Ski fresh powder amid the pines and experience the varied terrain at one of Japan’s oldest ski areas, known for its heavy snowfall and steaming onsen.
Myoko Kogen is a mountain town and ski area nestled within the tree-lined ridges of the Five Peaks of Northern Shinano. Blankets of powder snowfall make this ski area one of the most outstanding in Japan and popular with skiers who like to carve fresh tracks. With nine main mountain resorts, Myoko Kogen has appeal for skiers of all levels. Cruise down long, groomed slopes, explore steep runs speckled with trees, hit the freestyle area or enjoy family-friendly park skiing.
Find scenic and lengthy groomed slopes and Japan’s longest run in Suginohara ski resort. Ski “the wall,” a steep 38-degree run at Akakura Onsen. Enjoy the deep backcountry powder at Seki Onsen. Practice tricks and jumps at the snowboard park of Ikenotaira Onsen. Akakura Kanko or Akakan has great intermediate runs and stellar views. Bring beginners to the easy slopes of Myoko Ski Park and Tangram Ski Circus.
Most resorts have rental shops offering the latest in ski and snowboard gear. Book private lessons with an English-speaking instructor at Akakura Onsen or group lessons at Akakan Ski Resort. Childcare is available across the ski areas.
Have a quick snack and a drink at mountainside cafeterias or enjoy a full meal or drinks at the ski-in, ski-out restaurants and izakaya bars spread across the mountains. To re-energize your muscles, soak in one of the onsen (hot springs) dotted throughout the ski areas. Visit the Akakura Onsen between Akakura and Ikenotaira near Akakan Ski Area.
Myoko Kogen offers varied accommodation options throughout its resorts. Stay in modern hotels, rental apartments or traditional ryokan Japanese inns. Many resorts are accessible via free shuttle buses throughout the day or by taxi later at night.
Visit Myoko Kogen in Niigata prefecture for a traditional experience of Japanese ski culture. By train, travel 1 hour north of Nagano or less than 4 hours northwest of Tokyo.
