Snow Season in Myoko, Japan 🇯🇵
🎿 Ski & Snow Activities
Myoko is one of Japan’s most beloved alpine regions, with eight ski resorts including Ikenotaira Onsen.
With over 50 runs and 37 lifts, the area offers everything from tree runs to beginner slopes — plus snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and endless powder days.
Myoko is ideal for all skill levels, with ski schools offering lessons in English and Japanese. Beginners can enjoy safe learner zones, while advanced riders hit terrain parks at Akakura Kanko and Madarao. Gear rentals are easy to find, and the Myoko Big 4 Lift Pass gives access to four main resorts. Off the slopes, explore snowshoe trails at Imori Pond or book a backcountry tour with local guides.
♨️ Onsen Hot Springs
Relax like the locals in natural mineral-rich hot springs. Just a 2-minute walk from lodges, Lime Resort offers a modern onsen experience with three distinct bath types: a spacious indoor bath with large windows, an open-air rock bath surrounded by snow, and deep, meditative Shigaraki ceramic tubs.
For something more traditional, Akakura Onsen Town — one of Japan’s oldest hot spring areas — is home to dozens of small inns, public bathhouses, and ryokan using natural mineral water. Favourites include Oyado Furuya for its authentic atmosphere, Koganeso Onsen for casual day use, and Hotel Taiko, known for its panoramic views.
🧖♀️ Spa & Wellness
Recognised among Japan’s top ten onsen destinations, Myoko is a haven for restorative wellness. Just minutes from our lodges, the Akakura Kanko Hotel Day Spa offers a serene escape, combining panoramic alpine views with high-quality treatments and timeless Japanese hospitality.
Across the region, many onsens go beyond the traditional soak — featuring cold plunge pools, dry saunas, massage chairs, and tranquil rest lounges designed to enhance circulation and recovery.
For a deeper sense of renewal, guests can pair their visit with tailored massage therapies, herbal steam sessions, or bespoke wellness experiences. In Myoko, self-care isn’t an indulgence — it’s a ritual woven into the rhythm of mountain life.
🍜 Eat & Drink
From traditional izakayas to cozy Western cafés, Myoko’s food scene offers something for every taste.
Enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine, local Niigata sake, and a growing number of vegan and gluten-free options. Highlights include Udon-no-Fu for handmade noodles, Pontaro Café for laid-back brunch and craft coffee, and Asagao for a memorable local dining experience with seasonal small plates.
For après-ski, try Shibata Izakaya or Yodel Bar for casual bites and warm atmosphere. Not sure where to start? Just ask — we’re always happy to recommend our favourite spots.
🐒 Snow Monkey Park
A must-do winter day trip! Visit the famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani.
Nestled deep in the forest, this natural hot spring is home to a troop of wild Japanese macaques — famous for their habit of bathing in the steaming waters during winter. Watch them play, soak, and interact just meters away, surrounded by snowy cliffs and ancient trees.
The walk to the viewing area takes about 30 minutes on a groomed forest trail, making it a peaceful and rewarding half-day adventure for families, photographers, and nature lovers alike.
🗺️ Guided Local Tours
There’s more to Myoko than snow — the region is rich in history, craft, and culture waiting to be explored.
Join a guided tour to Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist sites, or head to St. Cousair Winery to taste locally made wine while overlooking apple orchards and mountain views.
For a hands-on experience, visit a traditional blacksmith and learn about Japanese bladesmithing passed down through generations. Tours can be customised for individuals, families, or groups, and we’re happy to help organise something unique based on your interests and pace.
