A guide to Myoko Kogen: why it gets 13 metres of snow, how Akakura, Ikenotaira, Suginohara and Lotte Arai differ, the hot springs.
Nine ski areas spread around the base of Mount Myoko, one of the snowiest places in Japan. It takes more than thirteen metres a season and the settled base regularly passes three metres. There are old hot springs in Akakura, and the slopes are much quieter than Hakuba or Niseko.
Which area to ski: Akakura Onsen and Akakura Kanko sit right on the hot spring village and hold the lodging, restaurants and night skiing. Ikenotaira is wide and gentle, the family and beginner pick. Suginohara has the 8.5 km run and a big vertical, and Lotte Arai is the advanced option, with steep, managed off-piste terrain.
Why it snows this much: Wind loaded with Japan Sea moisture hits the Myoko massif as the first serious barrier inland and unloads. The combination of a short distance from the sea and real altitude gives both volume and quality. From late January through February it snows almost daily, so most mornings bring fresh powder. On the heaviest days, tree-lined runs keep visibility usable.
Hot springs and lodging: Akakura Onsen has been running since the Edo period on free-flowing water piped from the mountain. Many lodges have their own source and open to day visitors. Akakura is the most practical base, with shuttles out to Suginohara and Ikenotaira. Local food runs to Niigata rice, Niigata sake and sasa-zushi.
Where should a first-timer stay in Myoko? Akakura Onsen. Lodging, food and transport are all in one place, with shuttles to the other areas.
Myoko or Hakuba? Myoko for snow volume, quiet slopes and price; Hakuba for terrain variety and international infrastructure.
The Mt. MYOKO pass covers Akakura Onsen, Akakura Kanko, Ikenotaira and Suginohara, with multi-day rates cutting the cost further; Lotte Arai sells separately. Adult day tickets for 2026-27 are ¥7,000 at Akakura Kanko, ¥7,400 at Ikenotaira, ¥7,777 at Lotte Arai and ¥9,000 at Suginohara, cheaper than Hakuba or Niseko.
Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Joetsu-Myoko takes about 1 hour 50 minutes, then 25 minutes on the Echigo Tokimeki line to Myokokogen station, then a short bus or taxi. Buses from Nagano also work. The whole trip from Tokyo takes about two and a half hours.
Lift ticket prices checked 18 Oct 2026. The figures and their sources are on the Myoko Kogen (Akakan) page.
Upper lifts occasionally close in big storms, but the tree runs stay skiable and visibility inside the forest is usually fine.