The local Myoko resorts of Akakura Onsen, Akakura Kanko, Suginohara, Ikenotaira and Seki Onsen are all within a short walk or drive and can be accessed on the multi-resort Snow Chaser Lift Pass. If you have a Snow Chaser Pass you also have access to more resorts that can easily be accessed in a day trip, these include Madarao & Tangram, Lotte Arai and Nozawa Onsen. Read below to find out what each of Myoko’s resorts has to offer.
DOWNLOAD MYOKO INSIDER'S GUIDE- Akakura Onsen
- Akakura Kanko
- Ikenotaira
- Suginohara
- Seki Onsen
Akakura Onsen Ski Area
Akakura Onsen Ski Area which is interconnected with Akakura Kanko is the closest resort to Akakura village where the majority of accommodation, bars and restaurants are. The nearest lifts of Akakura Onsen are less than a 5 minute walk from most accommodation. Both Akakura Onsen and Kanko can be accessed on the same lift pass so there's a lot of terrain you can explore here.Akakura Onsen offers wide groomers great for beginners and intermediates while more advanced riders have the epic steep trees which are the place to be on big powder days. Akakura Onsen is home to the steepest run in central Japan and is the only resort within Myoko to offer night riding. The longest run in Akakura Onsen is 4,500 meters long, starting at 1500 meters above sea level at the top of the resort.
Akakura Onsen is also the location of Myoko Snow Sports, the main english speaking ski school in the area, so if you've booked in a lesson this will be where you start from.
Akakura Kanko Resort (Akakan)
Akakura Kanko is interconnected with Akakura Onsen Resort and is a short walk from most accommodation in Akakura village. Both Akakura Kanko and Onsen can be accessed on the same lift pass so there's a lots of terrain to explore, all within walking distance.There’s something for everyone here at Akakura Kanko with a variety of awesome runs as well as two terrain parks. The top chair at Kanko reaches an elevation of 1500m so you can access plenty of the amazing powder Myoko is famous for!
Right in the middle of the slopes you’ll also find the famous Akakura Kanko Hotel, arguably one of the most luxurious hotels in Akakura. Be sure to stop in for a coffee or a beer. This ski-in ski-out hotel also offers a stunning onsen right on the resort.
Ikenotaira Ski Resort
Ikenotaira is located just 7 minutes drive from Akakura Village and can be accessed via the shuttle buses. This is one of the more mellow resorts in the area with an elevation of 740m, but it still offers fun riding.It doesn’t get as busy as the other resorts, which is great for enjoying the long wide open runs. The quiet slopes and gentle terrain makes this a great resort if you're just starting out.
For the more advanced riders, Ikenotaira also has a great terrain park which offers a range of features for all abilities including boxes, rails, kickers and pipes.
With mellow pockets of trees this resort is also perfect for getting familiar with tree skiing before visiting some of the steeper resorts.
Suginohara
A 12 minute drive from Akakura you’ll find Suginohara. Suginohara also know as Sugi, boasts a variety of terrain for all abilities including the longest run in all of Japan with a leg burning 8.5km trail from top to bottom. Sugi can be easily accessed via the shuttle buses that run from Akakura Village.With 80% of piste runs being beginner and intermediate along with the advanced off-piste areas, there’s something for all abilities here. Sugi's 17 runs are 40% beginner, 40% intermediate and 20% advanced which can be accessed with the 5 lifts.
For advanced riders there is still plenty to enjoy. Head to the top of the resort where you'll find the Powder Zone, which is often topped up daily with Myoko's constant snowfall. When it dumps, head into the trees for the unreal riding that Myoko is famous for. Sugi also has a fantastic park known as Sugi Park. Here you'll find a selection of boxes, rails, kickers and pipes.
Seki Onsen
If the snow is dumping, which it usually is in Myoko, Seki Onsen is a powder chaser’s dream. It’s only a small resort with 2 lifts here but it gets seriously deep. Here they have a relaxed off-piste policy which means you can get into all the steep tree terrain without a worry.There is on-piste terrain for all abilities (20% beginner, 50% intermediate and 30% advanced) but this resort is often more suited to more advanced looking to make the most of the off-piste.
While it is a small resort and on-piste terrain is minimal it is best to visit Seki just after it has snowed to avoid being disappointed with tracked out runs.
