Myoko Kogen is located in the Joetsu region of Niigata prefecture. It extends to the foothills of Mt. Myoko, one of the 100 most famous mountains of Japan.

It takes about two and a half hours by shinkansen and private railway from JR Tokyo Station, to Shinano Railway Myoko Kogen Station, and about 4 hours by car. The landscape and the attractions here change depending on the season, and in winter, you can enjoy plenty of winter activities and sports, and excellent snow.

The reason why so much good-quality snow piles up in the Myoko Plateau is related to the quality of snow formed in the monsoon coming from Siberia through the Sea of Japan. This phenomenon creates snow clouds cooled at 2000m above sea level in the proximity of mountains like Mt. Myoko. Thanks to the natural landscape, and the considerable amount of high-quality snow, the Myoko Plateau has become a mecca for skiers from all over the world.

The ski season in Myoko Kogen is from mid-December to late March. Some ski resorts are opened until mid-May.

The beauty of Myoko Kyogen, aside from the extraordinary landscape and snow, lies in its many high-quality hot springs. The hot springs draw from the base of Mt. Myoko, and there are many inns where you can enjoy these pleasant waters. After skiing, be sure to soak in the area's luxurious hot springs.

The first resort we'll introduce is Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort, about a 10-minute drive from the Myoko Kogen IC, on the Joshinetsu Expressway. Suginohara Ski Resort has excellent access.

Its main feature is the wide and long slopes with a maximum skiing distance of 8.5 km, perfect for beginners. About 80% of the 17 courses are for beginners/intermediate, making this ski resort an ideal choice for children and adults who want to enjoy skiing safely.

Currently, measures against coronavirus are being implemented (installing separatory panels, limited use of lifts and gondolas, disinfection of rental equipment, spaced seating in dining areas).

Each course is characterized not only by the size of the slope, but also by the snow's quality.
The different courses also each have their unique beauty, like the white birch course surrounded by beautiful birch trees, and the downhill course marked by its famous linden trees.

There are also challenging courses like the super-giant course with a maximum slope of 38 degrees, also called Jigokudani (Hell Valley), so even advanced skiers won't be bored.

There are 5 lifts in the area and one of the ways to enjoy your time is to take in the view while riding them. In particular, the mountains seen from the summit of the No.3 high-speed lift offer you the view, on a clear day, of Mt. Fuji. It certainly doesn't hurt that the lift gondola is free for children up to elementary school age.

Suginohara Ski Resort also offers lessons (in Japanese) and has a good reputation for careful guidance tailored to the pupils' skills and preferences. The instructors are certified by the Ski Association of Japan and will support you in your first steps. You can rent equipment and clothing, so no need to worry about bringing your own.

We recommend staying at inns, pensions, small hotels, guest houses around the Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort. Some plans include one-day lifts and gondola tickets and a ski plan that includes a one-day ticket that includes two meals per night, depending on the inn. The ryokan also has a hot spring to wash away the fatigue after a day of skiing.

Next up is the Ikenoitara Ski Resort, located 5 minutes driving from the Joshinetsu Expressway Myoko Kogen IC, and about 15 minutes by taxi or bus from the Echigo Tokimeki Railway Myoko Kogen Station, making it easy to access by means other than a car.

During the winter season, there is also a free shuttle bus service from Myoko Kogen Station. As a countermeasure for coronavirus, the facilities have introduced alcohol disinfection, and temperature checking with a thermo-camera on the lifts, allowing for a more worry-free experience.

The biggest feature of Ikenotaira Onsen Ski Resort, is the Kayaba Slope. This comfortable and safe skiing slope merges with the beauty of Mt. Myoko. The forest course Alpenblick Slope is a high speed one ideal for intermediate and advanced visitors.

There are 6 lifts on the vast grounds, and you can easily move to each area stress-free. In particular, the Shirakaba Capsule Pair runs a considerable length of 1,750m, and it's fun to ride over the wide KYB slope. If you're traveling with your family, you can use the lift ticket at a lower price, by using a family-ticket.

At the ski resort, you will also find the Myoko Snow Academy, officially recognized by the Ski Association of Japan, which provides an environment where even beginners can easily learn the basics of skiing. In the special lessons, you can learn about the latest techniques by the top practitioners of the All Japan Ski Association, and there are plenty of classes that will challenge and satisfy advanced skiers. Lessons can be in a group or one-on-one.

(*Lessons only in Japanese)

We recommend using the nearby Hotel Alpenblick, affiliated with the Ikenotaira Onsen Ski Resort. The popular open-air bath is a freely-flowing hot spring that draws in directly from the source of a quality nicknamed black mud. This is a popular bath in which the so-called black hot-springs flowers (crystallized minerals) will relieve you of the tiredness of traveling and skiing.

Ikenotaira Onsen Ski Resort is a satisfying experience for both beginners and advanced skiers. You will find the latest models of skis and snowboards for rent, as well as clothing, not only functional but with very nice designs.

To conclude, let's look at Akakura Onsen Ski Area in Akakura, Myoko Kogen. It's about an 8-minute drive from the Myoko Kogen IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway. The advanced snow-removal system makes driving on the road safe. There is also a free shuttle bus from the parking lot to the slopes.

Countermeasures for Covid 19: ticket counter now presents a splash-prevention film, alcohol solutions, spaced seating in restaurants, and ventilation.

The Akakura Onsen Ski Area features dynamic slopes that stretch over Mt. Myoko, with slopes that range from gentle to steep. There are 14 lifts and 17 courses. All slopes are 100% natural snow, and the excellent quality and amount of snow make this place very popular among overseas skiers. The wide long course is for beginners, and the steep slope course is for advanced skiers.

One of the main attractions of Akakura Onsen Ski Area is that it's open for night skiing until 10pm. The illuminated slope offers a fantastic atmosphere that is utterly different from the daytime, and it's popular among couples and families. Every Saturday, the snow is compacted before the night runs, allowing to enjoy the same trail that you would in the morning. You could also choose to ski at night and sightsee during the day.

The lifts are divided among three areas for a total of 14 operating lifts. Even though the courses are very wide, it will be easy to reach the section you want. The slopes look beautiful on a sunny day.

There are 4 teaching courses, including an international one, and you can choose according to your level and interests. The school, approved by the Japan snowboarding Association, the Japan Professional Ski Teachers Association, and the Ski Association of Japan, teaches a variety of courses covering anyone from beginners to race training. Equipment and clothing are available to rent for full days, or for more extended periods.

At the feet of Akakura Onsen Ski Area, there are many historical hot spring inns and restaurants. After relaxing in the finest hot springs, treat yourself with great food and sake, to get the best out of your traveling experience. Find your favorite lodging to go with your skiing needs.

Akakura Kanko Ski Resort, commonly known as AKAKAN, is another popular ski resort attracting attention from overseas. It's easy to access, making it a great choice, since it's only 8 minutes off the Myoko Kogen IC.

There are 10 courses in total. In addition to the fully maintained flat regular courses, there are also plenty of non-compacted snow courses which will satisfy both beginners and advanced skiers.

There are 8 lifts and they are all fast! In addition to half-day tickets, there are also family-deal tickets. In addition, services like equipment rentals and classes are present. Please, check the official website for details.

In Myoko Kogen you can have a great skiing experience, with a lot of snow and easy access. Why not try some winter sports in Japan this season?

Text by: Tsubasa Shimoda
*Article contents are current as of October 2020