Areas / Central Honshu
Myoko 妙高
One of the snowiest ski regions in Japan — deep tree skiing, volcano touring on Mt Myoko and quieter slopes than Hakuba and Niseko.
- Prefecture
- Niigata
- Season
- Dec – May
- Level
- Intermediate+
- Nearest airport
- Tokyo Haneda (HND) / Narita (NRT)
- By rail
- Joetsumyoko station (Hokuriku Shinkansen), then train or bus to Myoko Kogen
Resort accessTree skiingVolcano touringSpring touring
Myoko Kogen sits at the foot of Mt Myoko (2,454 m), close to the Sea of Japan. It is famous for enormous snowfall, and storms can drop a metre or more in a few days. Several resorts and hot-spring villages spread around the mountain. The area has grown in popularity with international skiers but is still far less crowded than Niseko or Hakuba.
Guides use the resorts for access and then tour through the forests and toward the surrounding peaks. In spring, bigger objectives on the volcano open up. The nearby Arai area adds more terrain within easy reach.
Why a guide: with this much snow, stability changes quickly. A local guide knows where it’s safe to ski the day after a big storm.
Highlights
- Some of the heaviest snowfall of any ski area in Japan
- Several resorts and hot-spring villages spread around Mt Myoko
- Touring toward Mt Myoko and neighbouring peaks
- Less crowded than Niseko and Hakuba, with a relaxed local feel
Main hazards
- Rapid storm loading during heavy snowfall
- Tree wells and deep gullies
- Whiteouts on the upper volcanic slopes
Conditions change daily. Check the latest avalanche and weather information, carry beacon, probe and shovel, and ski with a qualified guide if you don't know the area. See our safety guide.
Where to stay
Ski Myoko with a certified local guide
Tell us your dates, group and ability. We match you with a certified guide who knows the terrain and today's snow, and send you a quote. Requesting is free and there's no obligation to book.
Request a guide