Dec–FebNine resorts at the foot of the Echigo Fuji volcano, linked under one multi-day pass. Japan’s longest run, the cult tree skiing at Seki, and a luxury rebuild at Lotte Arai.
Myōkō’s nine resorts split into two camps: the four Mt. Myōkō Pass resorts that share lifts and shuttles (Akakura Onsen, Akakura Kanko, Ikenotaira, Suginohara), and the cult independents (Seki, Madarao & Tangram, Lotte Arai, Charmant Hiuchi). Up to 13 m of natural snow a season, all an easy 2 h from Tokyo.
Mount Myōkō (2,454 m) sits at the centre of the region. The four pass-linked resorts cluster on its eastern flank with shared shuttles; Suginohara delivers Japan’s longest run at 8.5 km with a 1,124 m vertical drop, more than Niseko, more than Hakuba Happo. Seki Onsen, with just two lifts and a cult international following, sits across the valley with the deepest tree lines.
For powder days, locals quietly point to Suginohara and Seki. For families and beginners, Akakura Onsen and Ikenotaira. For luxury, the rebuilt Lotte Arai. For the snowboarder’s coast pick, Charmant Hiuchi over near Itoigawa.
Unified under a single multi-day pass and connected by a seasonal shuttle. The heart of Myōkō skiing.
The most village-centric of the four, Akakura Onsen grew ski lifts above an old hot-spring village, not the other way around. Where most international visitors stay.
17 courses from beginner to mogul, 100% natural snow, three English-speaking ski schools, and the only resort with full-season night skiing.
Lift-linked to Akakura Onsen, you can ski between them on a single ticket. Home to the historic Akakura Kanko Hotel (1937), one of Japan’s first ski-resort hotels.
Slightly steeper and higher than its neighbour; great intermediate progression. Clear-day views include Lake Nojiri and the Myōkō range.
On a plateau at the base of Mount Myōkō with wide, gentle slopes and one of the best terrain parks in Japan. Panoramic views of the Shinetsu range and Lake Nojiri from the Kayaba Slope.
Home to Hotel Alpenblick and the excellent Alpen Blick Restaurant “Dan.” The family pick.
The long, quiet, spectacular one. Japan’s longest run at 8.5 km top-to-bottom, with a 1,124 m vertical drop, more than Niseko, more than Hakuba Happo. Up to 13 m of annual snowfall.
On the Ikon Pass (7 days Ikon / 5 days Ikon Base), a big draw for international season-pass holders. The “First Track” programme lets you descend the full 8.5 km before lifts open.
3 non-consecutive days across 7 resorts (4 main Myōkō + Arai + Madarao + Tangram) plus inter-resort shuttle. Excellent if you plan to move around. ~¥7,300/day if booked online in advance.
Per resort. Cheapest if you’re only skiing one or two days. Online tickets typically discounted; check the resort website. Children under 12 ski free at most resorts with a paying adult.
Valid only at Myōkō Suginohara. The pick if you’re an Ikon season-pass holder coming for Japan’s longest run.
Five practical things first-time visitors usually wish they’d known.
Three bases that pair the slopes with the right onsen.
English-friendly base in the village, ski-in to Akakura Onsen and Kanko, walking distance to most restaurants.
Plateau base for Ikenotaira’s wide gentle slopes and terrain park. Family-friendly, good food.
Modern luxury at the rebuilt Arai resort. Tree skiing, backcountry access, and quieter weekends.