Season ended · next season typically starts December
Myoko Suginohara
Japan's longest run at 8.5km and a summit reaching 1,855m. Big mountain views, deep Myoko powder, and kids under 12 ski free.
My recommendation
Suginohara has one of Japan's longest runs at 8.5km — and it's mellow enough that intermediate riders can enjoy the whole thing. The views of Lake Nojiri from up top are stunning. Currently no big hotels nearby so you'll need a car, but kids up to elementary school age ride the lifts for free, which is a nice bonus for families.
TakFounder · Japow GuidesAbout 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.
Location & Access
By Car
Tokyo→Kanetsu Expressway→Joshinetsu Expressway→Myoko Kogen IC→Route18→Myoko Suginohara (3hr30min)
Parking
2,500 spaces
By Train
Tokyo Station → Joetsu-Myoko Station (~1h50, Hokuriku Shinkansen) → Myoko Haneuma Line to Myoko-Kogen (~35–50 min) → local shuttle/bus (~25–35 min) → Suginohara.
Suginohara, Myoko, Niigata, Japan
Terrain & Slopes
16
Courses
5
Lifts
incl. 1 gondola
8.5km
Longest run
Beginner45%
Intermediate35%
Advanced20%
Grooming70% groomed · 30% non-groomed
Snowboard ParkAvailable
Back CountryAvailable
Tickets & Pricing
Current Prices2025–26 season prices, for reference
1-Day Lift TicketAdult8,000 yen
1-Day Lift TicketChildfree under 12 years old
1-Day Lift TicketSenior7,400 yen
Lessons
Lesson in Japanese JA
Ski Lesson : from 4,800 yen
Snowboard Lesson : from 4,800 yen
Why You'll Love Myoko Suginohara
One of Japan's longest runs at 8.5km — and it's not intimidating
A mellow, scenic top-to-bottom cruise for intermediates
The signature 8.5km course from summit to base is long, scenic, and mellow enough for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. You don't need to be an expert to enjoy it — just take your time and soak in the views. About 80% of the resort's terrain is beginner or intermediate, so the overall vibe is relaxed and uncrowded.
Lake Nojiri views and Myoko's deep powder
1,855m summit with panoramic views and 13m annual snowfall
From the upper slopes you get a clear view of Lake Nojiri — one of the best panoramas in the Myoko area. The resort reaches 1,855m at the summit, which means the snow quality up top is excellent. Myoko as a whole averages 13m of snowfall, and Suginohara gets its share.
Kids ski free — but bring a car
Prince Hotels operation with free kids' lifts, but no nearby accommodation
Prince Hotels operates Suginohara, and their policy lets elementary school kids and younger ride the lifts for free — a genuine cost saver for families. The catch: there are currently no large hotels within walking distance of the resort, so you'll need to drive in. Base yourself in Akakura village (about 15 minutes away) and make day trips.
Travel Tips
🚌 Getting There
Tokyo Station → Joetsu-Myoko Station (~1h50, Hokuriku Shinkansen) → Myoko Haneuma Line to Myoko-Kogen (~35–50 min) → local shuttle/bus (~25–35 min) → 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: 5,500 yen/day • Snowboard set: 5,500 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
Season has ended. Live snow and weather info will return in December.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Myoko Suginohara
Suginohara is known for one of Japan’s longest runs (~8km+) and big vertical with scenic gondola-access laps.
From Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Joetsu-Myoko, then bus/taxi to the resort.
January–February for cold snow; March is great for long groomer cruising.
English lessons are available via local schools and hotels; advance reservations recommended.
Rentals, restaurants, lockers at bases; plan early starts for the longest top-to-bottom laps.
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TakFounder · Japow GuidesI'm a Tokyo-based snowboarder and father of two, with over 20 years on Japan's slopes. Resorts I have personally visited are marked “Visited” and include my first-hand notes. The other resorts are summarized from public ski-area data and local reviews. I add my own notes over time.