Joetsu-Myoko Station is a relatively new addition to the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line, which runs from Tokyo to Kanazawa, via Nagano. The station is a primary transport hub for many visitors heading to the Myoko Kogen ski resorts in winter. On this page you will find the following information:
Joetsu-Myoko Station is relatively small and easy to navigate. There are three floors, with the Myoko Haneuma Line platform on the ground floor and the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line platform on the third floor. The respective ticket gates for both of these lines are on the second floor, which also has a tourist information center, a convenience store, and a waiting area. Access to all train lines is via this second floor.
As a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line, visitors can come to Joetsu-Myoko Station directly from Tokyo and then switch to the local train or bus lines as needed. A bus stop is located directly outside the station on the East Exit, and taxi stands can be found outside either station exit. There is also a local day-use onsen, Kamabuta-no-Yu, located just a few minutes' walk up the road from the Joetsu-Myoko Station West Exit.
Based in Nagano, we are the region’s No.1 tour and charter operator offering both group and private tours to a multitude of destinations with the option of just transport and/or accommodation. Our vehicles and drivers are all fully certified and our guides are all locally-based. For more information, scroll to the bottom of the page.
TRAIN SERVICES TO / FROM JOETSU-MYOKO STATION
Joetsu-Myoko Station is one of ten stations on the Myōkō Haneuma Line, which spans 37.7 km (23.4 mi) to connect Myoko City and Joetsu City. This is a local train service without reserved seating. Multiple services operate throughout the day. The two terminal stations for this local line are Myoko-Kogen Station and Naoetsu Station, and travelling from end to end takes approximately 50 minutes and JPY 900 each way.
To get to Joetsu-Myoko Station from Nagano Station, the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line will be the most convenient option. Nagano and Joetsu-Myoko are both stops on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line, putting them within easy access of Tokyo or any other stop on the line. Joetsu-Myoko Station can be a convenient stop for visitors heading to Lotte Arai Ski Resort. If you are headed to the resorts considered part of Myoko Kogen including Akakura Onsen, Akakura Kanko, Ikenotaira, Suginohara or Seki Onsen, then Myoko-Kogen Station is closer to your final destination.
GETTING AROUND THE RESORTS: LOTTE ARAI RESORT SHUTTLE BUS
Only for hotel visitors and guests, Lotte Arai Resort offers a free shuttle bus from Joetsu-Myoko Station's West Exit. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes, and is by reservation only. Please contact Lotte Arai Resort directly to make your reservation.
Taxis can also be hired on either side of Joetsu-Myoko Station. Taxi fare is calculated with both time and distance driven, so travelers looking to ski at or near Lotte Arai should try and catch a cab on west side of the station.
For detailed information on all that the Myoko area has to offer, see our ‘How To Get To Myoko Kogen – Nagano Ski Resorts Info’ page.
SKI RESORTS OF MYOKO KOGEN
The ski resorts making-up Myoko Kogen are smaller and less developed than those in Nagano. Most are in need to investment and don’t offer much in the way of nightlife or high-end accommodation. So why do people go there? That’s easy! Because of the snow – massive amounts of snow! Myoko experiences a ridiculous amount of snowfall – 14 meters or more per year! – making it a powder paradise best suited to intermediate and advanced skiers/boarders with a taste for deep powder! Combine that with a relaxed approach to side and backcountry and Myoko’s distinctly local and Japanese atmosphere, and you have the reasons the resorts of Myoko Kogen win so many fans.
25 THINGS TO DO AROUND MYOKO KOGEN & WHERE TO STAY
Blessed with some of Japan’s deepest and best powder, Myoko is loved by skiers and snowboarders who head to the region’s multiple ski resorts each winter. Part of the larger Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, that region has lots to offer all-year-round including fantastic hiking, nature and wildlife photography and access to Japan’s rugged north coast. For tips and of suggestions on what’s on offer, including accommodation listings, see our ’25 Things To Do Around Myoko Kogen & Where To Stay’ page.
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.
BOOK WITH US! NAGANO’S NO.1 TOUR & CHARTER OPERATOR
Locally-based and operating all year round, Snow Monkey Resorts is Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator. We have the local knowledge of where and when to go, to help you discover and enjoy the region’s many ski resorts and other fantastic destinations and activities.
For guests wanting to access the resorts in the comfort of their own transport, we can arrange a private tour or charter customized to fit your needs, starting and ending at any destination including from/to Nagano Station and any resort in the region. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule.
We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide, or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of that experience and help you discover even more!
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Japan.
Got a question about visiting Myoko this winter? Contact us and let’s get planning together!