About Myoko Kogen
If you like unrestricted off-piste, chest deep powder and no lift lines then Myoko Kogen could be your new favourite snow resort. Myoko Kogen regularly receives an annual snowfall over 15m and consists of around seven small resorts close together. There’s a variety of terrain from beginners to advanced but most come for the powder, trees and easily accessible sidecountry. Myoko was formed in the 1930’s, earlier than most Japanese ski resorts, and is still owned by the Japanese people themselves. It is still a relatively small and undiscovered resort where you can have an authentic Japanese experience.
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TRAIL MAP
Snow Resort Stats (All Myoko Resorts)
Mountain
- Elevation Top 2454 metres
- Elevation Bottom 1,124m
- Vertical Drop 731 metres
- Max Pitch 34 degrees
- Skiable Terrain 200+ha
- Longest Run 5km
- Beginner 40%
- Intermediate 30%
- Advanced 30%
- Total Number of Trails 50+
Lifts
- Total 40+
- Highest Lifted Point 1855 metres
Snow Making
- Snow Making n/a
- Total Number of Guns n/a
- Annual AverageSnowfall 13-15m+
Terrain Parks
- Total unknown
- Name n/a
- Half Pipes n/a
- Half Pipe Size n/a
- Total Terrain Park Area Size unknown
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Insider Ski & Snowboard Tips
Myoko Kogen has a resort area to suit everyone. Akakura Onsen and Akakura Kanko resorts are the main areas, sitting side by side. Akakura Onsen has shorter runs that are great to learn on, while the Kanko area has longer runs that predominantly cater to beginners and intermediates. Kyukamura and Myoko Ski Park are smaller resorts that are good for families.
For those looking for more advanced runs, Suginohara is known for long groomers that carvers will love, the tiny Seki Onsen is fantastic for steep tree runs, while Ikenotaira is best for freestyle. All of these resorts are fantastic on powder days and have excellent sidecountry options.
Access
You can take public transport or a shuttle to Myoko Kogen. The Nagano Snow Shuttle and Chuo Taxi are ideal options from the airport or from Tokyo.
If you’re opting for public transport you’ll need to first catch a bus or train to Tokyo. From Tokyo, you can take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagano, and then jump on the Shinetsu train line to Myoko Kogen. To get to the main ski village you’ll need to take a 10 minute bus or taxi from the station.
Accommodation
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. Yuki Dake is a centrally located lodge run by friendly Australians. It has an awesome basement bar and a relaxed vibe that suits groups and young couples.
Restaurants & Apres
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 an Italian place, a burger joint and an abundance of crepes. Hunter Bar is a crowd pleaser with its large menu catering to Japanese and Western tastes, while Udon-no-fu is a cute basement udon restaurant and Pomodoro is the place to get your pizza fix.
The nightlife scene in Myoko is relatively quiet, with only a handful of izakayas and bars. Skate Bar is a small, smokey den with frequent skate nights. Love Bar is good for parties and live DJ sets while Jack’s bar is the regular haunt of the English-speaking staff.
