Myoko Kogen is located in the Joetsu region of Niigata Prefecture and spreads across the foothills of Mt. Myoko, one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains.

Access is convenient, with Myoko-Kogen Station on the Shinano Railway reachable in about 2.5 hours from JR Tokyo Station via shinkansen and local lines, or around 4 hours by car.

Rich in nature, the area changes dramatically with the seasons. It serves as a cool summer retreat, while in winter it transforms into a prime destination for winter sports, blanketed in deep, fluffy snow.

Myoko Kogen is highly regarded for having some of the heaviest snowfall and best snow quality in Japan. Seasonal winds traveling from Siberia across the Sea of Japan carry snow clouds that collide with mountains rising over 2,000 meters, including Mt. Myoko, where they rapidly cool and release large amounts of snow.

This harsh natural setting produces snow that stands out for both its sheer volume and its lightness. On days when temperatures and conditions align, remarkably deep and airy fresh snow accumulates across the slopes.

The sensation of floating over the snow creates an ideal experience for powder enthusiasts. Riding through ungroomed areas that make full use of the natural terrain is especially memorable and showcases what makes Myoko Kogen so special.

The ski season in Myoko Kogen generally runs from mid-December through late March. Depending on the resort, some ski areas stay open as late as mid-May.

Here is a closer look at what to expect as the season progresses.

From January to February, Myoko Kogen enters its peak season, when the region delivers its best “Japow” conditions. This is the prime time for deep, high-quality powder skiing.

While snow conditions are at their best, this period also brings heavy crowds, especially around New Year’s holidays and Lunar New Year. Visitors should also be mindful of weather-related risks such as poor visibility during snowstorms or temporary lift closures.

The early season begins in mid-December, and while snowfall can vary, strong cold fronts may still bring fresh powder. Some runs may be subject to limited openings depending on conditions.

On the plus side, many resorts offer early-season lift ticket discounts, making this a great time to enjoy the first turns of the season at a better value.

In March, the spring season brings ample snow along with a higher rate of clear, sunny days, making visibility much better on the slopes. Snow conditions typically start out firm in the morning and soften into spring snow by the afternoon.

This change makes skiing more relaxed and approachable, which is why the spring season remains popular with beginners and families.

From April onward, only select high-elevation resorts remain open. The snow becomes heavier as it holds more moisture, but the mild spring weather makes for an enjoyable end-of-season experience.

Aside from the Golden Week holiday period, crowds are generally lighter, allowing skiers to enjoy relaxed spring conditions and wrap up the season at an easy pace.

Thanks to its abundant snowfall and easy access, Myoko Kogen has become a ski destination that attracts visitors from around the world. Another defining feature is the variety of leisure options available beyond skiing, especially its hot springs.

The area is home to many high-quality onsen fed from Mt. Myoko, known for their smooth, skin-softening water. Numerous ryokan offer free-flowing natural hot spring baths, making it easy to unwind after a full day on the slopes.

Overall, Myoko Kogen has a calm, unhurried atmosphere that appeals to travelers seeking a ski experience closely connected to mountains and nature. The presence of many foreign-owned lodgings is another distinctive aspect of the area.

From the many appealing ski resorts in Myoko Kogen, here are four standout picks worth checking out.

First up is Suginohara Ski Resort, conveniently located about a 10-minute drive from the Myoko-Kogen Interchange on the Joshinetsu Expressway. Its biggest draw is the exceptionally wide and long terrain, with a longest run of about 8.5 kilometers, allowing beginners to ski comfortably without worrying about crowding.

Of the resort’s 16 courses, roughly 80% are designed for beginner and intermediate levels. This makes Suginohara a safe and enjoyable choice for everyone from first-time skiers to families with children.

Courses
Suginohara Ski Resort features 16 courses spread across a vast ski area, with a total run length of about 18,660 meters and a longest single run of approximately 8,500 meters. With a vertical drop of around 1,124 meters, the resort offers a true sense of scale on the slopes.

The course layout caters to all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. Gentle panoramic runs and family-friendly routes are complemented by dynamic intermediate and advanced courses, including steeper sections that add variety.

Another highlight is the changing scenery from course to course. Ski through birch forests on the Shirakaba Course or enjoy the distinctive views along the Downhill Course, known for its iconic Japanese linden tree.

For expert skiers, challenging options like the Super Giant Course, which reaches gradients of up to 38 degrees and is nicknamed “Jigokudani” (Hell Valley), provide plenty of excitement. A snow park equipped with jibs and kickers adds even more ways to enjoy the mountain.

Lift Tickets, Rentals, and Views
There are five lift points across the resort, and simply riding the lifts while taking in the scenery is part of the experience. On clear days, the view from the summit of the No. 3 High-Speed Lift is especially impressive, and under the right conditions, Mt. Fuji can even be seen in the distance.

Another highlight for families is that children up to elementary school age can ride all lifts and the gondola for free throughout the season.

Typical Lift Ticket Types & Prices
・Lift and gondola 1-day pass: Adults 8,000 yen, Seniors and junior & senior high school students 7,400 yen

Typical Rental Prices
・Ski or snowboard set (1 day): Adults 5,500 yen, Seniors and junior & senior high school students 4,000 yen
・Wear set, jacket and pants (1 day): Adults 4,500 yen, Seniors and junior & senior high school students 3,500 yen

Ski & Snowboard School

Suginohara Ski Resort’s school programs cover a wide range of needs, from basic lessons for beginners to skill improvement for intermediate and advanced skiers, as well as preparation for SAJ-certified badge tests. Dedicated classes for kids and juniors are available, along with private lessons that can be tailored to individual goals.

In addition to Japanese instruction, lessons are offered in English, and a Chinese-language school is also available. This makes the resort especially accommodating for international visitors, though supported languages and lesson dates should be confirmed in advance.

Family-Friendly Information
At Suginohara Ski Resort, lift tickets are free for children up to elementary school age, allowing families to enjoy gentle slopes and snow play with peace of mind. The resort also runs a “Kids Support Project,” where ski and snowboard rental sets are free for elementary school children on the third Sunday of each month.

Access
From Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Joetsu-Myoko Station. Transfer to the Echigo Tokimeki Railway and ride to Myoko-Kogen Station, then take a taxi for about 15 minutes to reach Suginohara Ski Resort.

Restaurants & Accommodation
Several restaurants are located around the gondola base station and the main parking area, making it easy to grab a meal before or after skiing. There is also a ramen corner, perfect for warming up between runs.

For accommodations, the area around Suginohara Ski Resort offers a wide range of ryokan, pensions, small hotels, and guesthouses. Many lodgings provide ski plans that include a 1-day lift and gondola pass, while others offer good-value packages combining a common lift ticket with one night and two meals.

Most traditional inns also feature hot spring baths, allowing guests to soak in free-flowing natural onsen water and ease tired muscles after a full day on the slopes.

Next up is Ikenotaira Onsen Alpenblick Ski Resort, a convenient choice thanks to its easy access even without a car. During the ski season, a free shuttle bus also runs from Myoko-Kogen Station, making arrival straightforward.

The resort features two separate slope areas, allowing both first-timers and experienced skiers to enjoy terrain suited to their level in one compact location.

Courses
Ikenotaira Onsen Alpenblick Ski Resort makes the most of Mt. Myoko’s broad foothills, and is especially known for its ultra-wide, gentle slopes that rank among the best of their kind in Japan.

The resort offers 16 courses in total, including wide, long runs that are ideal for beginners and families, as well as a long cruising route of up to 4 kilometers. For intermediate and advanced skiers, there are ungroomed tree-run areas and more challenging terrain such as the Alpen Dynamic course, which reaches gradients of up to 29 degrees.

Another draw is the scenery. From the slopes, skiers can enjoy sweeping views over Lake Nojiri, adding to the open, relaxed atmosphere that allows everyone to ski at their own pace and comfort level.

Lift Tickets & Rentals
The resort operates a total of five lifts across its spacious grounds, making it easy to move smoothly between different areas. One highlight is the Shirakaba Capsule Pair, which stretches an impressive 1,750 meters and offers a scenic aerial ride over the wide-open Kayaba Slope.

For families, discounted family lift tickets are available and offer better value than standard passes.

Typical Lift Ticket Types & Prices
・1-day pass: Adults 6,900 yen, Junior high school students and seniors 5,900 yen, Elementary school students 4,300 yen

Ski and snowboard equipment, boots, and outerwear are available to rent, with a selection that includes current models known for both performance and style.

Typical Rental Prices
・Ski or snowboard set (1 day): Adults 5,500 yen, Children (elementary school age and under) 3,900 yen
・Wear set, jacket and pants (1 day): Adults 5,500 yen, Children (elementary school age and under) 3,900 yen

Ski & Snowboard School
Ikenotaira Onsen Alpenblick Ski Resort offers ski and snowboard lessons for all levels, from complete beginners to advanced riders. The SAJ-certified Myoko Snow Academy is especially popular for its kids’ programs, which accept children from age three and are taught by former SAJ national demonstrators.

In addition, the Myoko Pro Ski School, certified by the Japan Professional Ski Instructors Association, and the JSBA-certified Myoko Kogen Snowboarding School are also available. Together, these schools cover a wide range of needs and skill levels. For details, check each school’s official website or contact them directly.

Family-Friendly Information
Along with its wide, open slopes, the resort features a dedicated Kids’ Garden for younger children. Equipped with a moving belt and enclosed by safety nets, it provides a secure space for snow play and first-time experiences.

Preschool children ride lifts for free, and family lift ticket options are also available, making the resort especially welcoming for families.

Access
The resort is about a 5-minute drive from the Myoko-Kogen Interchange on the Joshinetsu Expressway. From Myoko-Kogen Station on the Echigo Tokimeki Railway, it is around 15 minutes by taxi or bus. Shuttle buses also run daily during the season.

Restaurants & Accommodation
Right next to the slopes, Cafe & Restaurant Kayaba serves hearty, warming ski-resort meals, making it a convenient spot for lunch or a break between runs.

For accommodations, Hotel Alpenblick is a top choice. It is part of the Ikenotaira Onsen Ski Resort group and is the closest resort hotel to the slopes, making ski-in, ski-out stays easy and convenient.

One of its highlights is the open-air bath, which features free-flowing natural hot spring water drawn from a rare black mud source, recognizable by its dark mineral deposits. It is an ideal place to relax and soothe tired muscles after a full day of skiing and travel.

There are also many pensions in the surrounding area, some of which feature their own hot springs. With a wide range of styles and price points available, it’s easy to choose accommodations that best suit your travel style and budget.

With everything from steep faces to wide, gentle slopes, Akakura Onsen Ski Resort is beloved for its 100% natural snow and consistently high-quality powder.

The resort offers a diverse lineup, from long, wide beginner runs to challenging mogul courses where advanced skiers can sharpen their technique. Three ski and snowboard schools operate on-site, providing careful, level-appropriate instruction.

Akakura is also the only resort in the Myoko area with nightly night skiing throughout the season. On Saturdays, the slopes are freshly groomed before night operations, delivering corduroy conditions that feel like first tracks even after dark. The illuminated slopes create a magical atmosphere that is especially popular with couples and families.

Courses
Akakura Onsen Ski Resort spreads across the foothills of Mt. Myoko and features a total of 17 courses designed for a wide range of skill levels. Beginner- and intermediate-friendly runs are plentiful, including long, wide courses like the Panorama Course that are ideal for first-timers and families.

For more experienced skiers, there are varied and technical options such as the Mogul Challenge, where riders can test their skills on steeper, more demanding terrain. Night skiing is also available on the Kumado Slope, allowing visitors to enjoy the resort’s natural snow and well-groomed runs after dark.

Lift Tickets & Rentals
The resort operates a total of 14 lifts across three main areas. Despite its large size, the well-planned lift network makes it easy to reach your desired courses without confusion. On clear days, simply riding the lifts and enjoying the snowy scenery is part of the fun.

Typical Lift Ticket Types & Prices
・1-day pass: Adults 7,000 yen, Seniors and junior high school students 5,600 yen, Children (elementary school age and under) 2,500 yen

Ski and snowboard equipment, as well as outerwear, can be rented for anything from a single day to extended stays of four days or more. Discounted multi-day rental packages are also available, making it easy to settle in and enjoy several days on the slopes.

Typical Rental Prices
・Ski or snowboard set (1 day): Adults 4,900 yen, Children (elementary school age and under) 3,500 yen
・Wear set, jacket and pants (1 day): 3,500 yen

Ski & Snowboard School
There are three ski and snowboard schools operating around Akakura Onsen Ski Resort, catering to a wide range of levels from beginners to advanced skiers. Each school offers both group and private lessons.

Instruction is available from native English speakers or instructors fluent in English, making lessons accessible for international visitors. Private lessons are typically conducted in English, and in some cases other languages such as Korean or French may be available upon request, subject to advance confirmation. All lessons are taught by certified instructors, with a strong focus on safety and skill development.

Access
The resort is about an 8-minute drive from the Myoko-Kogen Interchange on the Joshinetsu Expressway and offers free parking for up to 1,300 vehicles. Snow removal along access roads is well maintained, ensuring safe winter driving.

From Myoko-Kogen Station, a free shuttle bus takes around 12 minutes, making train access especially convenient.

Restaurants & Accommodation
Dining options are available around each lift area, making it easy to grab a meal without straying far from the slopes. Just steps away, the Akakura Onsen area is filled with charming places to stay.

From slope-side hotels to traditional ryokan and cozy pensions, there is a wide range of accommodations to suit different travel styles and budgets. Many feature hot spring baths, letting you relax and unwind after a full day on the snow.

Akakura Kanko Resort Ski Area, commonly known as “AKAKAN,” is one of the Myoko area’s most popular resorts and has earned growing attention from overseas skiers and snowboarders. Another big plus is its convenience, as it is located just about eight minutes by car from the Myoko-Kogen Interchange.

The resort features 11 courses in total, ranging from fully groomed, smooth runs to ungroomed terrain. With a well-balanced mix of slopes, it offers satisfying conditions for everyone from beginners to advanced riders.

All seven lifts at Akakura Kanko Resort Ski Area are high-speed, making it easy to maximize your time on the slopes. A range of ticket options is available, from half-day passes to multi-day passes, as well as family packages, so you can choose what best fits your schedule.

Rental equipment and ski school services are also well established. For the most up-to-date details, be sure to check the official website.

Courses
The course layout at Akakura Kanko Resort Ski Area offers a well-balanced mix for all skill levels. Near the hotel area, gentle runs such as the Hotel Beginner Course and the Hotel Main Slope are ideal for first-timers, while popular intermediate options like the Hotel B and C Courses provide comfortable cruising.

Higher up the mountain, advanced skiers can enjoy ungroomed terrain on the Hotel A Course and long, challenging runs such as Champion A and B. The varied Women’s National Sports Festival Course adds even more diversity, ensuring that beginners through experts can all find terrain that suits their style.

Lift Tickets & Rentals
Typical Lift Ticket Types & Prices
・Resort 1-day pass: Adults 7,000 yen, Junior high school students and seniors 6,000 yen, Children (elementary school age and under) and guests with disabilities 5,200 yen

Typical Rental Prices
・Ski or snowboard set (1 day): Adults 4,500 yen, Children (12 and under) 3,500 yen
・Wear set, jacket and pants (1 day): Adults 4,500 yen, Children (12 and under) 3,500 yen

Ski & Snowboard School
Akakura Kanko Resort Ski Area offers four different schools to suit a wide range of goals and skill levels. Alongside the long-established Shin-Akakura Ski School and Akakura Ski School, there is the Myokosan Snowboard School for boarders and the internationally oriented Myoko Snowsports, which provides lessons in English.

All schools focus on careful, level-appropriate instruction, from first-time beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders looking to refine their technique.

Family-Friendly Information
The resort features gentle beginner and family-friendly slopes where children and adults can ski with confidence. Near the parking area, the beginner slope and the fenced Chibikko Plaza allow for safe snow play and sledding.

The monthly “Kids’ Ski Day” also offers free lift and gondola rides for elementary school children, making the resort especially appealing for families.

Access
There are several ways to reach Akakura Kanko Resort Ski Area. From Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station, transfer to the Shinetsu Line to Myoko-Kogen Station, then continue by taxi in about 10 minutes or by local bus in around 15–30 minutes.

By car, the resort is about an 8-minute drive from the Myoko-Kogen Interchange on the Joshinetsu Expressway. Shuttle buses also operate in winter, making it easy to travel between nearby resorts.

Restaurants & Accommodation
A wide variety of dining options are available both on and around the slopes. Within the ski area, spots such as Bakery & Table Akakura, Sky Terrace, The Kitchen, The Hall, and Kebab Shop 501 serve everything from pizza and pasta to curry, kebabs, and light meals.

For lodging, Akakura Kanko Hotel is the flagship option. With ski-in, ski-out access, natural hot springs, multiple restaurants, and comfortable guest rooms, it offers a complete resort stay where guests can fully enjoy both skiing and relaxation.

Myoko Kogen is one of the world’s premier snow destinations, known for its exceptional snowfall and legendary “JAPOW” powder. Each ski resort offers its own character, from Alpenblick’s wide, gentle slopes to Akakura Onsen’s steeper terrain paired with a historic hot spring town, and Akakura Kanko Resort with its well-rounded facilities and multiple ski schools.

The season is long, stretching from early December through spring skiing in May. Akakura Onsen also stands out as the only resort in the area with night skiing every day, allowing visitors to enjoy the slopes from morning until evening.

Choose a resort that matches your skill level and goals, and experience firsthand the remarkable snow quality created by Myoko’s rugged natural environment.