat for relaxation and healing.

Recommended Accommodation

DAY 6

Morning Walk

Step back in time at Aizu Bukeyashiki, a museum in Aizuwakamatsu that revives the the samurai era in every detail. With beautifully restored historical buildings, you can wander the grounds, follow a free multilingual audio guide, and try your hand at traditional arts and crafts.

Ouchi-juku

This post town offers a time travel experience into the Edo period, with its original thatched-roof houses and preserved streetscape that once served travelers between Aizu Wakamatsu and Nikkō. Still home to residents and local shops, the village is a nationally designated preservation district. Thanks to a community-driven commitment to protect its heritage, Ouchi-juku remains a living window into Japan’s past.

Negi-soba

Experience one of Aizu’s most unique culinary traditions! Negi-soba is a local specialty where you use a long green onion in place of chopsticks to enjoy your soba noodles. It’s a fun and flavorful challenge that’s become a must-try for visitors. You can find this distinctive dish at several restaurants in Ouchi-juku.

Samurai Martial Arts Experience

Embodying the samurai spirit of respect and discipline, this experience follows the Japanese saying, "Rei ni hajimari, rei ni owaru" meaning "begin with a bow, end with a bow." In this activity you'll learn the etiquette, philosophy, and meaning behind each movement through hands-on martial arts training.

DAY 7

Check-out & Head to your next destination!

Want to Spend Time More on the Slopes?

Whether you're seeking dynamic slopes or family-friendly terrain, Aizu offers more than just great skiing, it's a winter destination rich in culture and character. Experience a different side of Japan where adventure meets tradition.

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