Myoko Kogen

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.

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.

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.

Myoko Kogen Food

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.

Things to do in Myoko Kogen

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