Where to stay in Myoko
A simple look at Myoko accommodation with a few trusted picks.
If you’re working out where to stay in Myoko, start here. We live here and keep this guide updated, comparing the main areas and giving a rating based on visitor experience in all the areas: Akakura Onsen, Akakura Kanko, Ikenotaira, Suginosawa (Suginohara).
Area ratings
Features | Akakura Onsen | Kanko | Ike | Sugi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Resort dist. | 9 | 9 | 6 | 7 |
Japan vibe | 2 | 4 | 9 | 8 |
Onsen access | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 |
No car friendly | 10 | 8 | 6 | 6 |
Food | 9 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
Night Life | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6 |
Walk friendly | 10 | 8 | 6 | 7 |
English friendly | 10 | 7 | 6 | 5 |
These area ratings are a simple, local comparison across the four factors shown above. They’re here to help you choose a base that fits how you like to travel. Use them as guidance, not rules. Note that “Resort Proximity” doesn’t mean “closest to the best resort for you.” See the Orija Ski Myoko Guide to pick the terrain that suits you.
Featured
Accommodation
Orija verified stays. Shortlisted for location, access and solid hosting. Some introductions may include a referral discount at no extra cost to you.
Akakura Onsen
Walkable village with the most restaurants, rentals and English support. Easiest no-car base and the best “I’m in Japan but it’s simple” vibe. Where to stay: small hotels/ryokan or lodges within a short walk of main street and the Onsen/Kanko base. Best for: solo travellers, couples, progression and mixed-ability groups who want food and lifts on foot.
Akakura Kanko
Quieter slopeside pocket with direct access to Kanko (stronger all-round terrain than Onsen). Fewer dinner spots on foot, more on-snow time and views. Where to stay: slopeside hotels or pensions near Kanko Hotel access road; single rooms are easier to find here. Best for: couples, advanced/intermediate riders who want cleaner laps and a calmer scene.
Ikenotaira
Older-Japan pension feel and mellow terrain next door. Calm nights, limited dining—many stays include dinner or shuttle you to eat. Where to stay: Japanese-run pensions or mid-size hotels near the base; check if they offer guest shuttles. Best for: families, progression weeks, anyone who wants quiet with easy pistes and a park option.
Suginosawa (Suginohara base)
Closest base for Japan’s longest groomers and top-to-bottom laps at Suginohara. Village is sparse: plan shuttles or a car for dinner variety. Where to stay: lodges/hotels by the Suginosawa base area; look for places with breakfasts and onsen access nearby. Best for: long-lap lovers, early-to-bed riders, and groups focused on Suginohara laps.
3 simple questions to help decide where to stay
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Do you want to walk to dinner and lifts, or are you happy with short drives or shuttles?
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What’s your riding focus this week: long laps at Suginohara, all-round terrain at Kanko, or a mix with storm-day trees?
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Room and recovery preferences: single room or twin, on-site onsen or public onsen nearby?
FAQs
What is the best area to stay in Myoko for first-timers
Akakura Onsen for walkability, food options and English support.
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Which area is best without a car
Akakura Onsen first. Akakura Kanko works too if your stay includes shuttles.
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Where should I stay for Suginohara
Suginosawa (Suginohara base) for first chairs and long top-to-bottom laps.
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Which area is the quietest
Ikenotaira for calm pension vibes; Akakura Kanko is quieter than Onsen; Seki Onsen is very quiet and intimate.
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Which area feels most local
Sekigawa, with year-round businesses and quick road access to multiple hills.
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Is Akakura Onsen only for beginners
No. It’s the most convenient base for services and dining. For stronger all-round terrain access, Akakura Kanko is a better fit.
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Do I need to be closest to the “best” resort
Not necessarily. Conditions change daily. Pick the area that fits your evenings and access, then use the Orija Resort Guide to choose terrain.
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Are single rooms available
Some properties offer them. Check room types or ask us; we can suggest options or match room shares.
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Is there an onsen
Many stays have one on site or a public onsen nearby. Check each listing.
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Should I rent a car
Optional. A car helps if you want to explore beyond your base. If not, use shuttles, taxis or simple transfers.
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How do I get there from Tokyo
Shinkansen from Tokyo or Ueno to Nagano, then the local line to Myoko-Kogen. About two hours on the trains plus a short transfer at Nagano.
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When is the best time to visit
January and February are the most consistent; March can still deliver great days.
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Is there nightlife
Akakura Onsen has the most bars and restaurants. Other areas are quieter.