Best Myoko Kogen Ski Resorts: Akakura Onsen, Akakura Kanko, Ikenotaira, Suginohara, Seki Onsen & Lotte Arai
Sitting at the southern end of Niigata Prefecture, Myoko Kogen is not actually within Nagano however given its closer proximity to many Nagano ski resorts – rather than the other resorts of Niigata to the east – Myoko is often incorporated to into many visitors winter getaway to Nagano. On this page you will find the following information:
— Best Myoko Kogen Ski Resorts: The Stats & Facts
— Where to Stay in Myoko Kogen?
— Japan Ski Resorts: Everything You Need to Know
— Getting to & Around Myoko Kogen in Winter
— Book With Us! Nagano’s No.1 Tour & Charter Operator
— Japan Rail Deals: Travel Passes & Discounted Tickets
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! Resorts in the area are typically small than many others in Nagano and Niigata, with most in need of an update. If you’re heading to Myoko don’t expect the lively nightlife and range of restaurants, bars and accommodation on offer in Hakuba Valley and Nozawa Onsen. Myoko is typically quiet at night with a limited number of accommodation options outside of the Akakura Onsen village.
So why go? That’s easy. There is lots of powder – and we mean lots of it – and a liberal approach to side and backcountry! Whereas many if not most Japanese resorts heavily restrict or ban going off-piste, the resorts of Myoko take a more relaxed approach. But remember, snow is deep and your personal safety should always be your first priority. Backcountry should only be attempted by suitably experienced and prepared skiers and snowboarders.
BEST MYOKO KOGEN SKI RESORTS: THE STATS & FACTS
Five resorts make-up Myoko Kogen with nearby Lotte Arai often grouped together with them. In this section, we’ll breakdown the stats, facts and positive of each of these resorts:
Akakura Onsen Ski Area — Akakura Kanko Ski Resort — Ikenotaira Ski Resort — Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort — Seki Onsen Ski Area — Lotte Arai Resort
Let’s look at each resort starting with the joint resorts of Akakura Onsen and Akakura Kanko. These are two separate resorts but connected by the upper ski runs. Serviced by Akakura Onsen village below, most people consider this one resort and main hub of Myoko Kogen:
AKAKURA ONSEN SKI AREA
Akakuara Onsen is the oldest and considered by many visitors to be the main resort of Myoko Kogen. Serviced by the village of Akakura and connected to Akakura Kanko Resort via the upper ski runs, the joint resorts offer the greatest amount of connected terrain in Myoko along with the largest number of guesthouses, restaurants and bars. Having said that, don’t expect the variety of accommodation and nightlife on offer in resorts such as Nozawa Onsen or Hakuba Valley. The real attraction of the Akakura Onsen, much like any of the resorts of Myoko Kogen, is the snow. The areas receives a huge amount of snowfall and Akakura Onsen has some excellent ski runs for beginners, making it a great option for visitors wanting to enjoy some of Japan’s best snow on some nice terrain.
Operating Dates & Times
In general, Myoko Kogen receives a huge amount of snow allowing for a long season. Akakura Onsen Ski Area is typically open from mid-December to early-April with most lifts operating from 08:30 to 16:30. Night-skiing is available in the Kumado area of the resort every day from 17:00 to 22:00, between mid-December and mid-March.
Ski Runs
The resort has 17 courses serviced by 14 lifts. Courses breakdown as: beginner 50% / intermediate 30% / advanced 20%. Situated between 650 to 1200 metres, Akakura Onsen only offers 550 metres of vertical. The longest ski run is 3km.
Highlights
Akakura Onsen has three base areas – Yodel, Kumado and Ginrei from where visitors can access the resorts and chairlifts. Yodel offers some nice and wide beginner courses with decent tree-lined course coursing into Kumado. Ski runs in Kumado also offer night-skiing from 17:00 to 22:00 – the only resort in Myoko to offer night-skiing. Intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders might not stay engaged with Akakura Onsen for long, with little challenging terrain on offer and backcountry prohibited. Purchasing a joint ticket with access to both Akakura Onsen and Kanko is a good option for intermediate and advanced skiers/boarders well, as there is some better-suited terrain on that side of the mountain.
Tickets & Passes
Day-passes for Akakura Onsen-only cost: adults (18+) JPY4900 / children (6-12) JPY1000 / Students (13-17) JPY3800 / seniors (60+) JPY3800. Joint, all-mountain passes for Akakura Onsen/Kanko cost: adults JPY6000 / children, students & seniors JPY4500.
Rental & Ski School
There are a number of rental shops at the resort, mostly located around the base areas and chairlifts making it pretty easy to arrange your gear when you arrive and then head straight onto the mountain. The joint resorts of Akakura have a couple of ski/snowboard schools with English instruction typically available. Both group and private lessons can be arranged while backcountry guides can also be arranged.
Kids & Families
A Kids Snowpark is located in the Yodel ski area – to the very left of the resort – including slides and see-saws for free use, and sleds for rent. A day-care service is available at Myoko Snow Sports Champion Shop at the base of the Champion #1 chairlift – to the left to the Kids Snow Park. Open from 08:00 to 17:00, bookings are required. It’s worth noting the Myoko Snow Sport Champion is actually located in the adjoining Akakura Kanko ski fields however it makes no practical difference as its easily accessed on foot. Kids play areas and change rooms are also available at various locations through the resort including the Yodel Information Center – at the base of the resort – and Yodel Lodge – midway up the resort.
Accommodation & Village Info
Servicing the resorts of Akakura Onsen and Akakura Kanko, and as the main concentration of accommodation and resorts in Myoko Kogen, Akakura Onsen Village is a good place to based yourself when heading to the nearby resorts. There’s no escaping the fact that the village is run-down and could do with some investment. Guesthouses and some restaurants and bars – don’t expect a lot – are dotted through the village, making it a convenient base while in Myoko. For more information, see our ‘Best Places to Stay in Myoko Kogen’ page.
Getting to Akakura Onsen Ski Area
Distance to Myoko-Kogen Station: 5km / <10 min drive.
The base of Akakura Onsen is less than a 10-minute drive from Myoko Kogen Station. For directions to the Myoko Kogen area, see our ‘How to Get to Myoko Kogen – Nagano Ski Resorts Info’ page.
AKAKURA KANKO SKI RESORT
Connected to Akakura Onsen Ski Area, Akakura Kanko Ski Resort is a smaller but newer resort with more terrain for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The resort is sometimes also called ‘Akakan’ for short or ‘Shin-Akakura’, just to confuse things. Advanced skiers and snowboarders will find a bit more of interest in this resort than the adjoining Akakura Onsen, but still not enough to keep them interested for long. Kanko does however provide gated access to side and backcountry, which you’re permitted to enter as long as you are deemed to be properly kitted out with avalanche safety gear and necessary expertise.
Operating Dates & Times
Akakura Kanko is typically open from early-December to early-May with most lifts operating from 08:30 to 16:30.
Ski Runs
The resort has only 10 courses serviced by 1 gondola and 6 lifts. Courses breakdown as: beginner 40% / intermediate 30% / advanced 30%. Situated between 740 to 1500 metres, Akakura Kanko offers a decent 760 metres of vertical. The longest ski run is 4.5km.
Highlights
While Akakura Kanko is smaller than Akakura Onsen, it has higher elevation, more vertical and newer infrastructure. Beginners and newbies will find some nice green runs in the lower ski fields while intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders should head straight-up to the upper areas, where a decent amount of red and black runs are on offer.
Tickets & Passes
Day-passes for Akakura Kanko-only cost: adults JPY4800 / children (6-12) JPY3500 / Students (13-17) JPY4000 / seniors (60+) JPY4000. Joint, all-mountain passes for Akakura Onsen/Kanko cost: adults JPY6000 / children, students & seniors JPY4500.
Rental & Ski School
There are a number of rental shops at the resort, mostly located around the base areas and chairlifts making it pretty easy to arrange your gear when you arrive and then head straight onto the mountain. The joint resorts of Akakura have a couple of ski/snowboard schools with English instruction typically available. Both group and private lessons can be arranged while backcountry guides can also be arranged.
Kids & Families
The ‘Chibbiko Hiroba’ kids play area is located on the left-hand side of the resort, at the base of the Hotel #1 Chairlift. It can be used free of charge. A second Kids Snowpark is located in the Yodel ski area of Akakura Onsen – to the right of Akakura Kanko – including slides and see-saws for free use, and sleds for rent. While it is technically outside of Akakura Onsen it can still be used and is easily accessible on foot. A day-care service is available at Myoko Snow Sports Champion Shop at the base of the Champion #1 chairlift. Open from 08:00 to 17:00, bookings are required.
Accommodation & Village Info
Servicing the resorts of Akakura Kanko and Akakura Onsen, and as the main concentration of accommodation and resorts in Myoko Kogen, Akakura Onsen Village is a good place to based yourself when heading to the nearby resorts. There’s no escaping the fact that the village is run-down and could do with some investment. Guesthouses and some restaurants and bars – don’t expect a lot – are dotted through the village, making it a convenient base while in Myoko. For more information, see our ‘Best Places to Stay in Myoko Kogen’ page.
Getting to Akakura Kanko Ski Resort
Distance to Myoko-Kogen Station: 4.5km / <10 min drive.
The base of Akakura Kanko is less than 10-minutes drive from Myoko Kogen Station. For directions to the Myoko Kogen area, see our ‘How to Get to Myoko Kogen – Nagano Ski Resorts Info’ page.
IKENOTAIRA SKI RESORT
Located between the joint resorts of Akakura Onsen/Kanko and Myoko Suginohara, Ikenotaira receives heavy snowfall while having fairly gentle terrain making it an ideal resort for skiers and snowboarders still finding their confidence in powder. While the resort is quite small, there are good tree runs and some nice wide areas for beginners and newbies. The resort is long, allowing for easy cruising. The only drawback is when the snow is heavy, the gentle gradient will slow you down so make sure to wax-up to avoid getting stuck!
Operating Dates & Times
Ikenotaira is typically open from the first half of December until the end of March with lifts operating from 08:30 to 16:30.
Ski Runs
The resort is small with only 10 courses serviced by 6 lifts. Courses breakdown as: beginner 35% / intermediate 45% / advanced 20%. Situated between 760 to 1500 metres, Ikenotaira offers a decent 740 metres of vertical. The longest run is 4km.
Highlights
Ikenotaira is a long and narrow resorts divided into two sides – the Kayaba Gelande and Alpen-blick Gelande. Beginners and newbies will find plenty of space in the Kayaba area, with some very wide green runs allowing for lots of practice with more in the lower areas of Alpen-blick. Intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders will want to head-up to the upper areas where there’s a decent amount of red and some black to enjoy. In general, the Alpen-blick Gelande is much quieter than the other side of the resort with lots of fun in the powder and trail runs.
Tickets & Passes
Day-passes for Ikenotaira cost: adults JPY4000 / children JPY2400 seniors JPY3200. Morning (08:30-13:00) and afternoon (12:00 to 16:30) are also available for: adults JPY3000 / children JPY1800 / seniors JPY2400.
Rental & Ski School
Rental is available at a couple of outlets at the resort with some decent gear available. An international ski school also provides lessons in English – located next to the main ticket office.
Kids & Families
A large kids play area is located next to the main ticket office. Day-care facilities are not available at Ikenotaira. Families in need to these services will be better-suited heading to Akakura Onsen/Kanko.
Accommodation & Village Info
Ikenotaira does not have a village to speak of but rather, a collection of ski lodges and pensions and little happening at night. For that reason, most people staying in the area will arrange dinner and breakfast at their guesthouse. Some lodges have in-house hot springs making for an enjoyable stay. English is likely to be limited and while some are within walking distance of the resort, some require a car to reach so make sure to check the distance to the ski fields prior to booking. For more information, see our ‘Best Places to Stay in Myoko Kogen’ page.
Getting to Ikenotaira Ski Resort
Distance to Myoko-Kogen Station: 4.5km / <10 min drive.
The base of Ikenotaira is under 10-minutes drive from Myoko Kogen Station. For directions to the Myoko Kogen area, see our ‘How to Get to Myoko Kogen – Nagano Ski Resorts Info’ page.
MYOKO SUGINOHARA SKI RESORT
Often referred to simply as ‘Sugi’, Suginohara is one of the most popular resorts in Myoko Kogen, winning lots of fans for its long, long tree-lined runs through gentle terrain. Indeed, Suginohara claims to have Japan’s longest run at 8.5km however that’s contentious to say the least as resorts including Nozawa Onsen and Yamabiko Wild Snow Park – both in Nagano – and Zao Onsen in Yamagata all lay claim to longer courses. But that’s all trivial! Suginohara does indeed have some lovely long runs, Myoko’s highest elevation and an impressive amount of vertical. Children under the age of 12 have free access to the resort, including the gondola and lifts, making it an economical option for families.
Operating Dates & Times
The resort is typically open from the first half of December to the end of March with lifts operating from 08:00 to 16:30 on weekends and 08:30 to 16:30 on weekdays.
Ski Runs
Suginohara has 16 courses serviced by 1 gondola and 4 lifts. Courses breakdown as: beginner 40% / intermediate 40% / advanced 20%. Situated between 731 to 1855 metres, Suginohara has the highest elevation of any resort in Myoko and offers an impressive 1124 metres of vertical. The longest ski run is 8.5km.
Highlights
The resort is long and skinny, with really enjoyable ski runs best-suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. From the resorts central area, take the gondola to the Mitahara ski area and the final Mithara Chairlift #3 to the very top of the resort. On days of fresh snowfall you’ll find fantastic powder here, and from the top you can descend back into the resort including riding the entire 8.5km course to the bottom. Looking down the mountain, the Sugi Terrain Park – one of two parks in the resort – is on your right, accessible via either the Shakunage Trail or Panorama Connection Trail. While the runs are very gentle and won’t challenge intermediate or advanced skiers/boarders, the tree-lined runs toward the base are picturesque with some decent side-country on offer. The resort has a fairly relaxed approach to backcountry with some excellent terrain on offer.
Tickets & Passes
Day-passes for Sugihonara cost: adults (18+) JPY4800* / children (under 12) FREE / Students (13-17) JPY4200 / seniors (60+) JPY4200*. A 4-hour pass (valid for 4-hours from time of purchase) cost: adults JPY3900 / children FREE / students & seniors JPY3400.
*Over the New Year period a JPY200 surcharge applies to all tickets.
Rental & Ski School
Both rental and ski/snowboard lesson are available at Suginohara however lessons are not available in languages other than Japanese, and while rental services states that their gear includes the latest models, don’t count on this. If you are after rental and/or lessons, the resorts of Akakura Onsen/Kanko are better-suited, with some outlets offering to cover private lessons in Suginohara.
Kids & Families
The ‘Chibbiko’ course in the resort’s central area is for use by kids and their families. There are no day-care facilities. If you require these, Akakura Onsen/Kanko will be better-suited.
Accommodation & Village Info
Suginohara does not have a village as such and is very quiet at night. A number of small lodges are dotted around the resort with only a couple of restaurants. Most people staying in the area arrange dinner and breakfast at their guesthouses. For more information, see our ‘Best Places to Stay in Myoko Kogen’ page.
Getting to Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort
Distance to Myoko-Kogen Station: 7km / 10 to 15-min drive.
The base of Suginohara is between 10 to 15-minutes drive from Myoko Kogen Station. For directions to the Myoko Kogen area, see our ‘How to Get to Myoko Kogen – Nagano Ski Resorts Info’ page.
SEKI ONSEN SKI AREA
Describing Seki Onsen as a ‘resort’ is probably a bit too generous. In truth it’s a small ski field run by a family. Infrastructure is old and the runs are short. So why go there? That’s easy – the snow, massive amounts of snow! Receiving an annual snowfall of around 15 to 16 metres, Seki Onsen is blessed with some of Japan’s deepest and best powder. Combine this with a liberal approach to backcountry, trees runs and some steep terrain, and suddenly you understand why some people love it. While it’s not for everyone, when the snow is deep – which is often – intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders will enjoy spending a day there.
Operating Dates & Times
The resort is typically open from the first half of December until early-May with lifts operating from 09:00 to 17:00.
Ski Runs
Seki Onsen is a very small resort with only 4 courses serviced by 2 lifts. Courses breakdown as: beginner 20% / intermediate 50% / advanced 30%. Situated between 900 to 1210 metres, the resort has 310 metres of vertical. The longest run is 1.5km.
Highlights
Seki Onsen is best-suited to intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders wanting to dive into some of Japan’s deepest powder. Beginners won’t have much fun at Seki so best to look elsewhere. The resort is very small and the fun is off-piste. With a liberal approach to backcountry and very deep powder, Seki Onsen has lots of fans but the secret is well and truly out, so on days of big snow expect to be sharing it and snow can track-out quickly. So forget the resort stats and just think deep snow. If that’s what you’re after and the chance to get amongst the trees, Seki might be for you. But keep an eye on the forecast, get there early and enjoy a day in deep powder. That’s all you need to know.
Tickets & Passes
Day-passes for Seki cost: adults (13+) JPY3500 / children (0-12) JPY2800. A half-day pass (12:00 until close) is also available: adults JPY2800 / JPY2000.
Rental & Ski School
Seki Onsen has a rental outlet but equipment is old and don’t expect much English. Basically, if you need rental arrange it elsewhere. The resort does not have a ski school.
Kids & Families
There are no facilities for young children or families at Seki. The resort caters to intermediate and advanced skiers/snowboarders and is not therefore suited to young ones. Best to avoid it when heading to Myoko with young children.
Accommodation & Village Info
Seki Onsen is a small village with some ‘ryokan’ (traditional guesthouses). Expect Japanese-style comforts including on-floor ‘futon’ bedding and to have meals at your guesthouse. There are hot springs in the area giving the village a certain appeal. But in reality, few international visitors choose to stay in Seki and opt for accommodation in Akakura Onsen village. For more information, see our ‘Best Places to Stay in Myoko Kogen’ page.
Getting to Seki Onsen Ski Area
Distance to Myoko-Kogen Station: 12km / 15 to 20-min drive.
Seki Onsen is between 15 to 20-minutes drive from Myoko Kogen Station. For directions to the Myoko Kogen area, see our ‘How to Get to Myoko Kogen – Nagano Ski Resorts Info’ page.
LOTTE ARAI RESORT
Located in Myoko but not technically part of Myoko Kogen, Lotte Arai Resort opened in 2017 as one of the few resorts in Japan catering exclusively to the high-end market with its large hotel, restaurants, spa and other facilities all designed ensure a luxurious stay. The resort itself is small with little to keep you entertained on-piste however being in Myoko, Lotte receives a massive amount of snow each year meaning that its powder bowls and tree runs win lots of fans. When the snow isn’t good however there’s little to keep anyone but newbies entertained so it really depends on the conditions when you’re there. Lotte will appeal to some while turning others off.
Operating Dates & Times
The resort is typically open from mid-December until well into April or as late as May (due to the resort’s snow-making infrastructure). Lifts operate from 08:30 to 16:30 with night-skiing available until 20:00.
Ski Runs
The official size of Lotte Arai is just under 200ha making it sound quite large. However that total takes into account 12 off-piste zones. The actual resort/on-piste terrain is relatively small with only 15 ski runs serviced by 4 chairlifts and 1 gondola. The resort sits between 329 to 1280 metres and offers a pretty decent 951 metres of vertical. Courses breakdown as: beginner 25% / intermediate 40% / advanced 35%. The longest ski run is 5.2km in length.
Highlights
In terms of skiing and snowboarding, Lotte’s best feature is without doubt its off-piste action including powder bowls and tree zones. Being located in Myoko, Lotte is blessed with a massive amount of snow and when it’s good, the side and backcountry on offer is truly excellent. But if the snow isn’t great or you’re not ready to get off-piste, then the on-piste action is pretty dull and will only keep absolute newbies and beginners entertained. Of course, the whole appeal of Lotte is the comfort and luxury it provides guests with in terms of accommodation, dining options and other features that all happen away from the mountain. That will appeal to some while the resorts ‘Disney-fied’ character will repel others.
Tickets & Passes
A day-pass at Lotte Arai costs: Adults JPY6000 (13+) / Children (6-12) JPY 3800 / Infants are free.
Rental & Ski School
As a high-end resort, Lotte provides guests with the option of in-house ski and snowboard rental at Salomon Station, including the option of premium gear. The resort offers ski and snowboard lessons in English and other foreign languages.
Kids & Families
Snowtubing and other activities for children are available on the ski fields in front of the hotel, while a dedicated children’s playroom is located inside the hotel. A childcare service is also available in 2-hours slots through the day (reservation is required).
Accommodation & Village Info
The resort is serviced by the large Lotte Hotel. Aimed at the high-end market, the hotel offers Western-style rooms, multiple restaurants, café and lounges along an in-house ‘onsen’ and spa, meeting facilities and full-concierge services. The hotel has foreign language-speaking staff and operates shuttle services to and from Joestu-Myoko Station. Unsurprisingly, you’ll pay a lot more to stay at Lotte Hotel than accommodation in other parts of Myoko, meaning that some people stay elsewhere and visit Lotte as part of a multi-resort visit to Myoko. For more information, see our ‘Best Places to Stay in Myoko Kogen’ page.
Getting to Lotte Arai Resort
Distance from Joetsu-Myoko Station: 15km / 20-min drive.
It’s important to note that Lotte Arai is to the north of the other resorts of Myoko, and as such, visitors heading to and from Lotte typically make the journey via Joetsu-Myoko Station – a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line – rather than Myoko Kogen Station. Lotte Arai operates regular shuttle buses to and from Joetsu-Myoko Station, making it easy to reach the resort. For directions to the Myoko Kogen area, see our ‘How to Get to Myoko Kogen – Nagano Ski Resorts Info’ page.
WHERE TO STAY IN MYOKO KOGEN?
As explained above, the resorts are within close proximity of each other however only Akakura Onsen and Akakura Kanko are connected, making it important that you book accommodation in the right area based on which resort or resorts you want to visit. Our ‘Best Places to Stay in Myoko Kogen’ page includes our recommendations of where to stay and accommodation listings around the resorts. Most accommodation in Myoko is found in and around the ski resorts. The hot spring village of Akakura Onsen has the greatest concentration of accommodation in the Myoko Kogen making it the unofficial village of the overall area. It provides direct access to the joint resorts of Akakura Onsen and Akakura Kanko, has the most restaurants and bars, and bus services to the other resorts making it a convenient place to stay. The village around Ikenotaira also offers a number of good options while Lotte Arai boasts one of the few high-end hotels in Myoko and the popular resorts of Madarao and Nozawa Onsen are within easy reach for visitors driving themselves.
JAPAN SKI RESORTS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Did you know that the resorts of Myoko are just some of the hundreds in Japan? Needless to say, when you choose Japan for your winter getaway you are spoiled for choice! Our ‘Japan Ski Resorts’ page has everything you need to know to start planning your ski and snowboard adventure including: LATEST NEWS & DEALS, THE BEST RESORTS IN NAGANO & JAPAN, FAQs and of course OUR SKI PACKAGES, ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORT & TOURS.
GETTING TO & AROUND MYOKO KOGEN IN WINTER
Our ‘How to Get to Myoko Kogen – Nagano Ski Resorts Info’ page provides information on how to reach Myoko from locations including Nagano Station, Tokyo and the airports. For many if not most visitors, accessing the ski fields of Myoko via Myoko-Kogen Station will be the most convenient option. Running from Nagano Station, local services on the Kita-Shinano Line take 45-minutes / JPY850 (one-way) to reach Myoko Kogen Station. As a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line running from Tokyo to Kanazawa, Nagano Station is only 80 to 110 minutes from Tokyo – depending on which service you choose – putting the resorts of Myoko within easy reach of the capital and its airports.
It is also worth noting that some services on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line stop at Joetsu-Myoko Station. Joetsu-Myoko Station and Myoko Kogen Station are not connected nor serviced by the same trains. For most visitors – particularly those headed to the resorts discussed above – heading to Myoko Kogen Station will be your most convenient option. If coming from Tokyo on the shinkansen, this will require you to get-off at Nagano Station and switch to a local service on the Kita-Shinano line to reach Myoko Kogen Station.
Once at the station, a local bus or taxis are available to run you into Akakura Onsen village – only a 10 to 15-minute drive – or onto your chosen resort/accommodation. For skiers and snowboarders wanting to enjoy more than one resort while in Myoko, the Myoko Kogen Shuttle Bus operates from late-December until early-March. Ultimately, most visitors are looking for convenience and comfort in getting to and from Myoko, making a private charter or tour a great option. Based in Nagano, we can provide both private charters and tours including pickup and drop-off at any resort in Myoko Kogen.
Our vehicles and drivers are fully certified, with the capacity to arrange transport for individual and couples, families and friends, and large tour groups including multiple vehicles and transport of ski and snowboard gear. Operating all year round we are ready to help you plan and package you trip, so you can time and money and focus on the fun stuff – see below for details!
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 Kogen this winter? Contact us and let’s get planning together!
JAPAN RAIL DEALS: TRAVEL PASSES & DISCOUNTED TICKETS
Many if not most people heading to the ski resorts of Nagano and Niigata do so via Nagano Station and Echigo-Yuzawa Station. Both are serviced by Shinkansen/Bullet Train lines running from Tokyo, making them quick and easy to get to.
Any foreign passport-holder – both international visitors and foreign residents of Japan – is eligible for the ‘Japan Rail (JR) East Pass’ for Nagano & Niigata. Covering 5 days of unlimited use within a 14-day period, the pass includes travel on both the Hokuriku Shinkansen and Joetsu Shinkansen lines – a great deal if you’re planning to move between the regions while here.
In addition, JR East offers a 3-Day ‘Welcome Pass’ for foreign passport-holders. The pass covers multiple shinkansen lines and other major train routes – a fantastic deal and great option for getting to and moving around Central Japan.
Japan Rail is currently also offering discounted prices on many train services, including shinkansen lines across the country. With discounts of up to 50% available when purchasing online, our ‘Discount Shinkansen Tickets: How to Buy Online’ page includes an English step-by-step guide of how to purchase tickets online.
