About Myoko City
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Welcome to Myokokogen and Myoko City (Myoko-shi) - 'The Heart of Japan'. The city is located on the border of Nagano and Niigata Prefectures within easy reach of Tokyo (See: Locations and Directions). Dominated by the mountain for which it is named after it lays in beautiful mountain surroundings near Lake Nojiri (Norjiriko) and the historical entrance to the Echigo Plains.
The 'Snow Country' of Niigata is famous throughout Japan and has inspired countless writers, poets and artists. In 2005 the town of Myokokogen merged with Arai City and Myoko Village to form the new 'Myoko City'
Myokokogen in Myoko City, is 'twinned' to Zermatt in Switzerland, and is central to the nearby local mountain villages of Suginosawa, Akakura, Sekigawa, Tsubame Onsen, plus several others. This central location provides an excellent base for visiting the many attractions in the surrounding countryside (See: Location & Directions). The Myoko kogen area possesses the largest campground in Japan which can take up to 3,000 people!
There is also plenty of different types of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.
Most of Myoko Plateau has been designated as National Park territory and approximately 80% of the town area is covered in forest. Nature abounds here and, whatever the season, there are always plenty of things to do. See the attractions and activities page for some of these.
Winter skiing options in Myoko's powder snow are almost endless. Founded in the 1930's, Myoko is one of the oldest established ski areas in the world. With its rich history, you have the ideal holiday place to enjoy a total Japan ski resort experience. The Myoko Ski Area is made up of nine mountains: Myoko Akakura, Ikenotaira Onsen, Myoko Suginohara (which boasts the longest ski run in Japan), Seki Onsen, Kyukamura, Myoko Ski Park, APA resort Myoko Pine Valley, Madarao Kogen and Tangram Ski Circus, all with their own distinctive features. With great quality powder snow, high level bumps, refreshing long runs and a kid’s park for small children, the Myoko Ski Area has something for all skiers. See Skiing for more details. A number of famous alpine sports people have their origin or received their training in Myoko City. In January 2008 Seki Onsen was Japan's only resort represented in the Travel Channel's "Skiers World" series (Episode Five).
It's onsen (hot springs) are the place to unwind - Myoko Onsen, Akakura Onsen, Suginosawa Onsen, Ikenotaira Onsen, Tsubame Onsen, Seki Onsen, and more. And when the snow melts there are plenty of golf courses to choose from and mountain retreats away from the summer heat. You can also visit historical monuments, the excavation museum or the Ukiyoe museum. Looking for something to eat? There are more than forty restaurants scattered throughout the area serving a selection of Japanese and Western meals. Don’t miss the sasazushi (sushi on bamboo leaves), takenoko jiru (bamboo shoots and miso soup), local soba noodles or native mountain vegetables, as well as the sake (rice wine) and koshihikari rice that Niigata is famous for. l
Myoko is truly 'The heart of Japan' and a place for all four seasons.
Need a place to stay? Check out these establishments or more on our accommodation page |
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Hawk and Hare Inn - (Read a review here) B&B / Inn next to the Akakura Golf Club / tennis courts overseen by mine host, Mike Perrin. Includes a public bar, plus sporting activities and a falconry program. Free shuttle service to/from all local ski resorts, sightseeing spots and train station. Map to Hawk and Hare Inn |
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Soratobu Usagi Myoko - Situated in Suginosawa Myoko, this hotel is very close to the Myoko Suginohara ski area trails. Offers comfortable and affordable accommodation (equipped with a well-maintained kitchen), plus nearby hot springs. Map to Suginosawa |
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Canadian House - Western and Japanese style accommodation, English speaking host, along with bike and sports gear hire. Collection from Myokokogen Station station can be arranged. Map to Canadian House, Myoko-kogen |
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Pension Mont Cervin - The genial host Shikine-san is also director of the Myoko Kogen Visitor Center as well as a cerified mountain and trekking guide. Hence he would able to tell you a lot about this unique natural area as well as showing some of the most breathtaking views and scenery in the area. Map to Pension Mont Cervin |
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Akakura Kanko Hotel - Probably Myoko's most famous establishment. Perched high on the slopes of Shin-Akakura one can ski in and ski out. Map to Akakura Kanko Hotel |
Want to look up a local area within Myoko? Click here for the Diddlefinger map or check out the map below courtesy of the Japan National Tourist Organisation
Review: (Nichigo Press) At the foot of Niigata Prefecture's Mt Myoko is one of the oldest established ski areas in the world. Apart from its 13-metre annual snowfall and abundant ski areas, it's not hard to spot the appeal. The Myoko area, in the heart of Joshinetsu National Park, has a reputation for stunning beauty amid stark natural contrasts.
For those skiers seeking adventure, set foot on the exciting Suginohara slopes with their vertical drop of 1124m. Perhaps the intimate run through thick beech and aspen forests is preferred, a signature part of the Mt Myoko scenery. For those traveling with children, Myoko has a children's park and on-slope daycare facilities to make for a relaxing holiday. A guided tour through the forest introduces the visitor to a wide range of Japanese flora and fauna, including adorable tanuki raccoons. At the end of the day, the public or hotel hot springs await to relax and revitalize.
http://www.25today.com/jstyle/special/travel/issue04/index.html
