Myoko Kogen was established in 1911 and became Japan’s first Internationally known resort in 1937, as well as the first fully established Japanese resort with English guides.
Myoko Kogen has some of the most outstanding POW, with an average 3m base, and natural snow walls which reach up to 4m. Made up from 9 resorts, the skiing and boarding options in Myoko Kogen are second- to-none.
• Skiable Terrain: Over 370 acres
• Number Of Runs: 54
• Summit: 1,855m
• Vertical: 1,124m
• Ski Season: December to April
• Annual Snowfall: 13m
• Longest Run: 8.5km
• Average Temp: -2C
• Trail Difficulty: 25% Beginner, 53% Intermediate, 22% Advanced
• Lift System: 70 Total Including 2 Gondolas
• Downhill Skiing
• Cross Country Skiing
• Backcountry Skiing
• Tube Parks
• Snowmobiling
• Snowcat Tours
• Scenic Mountain Tours
• Snowshoeing
• Japanese Onsen
• Jigokudani Monkey Park
The natural hot springs offer a contrast from the cold snow
Enjoy authentic Japanese hospitality and culture
Access to 9 resorts each with their own terrain style
Offering 33 on slope restaurants there is something for everyone
A: The easiest way to get to Myoko Kogen is to fly into Tokyo, take the bullet train to Nagano, then connect by local train or transfer to Myoko Kogen Station. AMPED can organise your flights, Tokyo stopovers, rail, transfers and accommodation so the journey works smoothly with ski gear and luggage.
A: AMPED recommends Akakura Onsen or Akakura Kanko for the best all-round base, Ikenotaira for beginners and relaxed cruising, Suginohara for long groomed runs, and Seki Onsen for advanced powder riders. Myoko works best when your ski area is matched to your ability, accommodation and transport setup.
A: Yes, Myoko Kogen suits a wide range of skiers and snowboarders. Beginners and families have gentle terrain and lesson options, intermediates have plenty of groomers and progression terrain, while advanced riders love Myoko’s powder, trees and off-piste potential. AMPED can match your group to the right resort area, lessons, rentals and lift pass setup.
A: AMPED recommends booking Myoko Kogen early, especially for January, February, school holidays and peak powder dates. The best accommodation, English-speaking lessons, rental equipment, transfers and multi-resort lift pass options can book out quickly in the main winter season.
A: The best time to ski in Myoko Kogen is usually January to February for the deepest snow and most reliable powder conditions. December can be good for early-season travel, while March often offers quieter slopes, softer snow and a more relaxed spring ski feel.
A: Yes, AMPED recommends pre-booking ski or snowboard lessons in Myoko Kogen, especially for beginners, children or anyone wanting English-speaking instruction. Myoko has international ski school options, but peak dates are busy, so booking early helps secure the right lesson time and instructor setup.
A: Yes, AMPED can pre-book your ski or snowboard rentals in Myoko Kogen so your equipment is arranged before you arrive. This helps make your first ski day smoother and ensures the right gear is organised for your ability level, children’s needs, powder days and preferred ski areas.
A: Yes, AMPED can organise your Myoko Kogen lift passes as part of your snow holiday package. We can help choose whether you need passes for Akakura, Suginohara, Ikenotaira, Seki Onsen or a multi-resort setup, depending on how many days you want to ski and where you plan to stay.
A: Yes, Myoko Kogen is one of Japan’s best areas for a multi-resort ski holiday. Akakura Onsen and Akakura Kanko are interlinked, while Ikenotaira, Suginohara and other nearby resorts can be reached by shuttle, taxi or organised transport. AMPED can help plan the best resort mix for your trip.
A: Most travellers do not need a car in Myoko Kogen if their accommodation, transfers and ski days are planned properly. AMPED can organise rail connections, resort transfers and local transport, which is usually easier than driving in heavy winter conditions, especially for first-time Japan ski travellers
A: AMPED recommends staying in Myoko Kogen for 5 to 7 nights. This gives you enough time to ski several resort areas, enjoy the village atmosphere, add a rest day or onsen experience, and make the most of Myoko’s famous powder conditions.
A: Yes, Myoko Kogen has a good range of restaurants, izakaya, casual bars and lodge-style dining, with most of the evening scene centred around Akakura Onsen. It is lively enough for relaxed après and social dinners, but still much quieter than larger international resorts.
A: Yes, Myoko Kogen can be combined with nearby resorts such as Madarao, Tangram, Arai, Nozawa Onsen or Shiga Kogen for a longer Japan snow holiday. AMPED can design a multi-resort itinerary with the right transfers, accommodation, lift passes and pacing so the trip feels seamless.
A: Myoko Kogen is unique because it combines deep snowfall, multiple ski areas, natural onsens, local village character and excellent powder terrain in one region. AMPED recommends Myoko for travellers wanting a snow-focused Japan ski holiday with more variety and authenticity than a single-resort stay.
