Myoko Kogen – Honshu, Japan – The Definitive Guide

All five resorts in the Myoko area are connected with one pass to access nearly all of them. The lift infrastructure is fast and efficient. Image:: Nick Gregory

Transfer | Words by Richie Carroll

It’s safe to say that the average Aussie or Kiwi snowboarder is well and truly acquainted with Hokkaido and its offerings. These days, droves of antipodean tourists flock there year after year – crowds are actually beginning to turn some people off. As a result, many riders who travel to Japan are keen to explore destinations that have remained relatively under-the-radar up until now.

Check out the second in a four part series covering our pick of the best resorts in Nagano and Niigata prefectures.

While not technically “inbounds”, Richie Carroll launched this steep cliff about 40 metres from the main lift building. Image:: Andrew Fawcett

Myoko Kogen

Myoko Kogen is the powder mecca of Honshu. It scores over 12 metres of pow every season. You’re sure to get your fix of the white stuff here. Most of the resorts in Japan are very strict towards off-piste riding, however Myoko embraces it, providing endless options for steep and deep terrain. The Myoko area is made up of several ski resorts, including the two main ones: Myoko Akakura and Seki Onsen. They offer terrain to challenge all types of riders. Myoko, similar to Nozawa, offers quite a traditional Japanese cultural experience, boasting a large array of onsens and ramen houses. Clint Allan claims he would move here in a heartbeat and never leave if he didn’t have a girlfriend in Sydney – think about that for a moment.

The main street is littered with traditional izakaya bars and small restaurants, many are open late. Image:: Nick Gregory

Location
Myoko Kogen is located one hour north of Nagano in the Niigata prefecture, positioned right in the middle of the Joshinetsu National Park.

How To Get There
From Narita Airport the best way to get there is to take the bullet train to Nagano which is approximately around 90 minutes, then from Nagano get the Shinetsu train line to Myoko Kogen Station. Most resorts and accommodation options are within ten to 15 minutes of the station, so a cab ride from the station is your best option.

When we say it snows a lot, we really mean it. Image:: Nick Gregory

Where to Stay
The most popular place to stay in Myoko Kogen is in the Akakura Onsen village, it offers a great variety of restaurants and bars, it is also a convenient place to stay in order to access all the resorts in Myoko Kogen. The accommodation options vary from western styled rooms to tatami mat beds.

Check out a full range of Myoko Accommodation here.

Where to Party
Akakura Onsen has lots of bars to get the party going, hit the Hunter Bar for food on the top level and then head downstairs when it’s time for karaoke and more beer.

The local Sake is renowned all over the world. In Myoko, it’s available in abundance. Image:: Nick Gregory

Pow Rating
9/10. The four of us had the best powder day of our lives at Myoko Kogen. If you’re after deep turns, pillows, avy barriers, trees and jumps, you will find them all here. As the resort is still growing in popularity, first tracks are still easy to find if you’re hungover and missed first chair.

Insider Tips
Go get yourself a splitboard or a pair of snowshoes and explore the sidecountry that Myoko has on offer. If you want to score right off the bat, book a guide for the day to show you around. Remember to always be safe and be prepared for avalanches. On a day with heavy snow loading and rising temperatures we triggered large slab that propagated about 150m across the slope just a stone’s throw from the resort.

Coordinates: 37.0333° N, 138.2500° E
Island: Honshu
Closest City: Nagano
Population: 6,234
Resorts: 5
Elevation: 1,500m
Vertical Drop: 1124m
Ski Patrol / Mountain Safety: Yes
Avalanche Control: Yes
Terrain: Freeride/Freestyle
Parks: 2
Touring: Yes
Pow Rating: 5/5
Other Activities: Visit the nearby Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park