Myoko Kogen · 妙高高原 · Niigata · Checked for 2026–27
Myoko for Australians. Independent and checked each season.
Get here from Tokyo, find English ski schools, and compare Akakura resorts for powder and families.
By Steve — Tokyo. Ski Japan every winter.
Your trip
Answer a few questions and we'll point you at the right base.
Start here
- 01Akakura Onsen base
Family terrain, walk-to-dinner, beginner-friendly slopes.
- 02English ski schools
Kids programs — reserve for Christmas and Australian holidays.
- 03Tokyo to Myoko
Shinkansen and local train, or the airport shuttle — no car needed for a village week.
No car: pick Akakura Onsen or Kanko and walk to lifts. Ikenotaira and other Myoko hills are easier with a car.
Start here
01
Akakura
Akakura Kanko and Akakura Onsen, side by side above Myoko's main onsen village. The new Skycable gondola, long runs, and night skiing at Akakura Onsen.
Resort details →
02
Ikenotaira
Wide, gentle lower slopes for first-timers, a netted Kids Garden at weekends and a big terrain park. 2026–27 adult day ticket ¥7,400.
Resort details →
03
Getting there
Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano (about 1.5 hours), then the local train to Myoko-Kōgen (about 45 minutes). Or the Mt Myoko Shuttle from Haneda and Narita.
Full transport guide →
Before you go
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Akakura base choice, Ikenotaira, shinkansen tickets, ski school bookings, and what to pack for powder days.
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Where to stay
Lodges, hotels, and apartments
Pick your base: Akakura Onsen village for lifts, onsen and walk-to-dinner, or Ikenotaira for the wide learning slopes. Compare them on the resorts page.
04
English ski schools
Group and private lessons for adults and kids. Book ahead during Christmas, New Year, and Australian school holidays.
School options →
05
Restaurants
Akakura Onsen and Akakura Kanko village dining. Izakayas, ramen, and Western options. Filter by English menu.
Where to eat →
Know before you go
Car vs rail, and the multi-resort reality
Most visitors arrive by shinkansen and local bus—no car needed if you're staying one base. Akakura Kanko and Akakura Onsen are connected and sit right above Akakura Onsen village. Ikenotaira, Suginohara and Seki Onsen are separate hills with their own tickets, and Lotte Arai is on its own mountain.
A car helps if you want to ski Suginohara, Seki Onsen or Lotte Arai. Otherwise, stay in Akakura Onsen village and walk to the lifts.
What to know
Best when you want deep powder without Niseko prices.
Seki Onsen leaves most of its runs ungroomed, Lotte Arai has eight patrolled free-ride zones, and Akakura Kanko's Joshi Kokutai course is often left ungroomed up top. Compare all five resorts.