Myoko Kogen Information

Myoko Kogen Info

Myoko Kogen is located just across the prefectural boundary in Niigata, to the north of Nagano. While Myoko Kogen City covers a large area, the ski resort is centered on the small village area of Akakura Onsen (hot spring).

Myoko Kogen is famous throughout Japan for the copious amounts of snow it receives annually, and often suffers the enviable position of having too much snow. Being located close to the Sea of Japan, which picks up moisture from the Siberian winds, and dumps snow on Japan, Myoko is often the place where it falls most.

While there are a number of resorts spread out across the Myoko Kogen area, Akakura is generally the best location to stay, as it is the main transportation hub, as well as the only area with shops and restaurants.

Myoko Kogen Station is located about 15-20 minutes’ drive away, it was a JR Station until a few years ago, until the Shinkansen line to Kanazawa was opened, but then it changed hands to local authorities, and the line was split between the Shinano Rail Co, which runs from Nagano to Myoko Kogen, and the Echigo Tokumeki Rail Co line which runs north to Joetsu.

There is generally 1 train and hour between Nagano Station and Myoko Kogen, and taking trains all the way from Narita or Haneda Airports will require a minimum of 3 train changes, and can take upwards of 6 hours. And after that you still need to catch a bus or taxi up to the Akakura Area.