When are you open?
We open for the Japanese winter ski season which is usually mid-late December through to mid-March, depending on snow conditions. See our bookings page for dates and availability.

Getting here:

• From Haneda Airport: If you arrive in Haneda Airport, you'll need to transfer to Tokyo Station, which will require a transfer between lines, or you can just catch a taxi directly. The travel time either way is about 30 minutes. Once you arrive at Tokyo Station, catch a Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagano. There will be several routes offered, but the Hokuriku Line is the fastest. Your carriage, car and seat number will be listed on your ticket. Purchasing Shinkansen tickets from the automatic ticket booths is made easier by the English language option, or you can prebook here. Your carriage, car and seat number will be listed on your ticket.

• From Narita Airport: Catch the Express Train to Ueno Station (approximately 1 hour) and then a Shinkansen to Nagano. There will be several routes offered, but the Hokuriku Line is the fastest. Purchasing Shinkansen tickets from the automatic ticket booths is made easier by the English language option, or you can prebook here. Your carriage, car and seat number will be listed on your ticket.

 

Once at Nagano Station, you will need to purchase a new ticket for the local line and catch a train to Myoko (Myoko Kogen). The trip takes approximately 45 minutes and we will collect you from the train station when you arrive. Send us a message when you leave Nagano and we will be waiting for you.

 

One travel tip that we use to great advantage is Google Maps — type in your departure and destination, and details of train/bus lines, platforms, and departure times will be displayed. Japan’s electronic transport signage is also English-language friendly, and the train station staff are always happy to help.

 

Nagano Snow Shuttle offers a direct bus from Haneda or Narita Airport to Myoko Kogen if you prefer this option.

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Luggage:

If you don’t want to drag your luggage around, consider sending it directly from the airport to Juniya Myoko, or wherever you are staying in Tokyo. Offering same-day delivery (cut-off times apply) pack what you need in a small backpack and have Black Cat (Yamato Transport) do the rest. Black Cat can also arrange for your luggage to be collected at the lodge and sent to the airport for your return trip.

What is the snow like?
In a word, powdery. One might go so far as to say, Japow! Akakura is made up on two resorts—Akakura Onsen and Akakura Kanko. If you look at the trail map, Onsen is on the right hand side of the map when you are looking at it, and Kanko the left. Akakura Onsen consists of 50% beginner runs, 30% intermediate, and 20% advanced. Akakura Kanko consists of 40% beginner runs, 30% intermediate, and 30% advanced.  The snow can be variable year-to-year, but if you want to check out data from past seasons, the Akakura Kanko snow history can be found here, and Akakura Onsen snow history can be found here

Ski or snowboard hire?
There are several places to hire gear on the mountain, and they also take advance bookings online. Being in the heart of Akakura Village, Juniya Myoko is close to all of these rental places: Aoyama Sports, Joey's Myoko, and Myoko Snowsports.

How far is Juniya Myoko lodge from the nearest ski lift?

The lodge is at the base of the Akakura Onsen ski area, with the nearest lift being just around the corner, about 100m away.

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Can I use credit card or smart payments when in Akakura?
We recommend you bring cash, because a lot of places in Japan only accept physical currency. However, more and more places are accepting contactless forms of payment and we will keep this space updated as we know more. Akakura Village Post Office has an ATM but it is accessible only during opening hours. 

 

Wi-Fi and eSIMs

Wi-Fi is available free of charge while you are in the lodge, but you may also want an eSIM for when you are out and about. There are many options available, and we have been using Mobal data eSIMs successfully for several seasons, including when out on the slopes.
 
What about avalanches?
We've all seen avalanche footage on social media, and for those who stay on groomed runs, it is not so much of a concern. But, for those who want to venture into backcountry, it is essential that you are prepared. The Japan Avalanche Network has some great information on the best way to keep you safe without compromising your time in the snow. 

Do you offer tours?
Because we want to make sure you have the most amazing experience ever, we monitor the weather and snow conditions and offer group or private transfers/tours on days where the conditions will be the best at our neighbouring resorts of Nozawa Onsen and Madarao Kogen. This means you can't book in advance, but touch base just before you arrive and keep an eye on the tour board in our reception area, as our lovely staff are only too happy to assist. 

We also offer inbound half and full day touring on Akakura's slopes, and we recommend you booking these experiences early on in your stay to maximise your knowledge of all the courses the resort has to offer. Please book with reception.

 

Private transfers on set dates of your choosing can be booked in advance—send us an email or book with our reception staff when you arrive.

 

What else is there to do?

Japan is well known for its famous Snow Monkeys. Myoko Shuttle offer a daily bus to and from Akakura to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. More information here.

 

The nearby city of Nagano is also worth visiting if you like food and culture. You can either catch the train from Myokokogen Station to Nagano and explore on your own, or contact a tour company for guided options. The famous Zenkoji Temple can be reached by bus, train or taxi from Nagano Station.

 

Snowcat Japan offer Myoko backcountry snowmobile tours as well as backcountry access for skiing and snowboarding. More information here.

Do you have on-site parking?
Yes, but it is limited. Please let us know beforehand if you are arriving by car and we will reserve a place for you.

What about dietary requirements?
Juniya Myoko offers a complimentary continental breakfast with chef's choice of hot option and while we will do our absolute best to accommodate your dietary or allergy requests, please let us know in advance as sometimes it isn't easy to change the menus at short notice and we really want you to have a great start to the day.

What are dinner options?
Juniya Myoko is located right in the heart of Akakura Village and only a short walk to a variety of restaurants, bars and other street food. 

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*We are in no way affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned above in the external links and make no claims on their behalf. You will need to make any reservations directly with these businesses yourself.