Explore The Heart of Japan: One Day Tours

A special tour shuttle runs during the warmer summer months to some of the scenic tourist spots in Myoko. An all day pass is only 500 yen. See the Alpico site for further information on Myoko buses.

Perhaps you want to take some time off to explore or perhaps there are non-skiers in your party. Well, there’s plenty to do and see in and around Myoko Kogen. Keinan Bus Company is offering to be be your guide for a one day day trip to the Snow Monkeys and Zenkoji Temple in Nagano. They provide comfortable buses/coaches as well as reliable drivers experienced in deep-snow driving. All tours can be arranged for groups with a minimum number of two or more. Tours depart from the at the Akakura Kanko Resort Ski Area resort centre as well as the Akakura Post Office.

The Snow Monkey and Zenkoji Temple tour is available for 2010/11 ski season. Arrangements can be made through the Myoko Tourist Office or via email. The last two were tours available for visitors coming to Myoko Kogen for the 2008/09 season but are not available this season.

Myoko to the Snow Monkeys, Historic Obuse and Nagano City area:

Jigokudani Monkey Park, Obuse, Zenkoji Temple

8.5 hours/¥10,000
Available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays only - from December through February. A full-day excursion to Nagano City. The tour starts with a visit to the famous monkeys of Jigokudani, who soak away the winter months in their very own onsen. Lunch will be in the historic city of Obuse, home to several outstanding museums and a range of souvenir shops. The tour then travels to Zenkoji Temple, a huge complex of different temples representing many of the different Buddhist sects (and there’s lots of gift shopping available in the immediate area as well). All costs are included in fee.

Arrangements for any of the above can be made via your Myoko accommodation, through the Myoko Tourist Office or via email. Please reserve at least five days in advance, to ensure seating and arrangements. The bus leaves from the Akakura Bus Station at 9.15am and the Resort Centre of Akakura Kanko Ski Resort at 9.20am. It arrives back at 4.30pm

Itinerary: Akakura - Jigokudani Monkey Park - Obuse - Zenkoji Temple - Akakura

Download a brochure.

Self Guided Tour Suggestions

Myoko to Joetsu City:

Take a day trip to Joetsu, the major city down the road from Myoko toward the Japan Sea. Enjoy a kaitenzushi lunch—sushi on a revolving belt. Take a look at the source of that seafood, the Sea of Japan, and a trip to the fish market. Check out the scenic setting of Takada Park, with Takada Castle and its moat next. Need some shopping therapy? Check the Jusco/Wing Market shopping area.

Myoko to Tsubame Onsen:

A journey to a tiny hot springs village, perched high on the cliffs above Myoko Kogen. Ride up the winding roads that lead to this scenic location, then enjoy a relaxing, healing soak in one of the town’s onsen, or hot springs. Makes an ideal after-ski expedition—great for soaking away any sore muscles! Be sure to bring your own towel!). See picture

Myoko to Togakushi:

Togakushi is situated in the north of Nagano within the Joshinetsu National Park just 45 minutes drive from Myoko Kogen. This volcanic area has an altitude of 1,200m and is located at the foot of the two volcanoes, Togakushi and Iizuna. The village nestles amongst 900 year old cedars and is not only a beautiful place to visit but it's delicious soba noodles are also famous throughout Japan. Togakushi-jinja (Shrine) stands in the midst of a wood with cedar trees that are over a hundred years old, just at the foot of the precipice of Mt. Togakushi. It consists of three shrines - the lower shrine is Hoko-sha (Treasure of Light), the second Chu-sha (Middle Shrine) and the third Oku-sha (Deep Sanctuary). They were built at intervals of roughly two kilometres (see Togakushi Shrine map or Togakushi Google map)There is also a small reproduction ninja village and school (see below).

Myoko to Zenkoji Temple:

A visit to the Nagano area would not be complete without seeing the famous Zenkō-ji (善光寺) Temple in Nagano City, said to have been built in the early 7th century. It consists of 39 buildings including Dai-hongan and Dai-kanjin and is the main tourist spot in Nagano. Since the temple is not affiliated with any one particular sect of Buddhism Zenko-ji is open to everyone regardless of their belief, and it is believed that a visit there once in a lifetime will ensure a passage into the Land of Happiness. The temple has grown on the basis of this popular belief from ancient times and therefore been popular amongst a great variety of people throughout its history. Take the train to Nagano City then take the Dentetsu line train to Gondo or Zenkoji stations and walk about 10 minutes. Alternatively take a bus or walk.

More Myoko sightseeing options here