Akakura OnsenAkakura Onsen · winter alpine terrain
Akakura Onsen
Classic Myoko skiing with a traditional hot-spring village at its base.
Mount Myoko — "Into the Cloud" HeroAtmospheric winter landscape with bright upper cloud area and snow-laden forest
Myoko, Japan
This is winter in Myoko.
Deep snow, mountain villages and some of Japan’s most memorable skiing — all surrounded by the quiet beauty of Myoko.
Discover MyokoWelcome to Myoko
A mountain town shaped by winter.
Myoko sits among the mountains of Niigata, where deep winter snow transforms the landscape for months at a time. Ski areas, hot springs and small mountain communities are scattered through the region, with forests and mountains always close by.
Akakura Onsen villageA village street between walls of snow at dusk, low timber buildings with warm windows · 4/5 portrait
It is a place where days are spent outside and evenings slow down — over dinner, in an onsen, or simply watching the snow continue to fall.
The mountains
Different mountains. Different days.
Myoko is surrounded by ski areas with their own terrain, atmosphere and character. From long groomed runs and family-friendly slopes to deep powder and tree skiing, there is somewhere different to explore each day.
- Akakura KankoAkakura Kanko · winter alpine terrain
Akakura Kanko
Mountain skiing rising above Akakura with varied terrain and big winter views.
- Ikenotaira Alpen BlickIkenotaira Alpen Blick · winter alpine terrain
Ikenotaira Alpen Blick
Wide slopes and a relaxed feel beneath the mountains of Myoko.
- Myoko SuginoharaMyoko Suginohara · winter alpine terrain
Myoko Suginohara
Long runs stretching down the mountain through beautiful winter terrain.
- Madarao Mountain ResortMadarao Mountain Resort · winter alpine terrain
Madarao Mountain Resort
A mountain known for powder, trees and a more adventurous feel.
- Tangram Ski CircusTangram Ski Circus · winter alpine terrain
Tangram Ski Circus
A neighbouring mountain area connected with the wider Madarao experience.
- Seki OnsenSeki Onsen · winter alpine terrain
Seki Onsen
Small, characterful and closely associated with Myoko’s deep-snow winters.
- Lotte Arai ResortLotte Arai Resort · winter alpine terrain
Lotte Arai Resort
A larger mountain resort with expansive terrain and a distinctly different scale.
Beyond the slopes
There’s more to winter than skiing.
When the lifts close, Myoko slows down. Soak in an onsen, find somewhere warm for dinner, wander through snow-covered streets or simply settle in for the evening while the snow continues outside.
OnsenOutdoor onsen in winter · steam rising into falling snow at dusk
SnowshoeingSnowshoeing · a small group walking through quiet beech forest in deep snow
And not every day needs to be a ski day. Take things slowly, explore the area and enjoy a different side of winter in the mountains.
FoodDinner in Myoko · a small restaurant, shared dishes, warm light
Snow monkeysSnow monkeys · macaques in a steaming pool, snow on their fur
Onsen in Myoko
Warm water. Falling snow.
An onsen is a natural hot spring, and in Myoko it is part of the rhythm of winter. After a day outside, soaking in mineral-rich water while snow gathers around you is one of the simplest pleasures of staying in the mountains.
Around Mt. Myoko, seven hot-spring areas draw from five different sources. Their mineral-rich waters vary from clear to milky white, reddish brown and even black — giving different parts of Myoko their own distinctive onsen character.
- 7
- Hot-spring areasAkakura · Shin-Akakura · Ikenotaira · Myoko · Suginosawa · Seki · Tsubame
- 5
- Natural sourcesDrawn from around Mt. Myoko.
- 3
- Distinctive coloursAlongside clear springs.
- Milky white · TsubameMilky whiteMilky white · Tsubame
- Reddish brown · SekiReddish brownReddish brown · Seki
- Black · IkenotairaBlackBlack · Ikenotaira
Most onsen are enjoyed without swimwear, and guests wash before entering the bath.
Explore Myoko’s onsen
The official Myoko Tourism guide to each hot-spring area and places to bathe.
The tableA close, warm photograph of an evening meal, steam rising from a pot, cups and small dishes
Eating in Myoko
Good food after a day in the snow.
Evenings in Myoko often begin by stepping out of the snow and into somewhere warm. From relaxed local restaurants and izakaya to Japanese favourites and international food, there are plenty of places to settle in for dinner after a day in the mountains.
Some of the best evenings here are simple ones — good food, a warm room and nowhere else you need to be.
Dinner, then snow again tomorrow.
Explore restaurants in Myoko
Browse the official Myoko Tourism restaurant guide.
Snow monkeys
Meet Japan’s famous snow monkeys.
In the mountains of northern Nagano, wild Japanese macaques gather around the hot springs of Jigokudani — one of Japan’s most memorable winter wildlife experiences.
The park makes an easy day trip from Myoko, with winter shuttle services available from the resort area. From the park entrance, the final approach is on foot through the forest.
The Snow Monkey Park is reached by an approximately 30-minute walk along an unpaved mountain path. Winter footwear is recommended.
The monkeys are wild, so sightings and hot-spring bathing cannot be guaranteed.
Snow Monkey Shuttle
Winter day-trip shuttle from the Myoko area.
Book park tickets
Purchase admission in advance from the official Snow Monkey Park website.