The area collectively known as ‘Myoko Kogen’ sits at the southern tip of Niigata Prefecture and is blessed with some of Japan’s heaviest snowfall. Different people define the region differently but generally-speaking, the ski resorts of Myoko Kogen are typically considered to be Akakura Onsen, Akakura Kanko, Ikenotaira, Suginohara and Seki Onsen. As such, there are a lot of hotels and guesthouses in the area, many of which are family-run, servicing the skiers and snowboarders who head to Myoko each winter.
The hot spring village of Akakura Onsen has the greatest range of accommodation in the area and as such, is regarded as the unofficial centre of Myoko Kogen. You'll find a good number of hotels and guesthouses in this area. Most are family-run with many mid-range and budget options. The area doesn't have a lot in terms of high-end accommodation however with Myoko's growing popularity for international visitors, expect that to change soon. Staying in Akakura Onsen provides direct access to the connected resorts of Akakura Onsen Ski Area and Akakura Kanko Ski Resort while local bus services run from the town to resorts including Ikenotaira and Suginohara.
1-Day Tour From Myoko & Madarao: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake / December to March
New Tour
(Winter Only) 1-Day Tour From Myoko & Madarao: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyMyokoMadarao
- Pick-up:
- MyokoMadarao
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityMadaraoMyoko
Starting right from Myoko or Madarao—including pickup options at Lotte Arai, Akakura Onsen, and Madarao Kogen—this tour brings you to some of Nagano’s most iconic sights in the comfort of a locally guided day trip. The morning begins with a scenic ride to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where you’ll walk the forest trail into the valley and see the world-famous monkeys soaking in their hot spring. With no barriers separating you from them, it’s one of Japan’s most unique wildlife experiences.
Afterwards, warm up with a hearty winter lunch highlighting Nagano’s seasonal ingredients before heading into Nagano City. There you’ll explore Zenkoji, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, with your guide explaining its deep history, legends, and cultural importance. The day concludes with a guided sake tasting experience where you can sample Nagano’s celebrated varieties (with non-alcoholic options available).
At the end of the tour, guests will be dropped back at their pickup point in Myoko or Madarao, with the option of disembarking at Nagano Station if continuing onward for travel. This makes it an ideal tour to enjoy as a rest day from the slopes while still making the most of your time in Nagano.
For visitors heading to the region outside of winter, Myoko is a place of special beauty. Blessed with lush forests and beautiful mountains Myoko is within easy reach of Japan’s north coast including the Noto Peninsula and seafood markets of Niigata and Toyama. Exceptionally quiet outside of winter, the region is slowing coming to the attention of international visitors who are starting to discover its all-year-round appeal and ideal location positioned between the mountains and north coast.
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