Myoko Kogen
About Myoko Kogen
The powder is legendary at Myoko Kogen in Japan
Like many ski regions in Japan, deep powder snow is something that this ski region is famous for with around 13 metres of snow falling each winter.
With three main ski areas: Akakura, Suginohara and Ikenotaira, the diverse terrain offers skiing for every level of expertise.
There are nine mountains and stunning lake views and silver-birch trees from the ski runs.
The village is known for its onsens (spring baths), intimate bars, over 40 restaurants and a variety of hotels and hostel style accommodation.
With Mt Myoko once an active volcano, it has rejuvenating thermal springs for skiers and boarders after a day in perfect powder conditions.
The ski areas are known for long cruising ski runs, glade skiing and steep verticals.
Myoko Suginohara has the longest ski run in Japan at approximately 8.5 kms. Akakura is said to have the steepest ski run in central Japan, ominously called ‘The Wall’.
Travelling to Myoko Kogen
For international visitors to this ski area, Narita Airport is the destination. A train to Tokyo takes an hour and the Nagano Bullet from Tokyo takes you to Nagano in just under two hours. From there, it’s a shuttle to Myoko Kogen (an hour) but you need to book in advance.
By chartered coach from Narita Airport, it’s a six-hour drive.
Accommodation at Myoko Kogen
Uguisu no Hatsune Ryokan - Seki Onsen is a traditional style inn in the popular Seki Onsen Ski Area of Myoko.
As with many Japanese ski resorts, there is a choice between Japanese style and Western style accommodation. There’s plenty of it too to suit all budgets from high-end hotels to hostel-style lodgings. There are ski-in, ski-out options available.
You’ll find an assortment of hotels, pensions, traditional inns, ski lodges, cabins, b&b and/or ryokan.
Check out some of the accommodation available at The Myoko Accommodation Guide – Best Picks.
Advantages of skiing at Myoko Kogen
Australians love skiing in Japan. Rock into any ski shop in Australia to find out just how many Australians visit Japan for skiing or snowboarding in the Northern Winter. Japan has a great reputation for powder. Myoko Kogen is a resort that lives up to that reputation.
Here’s a quick list of why you should consider Myoko Kogen on your list of possible Japanese ski resorts.
- Lots of powder
- Very few roped off tree areas
- A selection of resorts linked by a free bus network
- Easy to get to from Tokyo (no extra plane ride)
- Well priced accommodation close to the runs
- English-speaking ski school
- Childcare facilities
- If you want lots of powder, terrific diversity of ski runs, and a great cultural experience then Japan (Myoko) is a good choice.
Read about other ski resorts in Japan.
