Myoko Kogen

Seeing Myoko Kogen for the first time, the mind boggles as to how one place can simply get so much snow. Myoko Kogen receives endless snowfalls which literally blanket the entire area right throughout its long winter season. One of the pioneering ski resorts and one of the largest ski areas in Japan, Myoko Kogen was originally established in the early 19th century and soon developed a reputation as Japan's first international ski resort by the 1930s. With three main ski areas — Akakura, Suginohara and Ikenotaira — along with a myriad of nearby ski resorts, Myoko Kogen offers an incredible variety of terrain, near-perfect conditions with the deepest of deep powder, big verticals, long carpet-like corduroy pitches, magnificent gladed tree runs, all delivered with an astonishing 13+ metres of snowfall each winter.

Mt. Myoko, once an active volcano, is now the rich source of Myoko Kogen’s thermal spring waters. With a plethora of natural onsen hot springs, Myoko boasts not only spectacular snow, but a valley literally teeming with relaxing and rejuvenating mineral baths — without doubt one of the best ways to finish a perfect ski day. Myoko’s charm lies in its traditional Japanese atmosphere and the warmth of its local people, all eager to ensure you make the most of your Myoko ski experience. With endless powder turns, delicious Japanese restaurants, cosy pubs and steaming hot springs, Myoko Kogen truly is an undiscovered gem with magical snow and outstanding terrain — a resort that will leave a lasting impression.

Myoko Kogen is made up of several different ski resorts with sprawling villages and a wide selection of accommodation, many offering ski-in/ski-out locations or close proximity to nearby lifts. With a sprinkling of cozy, vibrant bars, colorful and tempting restaurants, and a good mix of shops and services, visitors will quickly find their place in Myoko Kogen. Although Myoko Kogen offers a diverse range of accommodation, guests should note that some properties are older and traditional in nature and may feel dated by modern international standards — a common characteristic of Japan’s long-established ski resorts — and due to consistently high demand, newer and more modern hotels tend to sell out very quickly, meaning remaining availability is often within these more traditional properties.

The Akakura Onsen and Akakura Kanko ski areas are considered the heart of Myoko Kogen and are the most popular village locations to stay. Akakura is also home to Myoko Kogen’s most exclusive and one of Japan’s most revered ski resort hotels, the Akakura Kanko Resort & Spa. Akakura Onsen offers the greatest concentration of hotels, lodges and pensions and serves as the main hub for après-ski bars and restaurants.

Myoko is also surrounded by some of the region’s best ski resorts, including Seki Onsen, Madarao Kogen and Tangram. Seki Onsen is a haven for powder lovers and backcountry skiers and snowboarders, while Madarao Kogen — connected to Tangram — delivers a wide variety of terrain with abundant ungroomed slopes and dry powder snow. Beyond skiing and riding, Myoko offers snowshoe tours through snowy forests, guided backcountry adventures to surrounding peaks, and exhilarating tree runs. For those seeking lessons, clinics or mountain guiding, Myoko Snowsports provides a comprehensive range of programs for all ages and ability levels.