Frequently Asked Myoko Questions

Q. Are hotel bookings in English possible?

A. Apart from those listed in our accommodation pages, Stay in the Heart of Japan, generally no. If you can't find anything you like via our hotel pages it's best to ask a Japanese speaker to make a booking for you.

Q. Can you make bookings for us?

A. Not directly. However, bookings should be quite easy via one of the many links, as mentioned above, on our Myoko acccommodation page.

Q. Can I make a booking after I arrive?

A. Yes. If you arrive during office hours go to one of the tourist centres. They have all the information you need and can help you book a place to stay. Don't forget to bring your phrase book/dictionary though!

Q. What kind of accommodation is available?

A. All the way from budget inns, youth hostels or YMCA up to prestige resort hotels such as the Nojiriko El Bosco Hotel or Akakura Kanko Hotel.

Q. When is the best time to come?

A. It really depends on your interests. There is a distinct attractiveness to every season. Most foreign visitors come in the winter for skiing.

Q. How can I check on the weather there?

A. Click here for the latest forecasts or try our ski resort pages for three day resort conditions and snow depth.

Q. How can I get there and get around?

A. See our updated Myoko Access pages for all the information you need.

Q. Where can I get maps and information?

A. At our Myoko maps page or at one of the tourist centres listed. English maps may sometimes be available from some of the souvenir shops in the area. A resort map in English can be downloaded here. Our interactive area guide is here.

Q. Is there an internet cafe available?

A. No, but many of the local hotels are now providing in-house services. Check this wireless freespot map in Nagano and this wireless access map in Myoko. Free internet use can also be accessed at the following:

(1) At 'Myoko Messe' - the local community hall in Myokokogen. Walk straight up the main road from the station, past the bus depot on your right. About 200 metres up you will see a large hall which contains a library and computer terminals on the ground floor. Sign up at the desk to receive access. No wifi is available.

(2) At the City Library in Arai. It's about a ten minute walk from Arai station.

See also the discussion about internet access in our forum

Q. Can I find casual work in the resorts there?

A: Until very recently it was generally unlikely on any kind of transit visa. However, foreign workers reportedly began appearing in resorts during the 2008/09 season. If you can get a valid work permit, have some solid experience as an instructor or in hospitality, plus reasonable Japanese skills there is a much better chance. Also check out the job links listed on our forum.

Q. I am a journalist, reporter or blogger. Can I use information and/or photos off this site?

A. Usually, but permission must be sought re photos first and a link to our site included with the article. We are also available for interviews.

Q. I work for a tour company. Can we rip off all the information on your site and post it on ours?

A. No! We are sick of commercial operations looting our content. Please write your own original content or at least spend some money advertising or sponsoring us - remember, we are the number one ranked site for the area.

Q. Can we donate money for getting all the great info off this site?

A. Yes please (see right ;) ), or buy a book. A simple 'thank you' in reply for any help we provide is also nice.

If you have other questions please contact us and we will try to post the answers here. Please try not to inundate - we do have day jobs. You can also post questions on the Myoko Kogen forum.

Some sample forum discussions

Snow Parks in Myoko
School group info
Getting from Akakura to Seki Onsen
Myoko Lift Passes
Restaurants in the area
Myoko Kogen to Shiga Kogen
Thredbo v Suginohara