Myoko Kogen (Akakura Onsen Ski Area)
妙高高原・赤倉温泉スキー場
A long-established ski and hot-spring area on the eastern foot of Mount Myōkō in Niigata Prefecture, famous for abundant powder snow and its onsen street. It is about half an hour by car from Nagano.
Myoko Kogen lies in Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture, just beyond the northern edge of Nagano Prefecture. On the eastern slopes of Mount Myōkō are several ski areas, including Akakura Onsen, Akakura Kankō, Ikenotaira and Sugino-hara. Winter snowfall is very heavy, and the soft powder attracts many overseas skiers. The Akakura Onsen Ski Area is next to the Akakura Onsen town, which has a history of over 200 years. After skiing, you can soak in sulfate springs piped directly from the source. The trails are mainly intermediate, with gentle slopes for beginners and off-piste areas. A one-day lift pass during the snow season costs about 6,000 to 7,000 yen. Getting there: from Nagano Station, take the Shinano Railway Hokushin Line about 45 minutes to Myoko Kogen Station, then transfer to a shuttle bus for about 15 minutes. By car, take the Joshinetsu Expressway for about 30 minutes. In summer and autumn, you can climb Mount Myōkō, one of Japan's 100 famous mountains, or visit Naena Falls.
Opening hours
Ski season about 8:30 am–4:30 pm (varies by resort)
Nearby sights
- Lake Nojiri
- Togakushi Shrine
- Kagami-ike Pond
- Zenkō-ji
- Nagano Prefectural Art Museum
- Obuse & Hokusai-kan
- Gansho-in Temple
- Nozawa Onsen