Myoko-Kogen Station
Myoko-Kogen Station is a small, regional station in Niigata Prefecture. Though small the station is a primary transport hub for many visitors heading to the ski resorts of Myoko Kogen in winter. Not to be confused with Joestu-Myoko Station – which is a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line running from Tokyo to Kananzawa, via Nagano – Myoko-Kogen Station is serviced by three local lines, of which the Kita-Shinano Line will be of primary interest to international visitors. On this page you will find the following information:
— Train Services to / from Myoko Kogen Station
— Getting Around the Resorts: Myoko Kogen Shuttle Bus
— 25 Things to Do Around Myoko Kogen & Where to Stay
— Book With Us! Nagano’s No.1 Tour & Charter Operator
The station really is basic and small with a central island platform and one side platform, no major facilities. A taxi rank and bus stand are directly outside of the station, from where you can reach Akakura Onsen village in around 10 to 15-minutes, or any of the ski resorts of Myoko Kogen within 20-minutes.
Based in Nagano, we are the region’s No.1 tour and charter operator offering both group and private tours to the park along 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 MYOKO KOGEN STATION
Running from Nagano Station to Myoko-Kogen Station, the Kita-Shinano Line covers just under 40km. The journey from Nagano to Myoko-Kogen takes around 45-minutes and costs JPY850 one-way. Tickets are purchased at the ticket vending machines or window at either station. It is a local train service without reserved seating. Multiple services operate throughout the day.
For many visitors heading to the ski resorts of Myoko Kogen, using the Kita-Shinano line to and from Nagano Station will be the most convenient option. Nagano is a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line, putting it within easy access of Tokyo or any other stop on the line. It is also worth noting that Joetsu-Myoko Station is a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line. This is separate station to Myoko-Kogen Station and will only be of convenience to 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, Myoko-Kogen Station is closer to your final destination.
GETTING AROUND THE RESORTS: MYOKO KOGEN SHUTTLE BUS
From December to March, the Myoko Kogen Shuttle Bus runs between Akakura Onsen Ski Area, Akakura Kanko Ski Resort, Ikenotaira Ski Resort and Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort. The shuttle bus does not however run to and from Myoko-Kogen Station.
HOW TO GET TO MYOKO KOGEN
Myoko Kogen Station is one of two stations in the area. For visitors heading to the main ski resorts, Myoko-Kogen Station will be the most conveneint while those headed to Lotte Arai and some other destinations in the area will be best-served to head to Joetsu-Myoko Station. For detailed information, 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.
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 customised 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.
All vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.
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 Nagano and Central Japan.
Got a question about visiting Myoko this winter? Contact us and let’s get planning together!
