Myoko Kogen
Raita Futo

妙高

Myoko Kogen


Known to have the most snowfall in Japan, Myoko Kogen is a powder seekers paradise!
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One of the snowiest ski areas in Japan, Myoko Kogen’s proximity to the sea of Japan delivers days of deep powder heaven with an average of 13 meters of snow per season. The area is made up of 4 main ski resorts and little villages at the base with a variety of accommodation, onsens & restaurants. Myoko is a choice destination for traveling skiers and boarders looking to experience the deepest powder and traditional Japanese culture.

Myoko Kogen Ski Resorts

Mt Myoko is one of the Japan’s largest ski areas and home to 4 main ski resorts. Suginohara is known for its wide open runs and has the longest run in Japan with a thigh busting 8.5kms. The Alpenblick Ikenotaira resort is known for its ungroomed powder and tree run areas and has the premier freestyle snow park in Japan. Akakura Onsen and Akakura Kanko (Akakan) are connected at the summit by lifts. Akakan has runs for all levels while Akakura Onsen is more suited to beginners and intermediates. Both resorts offer stunning views of Lake Nojiri. You will need a ticket for both resorts, or purchase a join lift tickets to ski both areas. There is also the Myoko Big 4 ticket which lets you ski all four main resorts. Seki Onsen is a small 3 lift ski area which is said to get the most snow in the area and it’s steep runs are only for serious powder chasers. Further afield, there are shuttles connecting you to Madarao, another resort famed for delivering bucketloads of powder.

Akakura Kanko Resort

Elevation
1500m
Vertical Drop
750m
Longest Run
4500m
Difficulty
40%30%30%

Akakura Onsen Ski Area

Elevation
1250m
Vertical Drop
500m
Longest Run
1500m
Difficulty
50%40%10%

Suginohara Ski Resort

Elevation
1855m
Vertical Drop
1124m
Longest Run
8500m
Difficulty
25%50%25%

Ikenotaira Ski Resort

Elevation
1487m
Vertical Drop
728m
Longest Run
2500m
Difficulty
35%45%20%

Seki Onsen Ski Area

Elevation
1210m
Vertical Drop
310m
Longest Run
1500m
Difficulty
20%50%30%
Compare Myoko Kogen ski resorts

Where to Stay in Myoko Kogen

Myoko has lots of accommodation options at each of the skiing areas. Where to stay depends on which resort you plan on spending the most time skiing and the apres activities you seek. Even though the main resorts are on the same mountain, only Kanko and Akakura Onsen are connected and a shuttle bus is needed to go between the others. 

Akakura Onsen has the largest number of hotels. Its a great option for travelers as you can explore the village, check out the different restaurants and shops, and still be within walking distance to the ski field. Akakura Kanko features the Kanko hotel up on the slopes as well as smaller lodges and restaurants at the base. Ikenotaira, Suginohara and Seki are quieter onsen areas. At Ikenotaira, there is the on mountain Alpenblick hotel and smaller ryokans that are within a short walk to the ski lifts. Suginohara has several ski in ski out hotels situated on slope within the resort and lodges close to the base area. For a quiet onsen experience head to Seki Onsen.

 

View all hotels in Myoko Kogen

Where to Buy & Rent Ski / Snowboard Gear

For ski & snowboard gear your best bet is to head to the Akakura Onsen village where there are a couple of shops where you can buy and rent gear. Most of the main ski resorts also have shops and rental services on mountain.

 

View all ski & snowboard shops in Myoko Kogen

Myoko Kogen Food

World Champion Set from Gogo Curry Ikenotaira

Myoko has lots of dining options whether its within the resort or in one of the onsen towns at the base. There are fine dining options at the Kanko Hotel, all you can eat buffet at the Alpenblick brewery and various izakayas and ramen stalls in the village.

Udon No Fu
Small basement restaurant full of character serving up piping hot bowls of udon and tempura. Try the ika sumi (squid ink) udon and “Alps” cheese topping udon for something special.
Kebab 501
This one man food stall is located on the main street near the Akakura onsen ticket office. Always long lines of skiers / boarders waiting for their great takeaway kebabs.
Miyoshiya
Japanese restaurant known for their rice bowls and “Redo” yaki soba - a local Akakura special with red noodles. The spicy tan tan ramen is a flavour bomb guaranteed to get you warmed up.
Gogo Curry
Located at base of the Alpenblick Ikenotaira resort. Yolo into the World Champion - a massive plate of steaming rice topped with 2 cutlets, ebi-fry, sausages, boiled egg and topped with their signature roux. Best accompanied with Myoko beer. Tastes even better on the slopes.

Things to do in Myoko Kogen

One of the best things about staying Myoko is that there is an entire village to explore.

Tsubame Onsen
Tsubame Onsen is an onsen village located high up on Mt Myoko. There are 2 secluded public outdoor onsens are an otherworldly experience if you can brave the cold before getting in the milky white mineral pools.
Dontoyaki Fire Festival
Taking place at Suginosawa Village every January, the outdoor festival where a big stack of new years decorations are set on fire. You can also try the local sake and watch fireworks display.
Kamakura Festival
During March, igloos are built at Akakura Onsen to remember the tradition of building igloos and singing songs for good harvest.

ski resorts

Ikenotaira Ski Resort

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