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Myoko Suginohara
Myoko Suginohara, part of the historic Myoko Kogen area, is renowned for Japan’s longest ski runs—including an 8.5km course—and high elevations reaching 1,855m. With abundant snowfall, diverse terrain, and easy access from Tokyo, it’s a classic destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Last Updated: November 3, 2025 by Tak
Currently Closed
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Base Depth
0cm
Fresh Snow
9°C
Temperature
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Powder Quality
9.0
Legendary Japanese powder
Terrain Variety
7.0
Diverse slopes & terrain
Family Friendly
6.0
Perfect for all ages
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About the Resort
Myoko Suginohara is one of the nine main ski resorts in the larger Myoko Kogen area of Niigata Prefecture, Japan.
- The resort is famous for some of Japan's longest ski runs, with its longest course stretching 8.5 kilometers. This run is mellow and picturesque, ideal for most skiers and snowboarders.
- Suginohara reaches a high maximum elevation of 1855 meters, surpassing both Hakuba Happo One and Nozawa Onsen.
- The broader Myoko Kogen area, including Suginohara, is one of Japan's oldest ski areas. It features three distinct resorts: Myoko Akakura, Myoko Suginohara, and Ikenotaira Onsen.
- Myoko Kogen has approximately 40 lifts across all its resorts.
- The region enjoys an impressive average annual snowfall of 13 meters.
- Myoko Kogen offers diverse terrain: 42% beginner slopes, 41% intermediate, and 17% advanced.
- From central Tokyo, you can reach the Myoko region in about 1.5 hours by shinkansen to Nagano, followed by shuttle buses or local trains. The total journey from Narita Airport takes approximately 4.5 hours.
- Most accommodation is centered in Akakura village, which serves as the central hub for the interconnected resorts.
Why You'll Love Myoko Suginohara
One of Japan’s Longest Runs – 5,000m+
A thrilling downhill experience that your legs will thank you for
Myoko Suginohara’s signature is its massive 8.5 km top-to-bottom run. The panoramic course offers a truly satisfying cruise, with breathtaking scenery along the way. For those with strong legs, tackling it non-stop delivers an unmatched sense of speed and flow.
Abundant Powder Snow
Premium snow quality born from Japan Sea snow clouds.
The Myoko area is famous as one of Japan’s snowiest regions, where moist snow clouds from the Sea of Japan collide with the mountains to deliver huge dumps of snow. Suginohara enjoys consistently deep natural snow throughout the season, attracting powder hunters after every fresh snowfall.
Diverse Terrain for All Levels
From wide gentle slopes to steep challenges
Beginners can enjoy the spacious gentle runs in the Suginohara Zone, while intermediates and experts can test themselves on steep and ungroomed terrain in the Mitahara Zone. With this balanced course design, families, cruisers, and thrill-seekers alike can all find their perfect run.
Excellent Access – Just 5 Minutes from the IC
Convenient for both Tokyo and Kansai travelers
Located only about 5 minutes by car from the Myoko-Kogen IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway, Suginohara is easy to reach. Visitors from Tokyo can take the Hokuriku Shinkansen and transfer to a short bus ride, while those from Kansai can also come via train or car. This convenient access makes it ideal for weekend trips and even day visits.
Snow History
Plan Your Visit
Ticket Information
Operating Season
December 20 - March 31
Weather dependent
Operating Hours
Lifts: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Night Skiing: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Weekends)
Current Prices
1-Day Lift Ticket (Adult)8,000 yen
1-Day Lift Ticket (Child)free under 12 years old
1-Day Lift Ticket (Senior)7,400 yen
Access Information
Location
By Car
Tokyo→Kanetsu Expressway→Joshinetsu Expressway→Joetsu-Myoko IC→Myoko Suginohara (3hr)
Parking
2,500 spaces
By Train
Tokyo Station→Joetsu-Myoko Station(2hr)→Bus(20min)→Myoko Suginohara
Lessons
Lesson in Japanese
Ski Lesson : from 4,800 yen
Snowboard Lesson : from 4,800 yen
Travel Tips
🚌 Getting There
Tokyo Station→Joetsu-Myoko Station(2hr)→Bus(20min)→Myoko Suginohara
Shuttle runs every 30 minutes during peak season
🎿 Equipment Rental
Full rental sets available on-site. Reserve in advance during peak season.
Ski set: ¥5,200 yen/day • Snowboard set: ¥5,200 yen/day
💳 Payment Methods
Credit cards accepted at ticket counters and restaurants.
Cash preferred at some smaller vendors
🌨️ Best Time to Visit
January to February for the best powder conditions.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends
Terrain
Course Map
Course Map
TERRAIN INFORMATION
Level Guide
Beginner
30%Intermediate
40%Advanced
30%Grooming Status
Groomed
70%Non-groomed
30%Facilities
Snowboard Park
Available
Back Country
Available
Resort Statistics
Gondola
1
unitsLifts
5
unitsCourses
16
coursesLongest Run
8.5km
TERRAIN INFORMATION
Level Guide
Beginner
30%Intermediate
40%Advanced
30%Grooming Status
Groomed
70%Non-groomed
30%Facilities
Snowboard Park
Available
Back Country
Available
Resort Statistics
Gondola
1
unitsLifts
5
unitsCourses
16
coursesLongest Run
8.5km
Photo Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about skiing at Myoko Suginohara
What is special about Suginohara?
Suginohara is known for one of Japan’s longest runs (~8km+) and big vertical with scenic gondola-access laps.
How do I reach it from Tokyo?
From Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Joetsu-Myoko, then bus/taxi to the resort.
Best months to ski?
January–February for cold snow; March is great for long groomer cruising.
Are there English lessons?
English lessons are available via local schools and hotels; advance reservations recommended.
What facilities are on-site?
Rentals, restaurants, lockers at bases; plan early starts for the longest top-to-bottom laps.
For more general questions (about money, culture, transport, etc.), please see our main Japan Skiing FAQ page.
View Main FAQ
About Tak
I'm a Tokyo-based snowboarder with more than 20 years on the slopes. As a father of two, I enjoy riding natural terrain and side hits, and I'm passionate about helping international visitors discover the best of Japan's ski resorts. Off the slopes, I love family time, dogs, and soaking in Japanese onsen.
