Myoko Kogen is located just across the prefectural boundary in Niigata, to the north of Nagano. While Myoko Kogen City covers a large area, the ski resort is centered on the small village area of Akakura Onsen (hot spring).

Myoko Kogen is famous throughout Japan for the copious amounts of snow it receives annually, and often suffers the enviable position of having too much snow. Being located close to the Sea of Japan, which picks up moisture from the Siberian winds, and dumps snow on Japan, Myoko is often the place where it falls most.

While there are a number of resorts spread out across the Myoko Kogen area, Akakura is generally the best location to stay, as it is the main transportation hub, as well as the only area with shops and restaurants. 

Myoko Kogen Station is located about 15-20 minutes’ drive away, it was a JR Station until a few years ago, until the Shinkansen line to Kanazawa was opened, but then it changed hands to local authorities, and the line was split between the Shinano Rail Co, which runs from Nagano to Myoko Kogen, and the Echigo Tokumeki Rail Co line which runs north to Joetsu.

There is generally 1 train and hour between Nagano Station and Myoko Kogen, and taking trains all the way from Narita or Haneda Airports will require a minimum of 3 train changes, and can take upwards of 6 hours.

And after that you still need to catch a bus or taxi up to the Akakura Area.

With 7 resorts spread out across the area, most access in the winter months is either by ski resort shuttle or the town operated bus system.

In central Akakura, there is a free shuttle that runs from the Akakura Car Park through central Akakura, and up to the Kumado Information Center. Buses run from 8AM until 10PM daily in winter.

There is also a free shuttle bus from Myoko Kogen Station up through Akakura and on to Kumado Information Center. Reservations are required and can be made online at the Akakura Onsen Ski Resort Website up until 2 days before travel. On the return trip you must show your lift pass to be able to take the bus free of charge back to the station.

There is also a shuttle bus service that operates from Akakura Onsen Ski Area, via Akakura Kanko Resort, Landmark Myoko Kogen, Ikenotaira Ski Resort, to Suginohara Ski Resort.

For those wanting to spend a day at Lotte Arai Resort, then there are buses that travel this route. Fare is 1,000yen per person.

If Myoko Kogen is not quite enough for you then you can also get to nearby Madarao Kogen Ski Resort. The one way trip is about 30 minutes to Tangram Ski Circus, or 45 minutes to Madarao Kogen Resort.

There is also one daily shuttle to and from the Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani.

There is one international ATM in Akakura, and also one down at the Seven Eleven on Route 18.

The ATM in Akakura is located at the post office, near Akakura Bus Stop. Operational hours are limited to 9:00AM to 5:30PM on Weekdays, and 9:00AM to 12:30PM on Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. Most major international credit cards are accepted.

Outside of these hours, the only place to get cash is the AMT located at the Seven Eleven on route 18. This is a 15 minute taxi ride from Akakura, but the ATM is open 24 hours (apart from several minutes of maintenance down time during the late night hours).

There are no money changing facilities at all in the Myoko Kogen Ski Resort area.

The main street of Akakura Onsen offers the greatest range of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants.

There is no night shuttle service in Myoko Kogen, and while central Akakura is walking distance, those staying elsewhere may need to rely on accommodation shuttles, or taxis.

There is a small convenience store in Akakura that is open from 9:00AM until 9:00PM. It is a Yamazaki Y Shop, and has basic food, drink and sanitary items.
For a larger 24 hour convenience store, you need to head down to the seven eleven on route 18.

There are no supermarkets in the Akakura area, but several large supermarkets operate in the Myoko Kogen township area. The largest is the Narus supermarket located 10 minutes drive from Akakura. It is open from 9:00AM until 10:00PM.

There is a taxi company based near Myoko Kogen Station. They have one van, and several sedan taxis. There is a stand near the station, or taxis can be reserved by calling 0255-86-3141. The fare from the station to the Akakura area runs at about 2,000yen.

The only Car Rental company operating is Nikoniko Rent-a-Car. A valid Japanese or international drivers license is required for all rentals (no exceptions)

Myoko Kogen Tourism is located in front of the station and are open daily from 9:00AM to 7:00PM.

Akakura Tourism Association has an information center located next to the post office in Akakura. Hours are 09:00AM to 05:00PM.

Medical responses in Myoko Kogen depend on the situation and the weather conditions.

There are both ambulance and helicopter services available.

In almost all cases, patients will be transported to the Niigata Prefectural Hospital in Myoko Kogen.

By ambulance, this is about a 10 minute trip. When calling an ambulance, it will generally be on the scene within 15 minutes.

While there are a number of clinics in Myoko Kogen City, in most cases it is best just to head directly to the Niigata Prefectural Hospital in Myoko Kogen as this is a large general hospital covering all types on injury and sickness.

There is a dentist located close to Myoko Station that is open weekdays and Saturdays, but closed on Sundays and public holidays.

While there is a small pharmacy located in Akakura Onsen, near the Akakura Onsen Hotel, for a larger, general purpose pharmacy, most people head down to the Matsumoto Kiyoshi Sekiyama Store located on route 18, about 10 minutes’ drive from Akakura Onsen