Myoko Kogen – Japan’s Powder Capital

March 11th, 2021

 

Myoko is called the powder capital of Japan for good reason – 15 metres average annual snowfall means there are a lot days like this. Photo: Grant Gunderson

Mountainwatch | Joe Stanco

Often referred to as the powder Mecca of Honshu, Myoko Kogen regularly receives an annual snowfall over 15 metres and with seven small resorts which are in close proximity to each other it is one of Japan’s best destinations for a snow holiday. There’s a variety of terrain from beginners to advanced, but most people come for the powder, tree skiing and easily-accessible sidecountry.

Located in the Nigatta prefecture, Myoko Kogen is a 3.5-hour train ride from Tokyo’s International Airports. There are nine resorts within a 45-minute drive of Myoko, but the four major resorts in Myoko – Akakura Onsen, Akakura Kanko, Ikenotaira and Suginohara – are centrally located in the heart of Myoko.

The village of Akakura Onsen is the perfect place to stay as Akakura Onsen and Akakura Kanko ski resorts are within an easy walk to most of the accommodation and you can buy a lift pass for one or both. You can also catch a local bus to Ikenotaira and Suginaoharo, the other two ski resorts located on Mt Myoko.

 

The snowbanks get deeper as the season goes on. Photo: Camilla Rutherford

 

Managing the big snowfalls is a part of daily life in Myoko. Photo: Grant Gunderson

 The Resorts

Akakura Onsen Ski Resort and its user-friendly terrain is the best resort for beginners or to get your legs back in action if you haven’t skied for a while. It is right next door to Akakura Kanko Ski Resort, which is a better option for an intermediate rider/ skier. Kanko has a great intermediate run from top to bottom following the Gondola line and passing the famous Kanko Hotel. For advanced skiers and snowboarders, the well-spaced tree runs at Kanko Resort are perfect on a powder day. If you’re interested in doing some hiking, Kanko has a great well-known hike up and out into the backcountry.

 

The gentle slopes at Akakura Onsen are perfect for beginners. Photo: Nick Gregory

Ikenotaira resort also caters well for beginner and intermediate riders and skiers with long, mellow top to bottom runs.  The resorts are also served two ski schools Myoko Snowsports and Yodell Snowsports, which have English speaking instructors and offer lessons for children, first timers and more experienced adults.

Suginohara is the largest of the four resorts and has plenty of advanced and expert terrain and also has the longest run in Japan at 8.5km. Sugi is a local favorite because of its variety of terrain and has some great rolling hill groomers from top to bottom which are perfect for intermediates. For the adventurous, Suginohara has open powder bowls located in the side country.

 

A stormy day in the trees at Suginohara. Photo: Camilla Rutherford

The Backcountry

Myoko is well known for its powder, tree skiing and the backcountry and there is plenty of great side and backcountry terrain on offer. However, backcountry skiing and snowboarding should not be taken lightly, and it is extremely important you are going with a guide, you have the correct knowledge, gear and plenty of off-piste experience before you go. There are a number of local guiding businesses and stores catering for backcountry tours including Dancing Snow, Satomi, Aoki and Uchida Sports which has a good selection of backcountry and powder specific gear for hire.

Off snow activities

Myoko also has plenty of off snow adventures and cultural experiences within easy access and a visit to the ancient village of Togakushi Kogen is something you will not forget. It is home to the famous Tokakushi Shrine, a Shinto shrine nestled between 900-year-old cedar trees.

 

The Echigo Tokimeki railway is one a scenic journey you will not forget.

The Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is also nearby, and daily bus tours are available from Akakura Onsen. Another great option for a day off the snow is the Echigo Tokimeki Railway, a scenic trip which through the local surroundings of Myoko across to the coast. It is a spectacular journey and the railway cars have huge windows with expansive views of the mountains and countryside. The dining car has a selection of menus created by local chefs, featuring local produce sourced from the surrounding farms and the nearby ocean.

Myoko also has many onsens, including five public baths, and the water source is deep below Mt Myoko.  A number of hotels have their own onsens while the outdoor onsen at Tsubame are the most famous of the public baths.

 Accommodation and dining

Most hotels are centred around Akakura Onsen as it allows access to the main ski resorts and has the most food and drink options. There are a number of huge (but slightly older) hotels, family run ryokans, lodges and European style chalets.

The Akakura Kanko Hotel is located halfway down Akakura resort, with stunning views of the mountains. Built in 1937, it’s an absolute icon of the Japanese ski industry and continues to provide luxury ski-in ski-out accommodation to guests.

 

The iconic Akaura Kanko hotel, ski in-ski out accomodation located on the slopes at Akakura resort. Photo: Nick Gregory

Family friendly hotels include including Akakura Hotel, Akakura Hotel Annex, Hotel Central, Kougakuro, Refre Hotel. Myoko has great amenities, activities, and culture for the family to enjoy.

Most of Myoko’s restaurants and bars are around the Akakura area. Nearly all of them are still owned by the local Japanese people so you’ll find plenty of izakayas and restaurants offering Japanese dishes like ramen, udon and soba. There is also a good Italian restaurant, a burger  joint and a number places serving crepes and light cafe-style food.

 

The village at Akakura Onsen is dotted with small, cool restaurants and bars. Photo: Grant Gunderson

If you are keen for après or a night out there is plenty of choice, you will find great atmosphere and familiar foods and drinks here. If you’d like to explore more traditional Japanese style places you have Love Shot Bar, Popcorn, Skate Bar.

Myoko Kogen is a must visit for any skier or snowboarder. Hundreds of hectares of terrain, a peak altitude of 2454 metres, long vertical and some of the deepest and lightest powder in the world. All complemented with an authentic Japanese experience that makes a visit to Myoko a snow holiday you will never forget.

 

A bluebird backcountry powder day, one of the best days of your life! Photo: Grant Gunderson

Getting There

Myoko is easily accessible by train from both Narita and Haneda airports. Take the airport train to Toyo station and then transfer to a Shinkansen to Nagano. From there catch the Shinano Railway Kita-Shinano Lineto Myoko Kogen Station. Most resorts and accommodation options are within 10 to 15 minutes of the station, so a cab ride from the station is your best option.

JR East (East Japan Railway Company) offers a convenient train pass: https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/pass/eastpass_n.html

The train map can be found here:  http://www.classic-resorts.jp/access_travel/

Want to start planning your own Myoko adventure? Click through below to see some great early bird specials;