Winter is when Aizu truly shines. Snow-covered mountains, lakes, and small towns create the perfect setting for both adventure and relaxation — from snowboarding and snowshoe trekking to enjoying outdoor winter activities and soaking in hot springs. This journey highlights Aizu in an easy and approachable way, combining beautiful nature, seasonal local cuisine, and fun experiences that you can easily follow. It’s an ideal winter trip for those looking to enjoy both excitement and warmth in one unforgettable adventure. “If you’re ready, let’s go together to a land of fun activities and warm welcomes.”

Table of content

1. Shokurotei Restaurant
2. Ookawaso
3. Lake Inawashiro
4. Bandaisan Onsen Hotel by Hoshino Resorts
5. Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain
6. Lake Hibara
7. Nowhere Snowshoe Experience
8. Konishi Shokudo
9. Teppan Aizu
10. Kamei Sushi
11. Ouchijuku
12. Ashinomaki Onsen Snow Park
13. Agasse Cafe
14. Ashina Ryokan
15. The B Kitchen

What is Aizu

Aizu is a historic region in western Fukushima Prefecture, in Japan’s Tohoku area, known for its beautiful natural landscapes and strong local identity. Located about 2.5–3 hours from Tokyo by train via Koriyama, Aizu is easily accessible while still offering a quiet, local atmosphere that feels far removed from the busy city.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Access to Aizu

Aizu is easily accessible from Tokyo by train. Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Koriyama Station (about 1.5 hours), then transfer to the JR Ban’etsu West Line to reach the Aizu area (about 1–1.5 hours). The total travel time is approximately 2.5–3 hours. Despite its convenient access, Aizu remains calm and uncrowded, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a more local and authentic experience.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Winter Route

Winter in Japan usually begins in December and lasts until early March each year. I planned my trip to Aizu, Fukushima from the end of autumn, as this is the best season for those who enjoy snowboarding or skiing. After checking the access to Aizu and thinking about what I wanted to experience, I created this itinerary. Driving makes the trip more flexible, but if you don’t drive, there’s no need to worry — simply adjust the plan to suit your travel style.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Shokurotei Restaurant

I began my trip with a visit to a local restaurant in Bandaimachi Town;Shokurotei . Shokurotei is a traditional Japanese-style restaurant that truly focuses on food quality and a calm, peaceful atmosphere. The building itself feels very Japanese, and once you step inside, everything slows down in the best way. You can order only dishes as you like. That said, the kitchen prepares a limited amount of food each day, so on some days they may stop taking orders earlier than expected or taking time for preparing. Guests can let the staff know if there are any ingredients they don’t eat, and they gently encourage everyone to finish their meals. Taking photos of the food and posting on social media is totally fine, but they do ask guests to keep their voices down and avoid live streaming inside the restaurant, so the relaxed atmosphere stays intact for everyone.

The restaurant is usually open from April to November. During winter (December–March), it may open only on special occasions, so it’s best to check with the restaurant in advance before visiting. The menu changes with the seasons and the restaurant’s planning, and is typically updated every two weeks. They accept a wide range of payment methods, including cash, credit cards, PayPay, IC cards, and local digital currency. Children are welcome, though there’s no dedicated kids’ menu at the moment or child seat. This is the kind of place you come to when you’re looking for high-quality food, thoughtful service, and a truly authentic Japanese quiet luncheon experience. The restaurant accepts walk-ins, but we highly recommend arriving right at 11:00 a.m.—once the food runs out, they’ll close orders for the day.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Transportation Summary to Shokurotei

By Bus
Bandai Town operates a community bus called the Life Welfare Bus.
Board the bus at Bandai-machi Station (East Exit).
Get off at Kominkan (Community Center).
From there, it is about a 10-minute walk to Shokurotei.

By Taxi / On-demand Transport
Bandai Town provides an On-demand Transportation Service (shared taxi).
This is a new AI-operated ride service replacing the former community taxi.
Within the service area, you can travel from your preferred pickup point to your destination.
Advance registration and reservation are required.
Reservations can be made by phone or via a mobile app.

By Train
The nearest station is Bandai-machi Station.
From the station to Shokurotei, it is about a 20-minute walk.

By Car
A parking lot is located diagonally across from the restaurant.
Parking capacity is approximately 20 cars.

Website & map

Website	Local Taxis – Apps
Website	Local bus – Timetable
Map	Shokurotei Restaurant

Ookawaso

After savoring the local flavors, I continued my journey deeper into Japanese culture—into a place where the lifestyle of people from hundreds of years ago can still be felt. Standing quietly in front of me was the place where I would spend the night. This is Ookawaso.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

One thing I always think about whenever I decide to travel is my desire to experience different cultures. Here, I found myself completely falling in love with the shamisen performance—the deep, resonant sound carrying traditional folk songs that felt timeless. Watching the woman in a kimono perform on stage for two full hours was breathtaking; her grace, dedication, and beauty made the moment truly unforgettable. (from 16:00-18:00)

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

My friends and I truly cherish our time in hot springs. As you may know, Japan is a land of volcanoes—and wherever there are volcanoes, there are incredible hot springs. Soaking in the onsen after a long day of traveling melts away every bit of fatigue, leaving both body and mind completely relaxed. It’s one of those experiences you simply have to try at least once in a lifetime.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Kaiseki was once a meal enjoyed by samurai in the past, and every time I visit Japan, I never miss the chance to experience it. When you understand the story behind kaiseki, it becomes clear why Japanese people cherish it so deeply. Each dish is created using local, seasonal ingredients, carefully arranged with the chef’s heart and attention to detail. Served on beautifully chosen tableware, every course tells a story of the land it comes from—and the flavors are as memorable as the presentation.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

We’ll spend a peaceful night in a traditional Japanese-style room with tatami floors, taking our time to make matcha for ourselves. Before bedtime, we’ll relax in the private sauna in our room, then soak in the hot spring once more, letting the day slowly fade away. Dressed in yukata as our pajamas, we’ll fully immerse ourselves in the Japanese atmosphere tonight. Wow.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Website & map

Map

Ookawaso

Lake Inawashiro

I woke up very early this morning, as we were heading to the Bandai area—about a one-hour drive from here. Today’s plan was all about snowboarding, and we would be staying there for the next two to three nights.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Before reaching the ski resort, we made a stop at Lake Inawashiro, the fourth-largest lake in Japan. In winter, the lake becomes a gathering place for swans and wild ducks, and spending time with them felt unexpectedly heartwarming. You can even bring some bread to feed them, which I highly recommend during this season when they are everywhere. Sometimes, animals really are your best travel companions. right? Haha.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Website & map

Map	Lake Inawashiro

Bandaisan Onsen Hotel by Hoshino Resorts

From Lake Inawashiro, it was only a 25-minute drive to Bandaisan Onsen Hotel by Hoshino Resorts. We’ll be staying here for the next two to three nights, with days filled with snowboarding and skiing. This is where our real winter adventure truly begins. Yeah!

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

If you’re a ski or snowboard lover who’s also curious about Japanese culture, this is a destination you shouldn’t miss. Here, you can soak in onsen baths, use convenient coin laundry facilities, enjoy welcome drinks, relax at the sake bar, and even take advantage of the free self-service board and ski waxing area. The meals are satisfying, local performances take place every night, and the staff greet you with genuine warmth—making you feel at home from the moment you arrive.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Every night from 9:00 p.m., a folk performance brings the place to life with the powerful sound of taiko drums and traditional folk songs. Guests are soon invited to join the dance, and before you know it, the atmosphere feels just like a local festival. Smiles and laughter are shared by everyone—even among people meeting for the very first time. It’s the kind of place where new friendships begin naturally, with open hearts and open minds.Yes I enjoyed dancing so much.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Website & map

Map	Bandaisan Onsen Hotel by Hoshino Resorts

Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain

Finally, I’m standing here at the ski resort. In front of me is Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain—one of Japan’s largest ski resorts, stretching across an impressive landscape with 33 courses, 13 lifts, and nearly 189 hectares of skiable terrain. And then there’s the snow: light, soft, and beautifully powdery. This is the kind of winter playground that makes you forget everything else and just ride. Go Go !

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

I’m actually still a beginner, but when winter arrives, skiing or snowboarding feels like the ultimate seasonal activity—so why not challenge myself? One of the best things here is that all the gear is new and comes in a wide range of sizes. You can arrive completely empty-handed, rent everything you need, and jump right in. Just pay and enjoy—haha

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

There’s even a first-ride session early in the morning, and I felt incredibly lucky to be there—watching the sun rise over Lake Inawashiro from the slopes. Everyone around me looked just as happy, sharing that quiet, magical moment together. Time seemed to slow down as we let our hearts feel free and simply enjoyed what was right in front of us… while reminding ourselves to control our speed, too.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Whether you are a beginner in skiing or snowboarding, or simply looking for a relaxing stay at a hotel that offers great entertainment and a welcoming atmosphere for international travelers — with staff who can communicate in English — this is the perfect destination for you.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Website & map

Map	Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain

Lake Hibara

This morning, I came to lake Hibara, it is one of the most beautiful natural spots in Aizu, Fukushima, located in the Urabandai (Back Bandai) area. The lake was formed in 1888 after a volcanic eruption of Mount Bandai, which reshaped the land and created many lakes and ponds in this region. During winter, the frozen lake turns into a unique playground where visitors can try ice fishing (especially for smelt) and enjoy snowy landscapes.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Website & map

Map	Lake Hibara

Nowhere Snowshoes Experience

And for fully complete my winter adventure in Aizu, today I decided to try snowshoeing as well. There are many routes to choose from, but since we’re beginners, we picked the Tatsusawa Fudo Falls route. The trail takes about three hours from the starting point to reach the falls, and every step through the quiet, snow-covered landscape felt like part of the adventure itself.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

The walk was surprisingly easy and enjoyable. Before we knew it, we arrived at Tatsusawa Fudo Falls—a place locals call a “power spot,” said to fill you with positive energy and lift your spirit. And honestly, I felt it. Maybe it was the fresh air, the sound of the waterfall… or maybe it was the local sweet, Sasadango, paired with a cup of hot black coffee from our tour guide. Hehe. Either way, it was an amazing moment.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

After all the activities, it’s time to let your body unwind in the milky hot springs—already included in the tour package, along with lunch. You know why soaking in an onsen after hiking is so wonderful? The mineral-rich waters don’t just relax you; they help ease sore muscles and make you feel completely recharged. There’s something truly magical about letting the warmth seep in after a day of adventure.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Website & map

Facebook	Tour booking
Map	Nowhere Snowshoe Experience

Konishi Shokudo

**After that, we stopped by a local restaurant for a bowl of ramen—simple, comforting, and deeply satisfying. If you truly want to feel the real Japan, you have to go somewhere you wouldn’t normally visit, maybe not even once a year. That’s exactly why I chose Aizu.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

In Nakanosawa Onsen, you’ll find the original kokeshi dolls—cute, hand-carved wooden figures that are a traditional Japanese craft. Kokeshi were first made during the Edo period (1603–1868), and seeing them here feels like touching a small, quiet piece of history still alive today.**

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Website & map

Map	Konishi Shokudo

Teppan Aizu

For dinner tonight, we headed into Aizuwakamatsu City, where we had a reservation at a teppanyaki restaurant called Teppan Aizu. Teppanyaki is a style of Japanese cuisine that became popular after World War II, where food is cooked on an iron griddle right in front of you. Watching the chef work just a few steps away—the sounds, the movements, the timing—turns dinner into a performance. It’s not just a meal, but a truly wonderful experience.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

I watched every dish the chef prepared without blinking, as if I could somehow take home some of those amazing cooking techniques—haha! I don’t know if it was the chef’s skill or the quality of the ingredients, but tonight’s dinner was truly a standing-ovation kind of meal. I just wanted to clap and say, “Bravo!” * (Advance reservation)

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Website & map

Map	Teppan Aizu

Kamei Sushi

Even after our amazing teppanyaki dinner, our stomachs were still craving a little more, so we headed to Kamei Sushi, a sushi spot recommended by the locals. The prices are wallet-friendly, and the staff are incredibly helpful, making the experience both delicious and welcoming.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

You can enjoy the freshest fish and seafood here. My personal favorites are the salmon and tuna (maguro), while my friend completely fell in love with the miso soup.What!! They also tried so many kinds of sushi and maki rolls that we would probably never get to taste back home. It was such a fun and playful foodie experience!

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

They also have an English menu, which makes things even easier. The atmosphere is very relaxed—everyone feels like friends, and it’s easy to meet new people. Most importantly, the food is delicious, the drinks are great, and happiness naturally follows.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Website & map

Map	Kamei Sushi

Ouchijuku

Another fun day in Aizu, I made a stop at Ouchijuku, one of Aizu’s must-visit destinations. This historic post town was once a meeting place for samurai traveling toward Edo, where they rested and exchanged information. Walking through Ouchijuku today feels like time travel—the town still exists just as it did in the past, making it a true symbol of Aizu’s history and charm.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

In front of you are more than 30 thatched-roof houses, making it feel as if you’ve traveled back 400 years in time. You might wonder—are these real homes or just sightseeing spots? The answer is both. Some of these houses are still lived in today, proving that this is not a set, but a real place where history continues to breathe.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

But what I love most is the shrine. Takakura Shrine quietly stands in a forest away from the village. Giant cedar trees, said to be over 800 years old, rise around the grounds, and the sturdy shrine building reflects a design made to withstand heavy snow. For generations, this small shrine has been a spiritual anchor for the people of Ouchijuku—a peaceful place where local hearts still gather.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Website & map

Map

Ouchijuku

Ashinomaki Onsen Snow Park

After enjoying Negi Soba for lunch, we headed straight to Ashinomaki Onsen Snow Park. To truly complete my winter holiday, I wanted to try something I’d never done before—and here, I found it. A small snowmobile! It was super fun. My friends and I even turned it into a little challenge… and yes, I won. Haha!

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

You can enjoy snowy landscapes anywhere in the world, but this moment reminds you that you are truly in Japan. Here, you and your friends can grill mochi by yourselves and enjoy it together—simple, warm, and uniquely Japanese.And for me, getting cool shots is the best!

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Website & map

Map	Ashinomaki Onsen Snow Park

Agasse Cafe

Near the snow park, you’ll find a cozy local café called Agasse Cafe. If you’re a matcha lover, don’t miss the Matcha Set (600 yen). You can whisk your own matcha and enjoy it with traditional sweets made from red bean paste, agar, and sugar—a sweet little Japanese moment to end the day.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Inside the café, it’s pleasantly warm, so I started to explore. I found a small local souvenir corner and plenty of information leaflets—almost like a mini tourist information center, perfect for discovering more about the area. * before going, please check

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Website & map

Map	Agasse Cafe

Ashina Ryokan

Tonight, we decided to stay at Ashina Ryokan in Higashiyama Onsen, a popular ryokan that truly feels like home—warm and welcoming, just like family. I chose this place for the irori dinner, a traditional sunken hearth used for cooking over charcoal. But… there’s something even more special waiting for us too.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

You won’t believe it—during dinner, we could even enjoy a geisha performance. That’s the real reason I chose to stay here tonight. I’m deeply in love with Japan’s long history, and Aizu truly feels like a land of living traditions—from samurai stories and geisha culture to shamisen music and Akabeko. Watching the graceful movements of the geisha was simply unforgettable. OMG

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

The owner was incredibly kind to us. She took care of everything and even arranged the performance for us, making our night truly special and unforgettable.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Website & map

Map	Ashina Ryokan

The B Kitchen

After checking out, everything was ready for the next journey. I stepped back into my Aizu adventure once again. One place I’d love to recommend is a modern-style café where you can taste many flavors of Aizu honey and enjoy a real Italian lunch—an unexpected but delightful stop in Aizu.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

In summer, you can also join a honey tour to learn about Aizu’s bee ecosystem and how different flowers create different honey flavors—like sakura or buckwheat. It’s surprisingly fascinating. And the food here? Absolutely delicious. After many days traveling in Japan, I have to admit… I was really craving pizza!

Credit:Chill Chill Trip

Website & map

Map	The B Kitchen

Summary

Finally, it was time to leave Aizu—a land of smiles and unforgettable memories. This truly felt like a real holiday. I challenged myself, met new people, and discovered new flavors. The people of Aizu are incredibly kind. Even though I can’t speak Japanese and they can’t speak English, our connection went beyond words—heart to heart. And that was more than enough.

Credit:Chill Chill Trip