Myoko Kogen Japan

Myoko Kogen ski resort is located one hour north of Nagano Japan in the Niigata prefecture.

Founded in the 1930’s Myoko Kogen ski resort is claimed to be the oldest ski areas in Japan and is made up of nine mountains with three distinctive areas: Myoko Akakura, Myoko Suginohara and Ikenotaira Onsen, linked by shuttle but not by the lifts.

The Myoko town is nestled in the valley below and is the main infastructure of the area, including a JR rail station. Access from Tokyo to Myoko town and the surrounding resorts is a simple journey by Shinkansen and local rail. The main ski village is at Akakura Onsen, at the base of the Akakura Onsen and Akakura Kanko lift systems, a good selection of hotels and traditional accommodation is available.

Skiing options are almost endless. Myoko Kogen ski resort is a large scale resort with incredible snow, numerous ski runs and an efficient lift system including Gondolas. Few ski areas can offer the diversity and variety of Myoko Kogen with something for every ski enthusiast from beginner areas to deep powder.
For the international market a four area combined lift pass is available, the main areas to ski are Akakura Onsen and Kanko which are situated side by side. More challenging terrain is found in the Kanko area and for beginners, the Onsen area is the best. To use the pass at Suginohara or Ikenotaira you will need to take the shuttle bus.

Myoko Kogen offers a distinctive character and rich history, providing you the opportunity to enjoy the total Japanese ski experience. Myoko Akakura is the favorite destination for the Japanese royal family.

Akakura Onsen village	Local Sake	Superb Food - Sashimi

Accommodation:
A large range of accommodation is available within the Akakura Onsen ski village, being such an old resort and due to the downturn in the domestic ski industry, Myoko's accommodation is very tired and many of the properties are dated and in need of some tender loving care. The properties we offer are the pick of the bunch.

Onsen
The Onsen (natural spring) region is at the base of Mt Myoko and is renowned for its charm. Akakura Onsen opened in 1816 and sits at a altitude of 780m, offering views of breathtaking beauty. Shin-Akakura Onsen is located on the corner of the road to Akakura Onsen and Ikenotaira Onsen and is surrounded by silver birch and Japanese larch trees. Ikenotaira Onsen also surrounded by silver birch trees is located on the highlands with spectacular views. Myoko Onsen is located just 10~15 minutes walk from Myoko Kogen station and provides views of MountMyoko, the Onsen draws its water from the springs on the mountain. Suginosawa Onsen is located in a region where the natural forest is untouched and remains as nature provided until today. Seki Onsen has the oldest history of Myoko’s natural hot springs, within the village surrounded by traditional streets of days gone by. Tsubame Onsen is isolated between the mountains and is desired by people looking for 'quiet solace' the Onsen is named after a bird in the swallow family and has that distinct sulphure smell with cloudy, milky water.

Weather
If you want the best snow in the world you need to be prepared - it can get cold. Take plenty of warm clothing and prepare for minus temperatures, thermals are a must, a warm neck gaitor to protect your face and a good pair of double lense goggles. Myoko Kogen can get a lot of snow - its not unusual to get over 20cm overnight in the village. That said there's nothing like fresh powder on a crisp, clear day.