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Overview
Myoko Kogen is a ski area that is rich in history, founded in the 1930's the area is famous for its inviting and warm hospitality. The resort is made up of three seperate resorts; Myoko Akakura, Myoko Suginohara and Ikenotaira Onsen and is renowned for some of the best vertical and long runs on offer in Japan. Located in Niigata prefecture the area receives one of the heaviest snow falls in Japan, on average Myoko Kogen receives over 13m of snow annually.
The Myoko Kogen town of Akakura onsen forms the base for the area and is an ideal location to stay while you are in Myoko Kogen. There you will find restaurants and bars and a convenience store with tasty treats and refreshing drinks. Myoko Kogen maintains a wonderful Japanese Onsen town feel so you will be immersed in an authentic cultural experience.
Akakura Onsen sits at the base of Mt Myoko and rising above the town are the twin ski resorts of Akakura Onsen and Akakura Kanko Resort, a short bus trip away will give you access to Ikenotaira onsen resort and Myoko Suginohara resort.
There are also some special resorts nearby that cost a little extra to get to but are well worth the visit, Seki Onsen resort being the most favoured by experienced skiers because of its great powder runs and steep slopes.
Featured Accommodations
Adventures & Attractions
Our recommended resort highlights.
Myoko Snowmobile Land
Myoko Snowmobile Land at Suginohara Resort offers solo rides for 16+ and tandem rides with an instructor. Enjoy a 5km tour and snow rafting.
Myoko Kogen Cat Tours
Learn backcountry safety with basics on avalanche gear, route-finding, and hazard avoidance. Experience Akakura’s legendary backcountry.
Lake Nojiri
Lake Nojiri, 5 mins from Myoko, is great for winter smelt fishing with red-dyed ant eggs. Rent heated boats, enjoy local shochu, and fish from the ice.
Lotte Arai Ski Resort
Lotte Arai Ski Resort, 21 km north of Myoko Kogen, offers diverse terrain and impressive off-piste areas. Access it via a 40-min shuttle from Myoko.
Myoko Kogen Onsen
Myoko features seven onsen areas with waters from Mt. Myoko. Public and hotel onsen are available, offering an array of health benefits.
Naena Waterfall
Naena Waterfall, a stunning 55m fall, is accessible via guided snowshoe tours in winter. Enjoy animal tracks and walks along the suspension bridge.
Myoko Kogen Restaurants and Bars
Myoko Kogen’s nightlife includes 25+ spots, from izakayas and pubs to ramen and soba noodle shops. It’s cozy and diverse, though not sparkling.
Snow Monkey
The famous wild monkey park in Yamanouchi, Nagano, is reachable by daily shuttle from Akakura Onsen. A 20-30 min forest walk leads to the park.
Umigatari Aquarium
Umigatari Joetsu Aquarium, reopened in 2018, is Niigata’s top spot for beluga whales and Magellanic penguins. Reach it from Myoko by train or bus.
Madarao Kogen Ski Resort
Madarao ski resort boasts varied terrain, including tree runs, open slopes and fresh powder. Perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
Shiga Kogen Ski Resort
Shiga Kogen is Japan's largest ski aea, offering diverse terrain, long runs and pristine powder. Perfect for all levels with stunning views.
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort
Nozawa Onsen offers epic powder, long runs and a charming village with natural hot springs - perfect for a true Japanese winter experience.
- How to Reach Myoko Kogen
- Resorts & City Guide
By Air
International travelers can fly into Narita or Haneda in Tokyo. Niigata also serves major Asian hubs, while Toyama handles domestic flights.
By Train
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Joetsu Myoko from Tokyo (1 hr 45 min) or Kanazawa (45 min). A shuttle bus connects Joetsu Myoko Station to the resort.
By Car
Myoko Kogen is a 4-hour drive from Tokyo or Osaka. Cars can be rented in Nagano, Toyama, or Niigata, with expressways providing easy access.
By Bus
Nagano Snow Shuttle operates to Myoko Kogen from Narita and Haneda Airports daily between December and March.
By Private Transfer
Private or shared VIP transfers are available from Narita, Haneda, or from other resorts in Nagano and Niigata for direct access to Myoko Kogen.
Below are some PDF tourist maps to help you navigate and enjoy your time in Myoko Kogen.
