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 one day day trips in and around the Myoko area. 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 2009/10 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 Sundays, Wednesdays 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.

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.

Myoko to Joetsu City (presently unavailable):

Sushi, Sea of Japan, Takada Castle and more....

Seven hours/¥5,000
Available December 3, 10, 17, 24, 30; January 7, 14, 22, 28; February 4, 12, 18, 24

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. The tour then takes a look at the source of that seafood, the Sea of Japan, and a trip to the fish market. The scenic setting of Takada Park, with Takada Castle and its moat next. Depending on time and interest, other destinations may be visited. A real trip into Japanese culture! Note: the kaitenzushi cost is not included in the tour fee. Please reserve at least five days in advance, to ensure seating and arrangements.

Itinerary: Myoko — Joetsu city (kaitenzushi, Japan Sea coast and fish market) - Takada Park and Castle — Myoko

Myoko to Tsubame Onsen (presently unavailable):

Three hours/¥2,500/Available daily, from December through February

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. This half-day trip makes an ideal after-ski expedition—great for soaking away any sore muscles! Please reserve at least three days in advance, to ensure seating and arrangements (and be sure to bring your own towel!). See picture

Itinerary: Myoko — Tsubame Onsen — Myoko area hotels

Arrangements for any of the above can be made through the Myoko Tourist Office or via email.