Discover why everyone is talking about Myoko
One of the most common questions we receive is: Where exactly is the Myoko Ski Resort? To begin with some context, Myoko is the name of an active volcano rising to 2,454 m, often referred to as Mt. Myoko or Myoko-san (妙高山). It is one of Japan’s “100 Famous Mountains” and lends its name to the Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, which protects the surrounding magnificent peaks and volcanoes.
Perched on the flanks of Mt. Myoko are four classic ski resorts. After a period of stagnation, they’re now seeing a remarkable revival, attracting a growing influx of international skiers. Many are calling Myoko the next big success story after Niseko, Hakuba, and Furano.
The Myoko area has everything needed to earn that title. As part of Japan’s “Powder Belt”—together with Madarao, Lotte Arai, and Charmant Hiuchi—it consistently records 14–16 meters of annual snowfall, blanketing its forests, bowls, and groomed pistes in some of the deepest powder on Earth. Multiple resorts, interconnected valleys, a lively hot springs scene, and easy access from Tokyo (just 2.5 hours by Shinkansen) create a combination of variety and atmosphere that has led some foreign developers to call it the “Aspen of Japan, or Japan’s largest skiable area.
For now, Myoko remains a fantastic destination to escape the bigger crowds of Niseko, Hakuba, or Furano. However, Akakura—the area’s main village—feels busier and more international every year, with an increasing number of Australian-owned restaurants, bars, and hotels.
Which lead us to another frequent question: Where is the “village” of Myoko?
The city of Myoko (Myoko-shi, 妙高市) feels more like an extension of nearby Joetsu than an independent mountain town. In fact, it’s closer to Lotte Arai Resort than to the Mt. Myoko ski areas and is well served by the Joetsu-Myoko Shinkansen Station.
The place many people actually mean when they say “Myoko” is Myoko-Kogen, a small hub where the Kita-Shinano train line from Nagano connects to the Myoko-Haneuma train line toward Joetsu. Myoko-Kogen has grown modestly in recent years, with a handful of cafés and shops near the station, but it’s more the gateway to the mountain resorts than a proper ski village. From here, buses, taxis, and lodge shuttles whisk travelers up the many mountain resorts in 15–25 minutes.
Historically, Myoko-Kogen had its own ski area—Myoko Panorama Ski Resort—almost connected to the station. Though abandoned many years ago, its slopes remain a popular spot for beginner backcountry tours or CAT skiing arranged by La Colina Outdoor.
When people talk about the “Myoko Ski Village,” they’re referring to Akakura Onsen, the lively base area next to Akakura Onsen Ski Resort. Here you’ll find hot springs, western- and Japanese-owned lodges, vibrant restaurants, and late-night bars—the closest thing Myoko has to Niseko or Hakuba’s Echoland.
Myoko Ski Areas
Strickly speaking, there are only 4 ski resorts in Mt. Myoko, which are the ones covered under the Mt. Myoko All Mountain pass:
- Akakura Onsen Ski Resort
The largest base-area resort with wide, mellow slopes ideal for beginners and intermediates. Though its lifts are aging, it’s the only resort in Myoko offering night skiing and is directly connected to Akakura village. A joint pass with the neighboring Akakura Kanko Resort is highly recommended. Advanced skiers can access sidecountry and backcountry zones—including a famous tunnel run and avalanche pillow areas—but hiring a guide is essential for safety. - Akakura Kanko Resort (AkaKan)
Founded in 1937, AkaKan was one of Japan’s first European-style resorts, with the iconic Kanko Hotel mid-slope and the country’s first ski lift (1950). Renovated across the years, it’s now considered Myoko’s premium resort, with great infrastrcuture, excellent grooming, and backcountry gates leading to Mt. Maeyama (1,932 m) and even Mt. Myoko’s summit. - Alpen Blick Ikenotaira Onsen Ski Resort
The smallest of the Mt. Myoko resorts, Ikenotaira is beloved for its wide, uncrowded central slope, perfect for beginners and intermediates. It also offers a few ungroomed areas and easy-access sidecountry tree runs. Backcountry routes from here can reach Mt. Akakura (2,141 m) for long powder descents. - Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort (Sugi)
The largest and highest resort in Myoko, Sugi boasts a variety of slopes for all abilities, a quality terrain park, and excellent sidecountry access. Its top chairlift connects to backcountry terrain on Mt. Mitahara, offering above-treeline skiing and epic runs back to the resort. Accommodation is limited to small, older lodges at the base, though many are now foreign-owned and offer a western-friendly experience.
While not in Mt. Myoko, because of its proximity some other ski resorts are also included when refering to the Myoko ski area:
- Seki Onsen
A family run ski resort in operation since 1917, it’s two only old lifts are considered by many the gates to powder heaven. Because of its relatively high altitude and the particular terrain orientation, this is a place that consistently accumulates more snow than other parts of Myoko. While there is only one groomed run, what makes this resort a japow mecca is the deep and step tree lines. It is recommended for advanced skiers, since is mostly sidecountry and unpatrolled area, and can be challenging for those not familiar with deep powder. There are some backcountry routes that goes near the top of Kannasan (1,909m), and a traverse to connect with the so called backcountry area of Seki Onsen that gets you back to the resort main lift. - Myoko Ski Park
This small ski area, featuring one lift and two courses on the grounds of the Myoko Country Club golf course, offers mellow, long slopes ideal for beginners and families. However, operations were suspended after the 2023–24 season, and it remains uncertain whether the resort will reopen for future winters. - Myoko RunRun Ski Resort
Essentially a private slope served by a single lift at the base of the Kyukamura Myoko Hotel, RunRun is perfectly suited for beginners and families staying at the hotel. It’s an excellent place to introduce children to skiing. From the lift’s summit, it’s even possible to hike over to Seki Onsen Ski Resort for a couple of more advanced runs before returning to the family-friendly slopes.
Michelle Parker visited Seki Onsen and other Myoko resorts filming all in a must-see video for those considering visiting Myoko.
SEASON PASS
In addition to the individual ski passes issued by each resort, several annual passes include Myoko-area resorts, offering excellent value for frequent skiers:
- MT MYOKO ALL MOUNTAIN PASS
The only pass that provides unlimited access to all four main Myoko resorts—Akakura Onsen, Akakura Kanko, Suginohara, and Ikenotaira—making it the top choice for those planning to stay primarily in the Myoko area. - SUZUKI SHOKAI GROUP 6 SKI RESORTS SEASON PASS
This multi-resort pass includes Akakura Onsen Ski Resort along with other resorts such as Hakodate Nanae Snowpark (Hakodate), Iwate Kogen Snow Park (Iwate), Kuroboku Kogen Snow Park Jungle Jungle (Yamagata), Shirakabako Royal Hill (Nagano) and Okutone Snow Park (Gunma). - SNOW RESORT CLUB
Grants access to 17 ski resorts nationwide, including Akakura Onsen Ski Resort—ideal for skiers who plan to explore multiple regions throughout the season. - PREMIUM SEASON TICKET
An annual pass issued by Seibu Group that formerly covered all their managed ski resorts, including Myoko Suginohara. Note: This pass has been discontinued starting with the 2025–26 season.
Unfortunately none of the global passes like the Ikon, Epic, or Indy pass include any of the Mt. Myoko resorts.
DAY PASS
- EARTH HOPPER
Often described as the Japanese version of the popular Indy Pass, Earth Hopper offers two days of access each to Alpen Blick Ikenotaira, Akakura Kanko Resort, and Lotte Arai—within its network of 56 ski resorts across Japan. - Mt MYOKO 3 DAYS PASS
This pass includes three days of skiing (which can be non-consecutive) at the four main Mt. Myoko resorts—Akakura Onsen, Akakura Kanko, Suginohara, and Ikenotaira—as well as nearby Lotte Arai and Madarao-Tangram. It also includes free use of the shuttle buses connecting all these resorts, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to explore without their own transportation. However, shuttle schedules are limited, and some connections may leave less time to fully enjoy each resort. - SHINETSU SUPER VALUE TICKET
This flexible pass provides five lift tickets that can be redeemed at Lotte Arai, Seki Onsen, Myoko RunRun, Akakura Onsen, Akakura Kanko, Ikenotaira, and Suginohara, plus Madarao, Tangram, and most of the Northern Nagano resorts. It’s an outstanding value for skiers planning a five-day trip to discover a variety of resorts across the region.
Powder Belt (Madarao – Myoko area)
Our flagship ski package. Stay with us at La Colina Retreat and discover the privilege of having more than 20 ski resorts within 1h drive, and many more mountains to explore. This package caters to advanced skiers who wish to experience as much powder as possible in a variety of on-piste and off-piste terrain; or intermediate skiers and boarders who want to experience “japow” and improve their freeride technique.
Powder Belt // Resort tour
The first time you visit a ski resort may be a little intimidating, particularly when on top of not knowing the terrain/snow conditions, you are visiting a foreign country. We will tailor the ski resort tour to your needs. Whether you want just to know the best slopes, where to eat the most delicious katsukare (pork cutlet curry), or assistance on your first on-piste Japow experience, this package will get your needs covered.
Powder Belt // Freeride Day Tour
Experience the ultimate powder adventure with our Freeride Guided One-Day Tours.
Join our expert English-speaking guides for a full-day freeride adventure in the heart of Japan’s legendary Powder Belt. Located near Myoko Kogen, this region receives some of the deepest and most reliable snowfall in the world, offering access to a variety of lift-accessed resorts, sidecountry lines, and secret powder stashes.
With deep local knowledge and certified avalanche safety training, our guides will lead you through untouched tree runs, open bowls, and deep powder fields. Whether you’re an adventurous intermediate or an experienced backcountry rider, this tour delivers the thrill of fresh tracks and the serenity of Japan’s wild winter landscapes.
✅ Avalanche safety gear required
✅ Powder ski & snowboard rentals available
✅ Small private groups only
Powder Belt // Backcountry Day Tour
For people who are venturing into the backcountry for the first time, or for experienced backcountry skiers who just want to enjoy powder snow, our backcountry tours are perfect.
We offer local backcountry guiding across the Myoko–Togakushi Renzan National Park (Madarao, Myoko, Kurohime, Izuna, Takatsuma, Tenguhara), Hiuchi, Yakeyama, Awatateyama, Shigakogen and North Shiga. No matter the weather or snow conditions, from December to May we have a special place to show you.
Ask us about one of these locations, or simply let us know your objectives (e.g. get to the best powder lines, reach a famous peak, enjoy the best views, ski inside a volcano crater,…), fitness, and experience level and we will gladly prepare a customized itinerary at no cost or obligation to you.
Safety is our top priority, and participants are required to carry avalanche safety equipment and know how to use it. Touring skis/splitboard with skins are also required to participate in this experience.
Volcano skiing
One of the most unique and rewarding snow adventures our area has to offer. Ski tour up to four dormant and not-so-dormant volcanoes over 2,000m, with access to some of the best above-treeline skiing in Japan. Experience fluffy pow inside the craters as you get yourself surrounded by white walls.
The variety of mountains offers opportunities from all ski levels. Some can be lift-accessed, and there is also an opportunity for multi-day hut-to-hut traverse. This trip also includes a one free lift ticket for Madarao Mountain to use at your convenience.