Numajiri Ski

Nestled on the western slopes of the majestic Mount Adatara, Numajiri Ski Resort is a cozy getaway for winter recreation in Fukushima Prefecture. It is one of the oldest ski centers in this part of Japan, retaining a warm, homey atmosphere that is highly valued by those who enjoy relaxed skiing.

Numajiri Ski Resort. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The resort covers a compact area of about 33 hectares with an elevation drop from 850 to 1,220 meters. It features approximately 8.9 km of trails, perfectly balanced by difficulty level: nearly half the slopes are for beginners, half for intermediates, and only a small portion is reserved for expert skiers. Numajiri is famous for its soft, fluffy powder snow, with an average seasonal snowfall of up to 6 meters.

The main highlights of this spot are its family-oriented focus and the lack of large crowds. Instead of flashy hotels, guests are treated to authentic views of beech forests, the panorama of Lake Inawashiro, and proximity to famous hot springs (onsens), which are perfect for relaxing after an active day in the fresh air.

To find the latest information on slope conditions or to book services, you can use the resort's official contact details.

The primary activity at Numajiri is, of course, gliding down perfectly groomed slopes. Beginners and snowboarders should check out the long, gentle Shirakaba and Ipponmatsu trails, which are excellent for practicing carving techniques. For those taking their first steps on the snow, there is the Donguri Hiroba kids' park and a special Numa★Park snow park with easy obstacles.

Fans of variety will appreciate the additional winter activities. Here you can try snow rafting, ride a toboggan, or master a snow strider. Although the resort does not offer night skiing, the daylight hours can be packed with action while you admire views of the Adatara range directly from the chairlifts.

After the trails close, a visit to the nearby sulfuric acid springs, such as Nakanosawa Numajiri Onsen, is a must. It’s the perfect end to the day, allowing you to recharge in the hot healing waters. Between runs, stop by the Center House Pureha restaurant, which serves traditional Japanese dishes to warm you up on a frosty day.

There are several ways to reach this cozy corner. If you prefer the railway, the nearest point is Inawashiro Station on the JR Ban-etsu West Line. From the station, a taxi or local bus ride to the resort itself will take about 20–30 minutes.

Drivers traveling from the cities of Fukushima or Koriyama should follow Route 49 or 115. The journey from scenic Lake Inawashiro takes approximately one hour. For precise navigation, use the coordinates: 37.6225955° N, 140.227972° E.

For those arriving from further away, the nearest international air hub is Niigata Airport. A transfer from there by train or rental car will take 2 to 3 hours, but offers plenty of beautiful views along the way.

Numajiri Ski Resort proudly holds the title of the oldest operating winter resort in Fukushima Prefecture. This place is a true sanctuary of classic Japanese ski culture, where an old-school spirit still lingers and the subtle scent of wood smoke from local stoves fills the air.

Developed on the slopes of Mount Adatara, the resort has always focused on family values and accessibility for local residents. Unlike large commercial centers, Numajiri has preserved its understated but incredibly cozy character, focusing on respect for the nature of the Aizu region.

Interestingly, this is where you can see how the traditions of the Tohoku region intertwine with active recreation. Historically, the resort is linked to the culture of onsens (hot springs), which have long attracted people for health and wellness, even before skiing became a popular pastime in Japan.

To fully enjoy the trails and atmosphere of Numajiri, most visitors spend a full day here. A standard ski pass is valid from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM—this 6–8 hour period is quite enough to explore all 8.9 km of slopes and take a lunch break at the local restaurant.

If you are visiting with small children or only plan a couple of runs for a quick look, a half day (about 4–5 hours) might be sufficient. This allows enough time to visit the kids' park and master the basic gentle trails in the lower part of the resort.

The resort's operating hours are usually tied to daylight, as night skiing is not available. On Mondays, the slopes are open from 09:00 AM to 4:00 PM, while from Tuesday to Sunday, the lifts start slightly earlier, from 08:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

Keep in mind that the ski season in Numajiri typically runs from late December to late March. We strongly recommend checking the official website before your trip, as schedules can change based on weather conditions and snow depth.

A visit to the ski slopes can be perfectly complemented by exploring the surroundings of the prefecture. The Inawashiro area and neighboring cities offer many interesting locations—from historic castles to unique museums.

Below are some notable places located relatively close to the resort: