Japan Sightseeing Guide
Travel to Japan and experience the Japanese Alps and famous waist-deep powder. Here is everything you need to know about the local resorts in and around Myoko, Niigata Prefecture.
Myoko-Kogen averages 15 meters of snow a season. And there is something for all riding levels with 7 different resorts all within a 40 minutes drive. Mount Myoko is divided into four ski resorts; Akakura Kanko, Akakura Onsen, Ikenotaira and Suginohara and each resort has something to offer.
Akakura Onsen has great beginner slopes and is right in town. Kanko has a gondola to mid mountain and has some excellent intermediate tree skiing and great park. Ikenotaira has nice family friendly slops and a fun little park and Suginohara has epic-off piste for intermediate/advanced riders and has one of the longest runs in Japan at 8.5km down from the gondola.
If you want to venture a little further you can reach Seki, Madarao, Tangram and Lotte Arai within a 20-40 minute drive.
Seki Onsen, renowned for steep and deep tree skiing is situated on the far side of Akakura. In the opposite direction you’ll find Madarao split into two resorts Madarao Mountain Resort and Tangram Ski Circus offer great side country and excellent tree skiing. For the more advanced riders, Lotte Arai is perfect for your Alpine fix and is only a 40-minute drive down the road. This entire area forming part of the Japanese Alps is stunning part of the country with the best quality snow in the world.
Where to next....
Winter Activities
Action packed adventures in the snow
Snowsports rental and lessons
Where to go for all your gear and guides
Travel Guide
With so much natural beauty and things to do in Japan, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to experiencing Japanese culture, nature, and people. Here are some tips on things to do in Japan, especially around the surrounding areas of Myoko.
A day trip to Nagano is a great option, only 40 minutes from Myoko on the local train and from there you can catch the train or bus to Jigokudani (Snow) Monkey Park in the Joshinetsu-Kogen National Park and/or to Zenkoji Temple which is a fantastic cultural experience.
Another great option is a visit to Togakushi shrine to see the Shinto Buddhist shrines and the beautiful 800-year-old cedar trees. A great experience to give you that sense of traditional Japan.
If you feel like venturing a little further, a few hours via train will get you to Matsumoto. Its famous castle is rich in history and well worth the journey.
If you are having a down day from the hill and want to do some local sightseeing Imori Pond, which is frozen over during the winter months, is only a 10 min walk from the Hut. Located on the other side of Suginohara resort is Naena Waterfall. Although the main road is closed during winter with the proper equipment you can hike to the falls. It’s a stunning place but we recommend snowshoes and ski poles during the winter months.
