Myoko Kogen: Winter Wonderland

Myoko Kogen Onsen Village

The Myoko Kogen Onsen Village, also known as Myoko Nana-Go-San no Yu, consists of seven hot springs: Akakura, Shin-Akakura, Ikenotaira, Myoko, Suginozawa, Seki, and Tsubame. These hot springs originate from two main sources, the North and South Jigokudani valleys, and are renowned for their unique qualities and medicinal benefits. The hot springs offer various colors, including clear, milky white (Tsubame Onsen), reddish-brown (Seki Onsen), and black mud (part of Ikenotaira Onsen).

Akakura Onsen: Soak in a Hot Tub after a Day of Skiing or Snowboarding

Located at an altitude of about 800 meters, Akakura Onsen is the largest and most historic hot spring in the Myoko Kogen Onsen Village, established in the Edo period. Known for its skin-beautifying and wound-healing properties, Akakura Onsen has the highest water output in Niigata Prefecture, with 3,000 liters per minute. The hot spring is rich in calcium, magnesium, and sodium sulfate bicarbonate.

In Akakura Onsen, several hot spring hotels offer day-use facilities for visitors looking to enjoy the therapeutic waters without an overnight stay. These facilities provide a range of bathing experiences, from indoor to outdoor baths, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Akakura Onsen without the need for an overnight stay. Some notable options include:

  1. Akakura Hotel - Open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM with an outdoor bath. Admission is ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for children.
  2. Hotel Taiko - Available from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM, closed on weekdays. The fee is ¥1,100 for adults and ¥880 for children.
  3. Wakui Hotel - Open from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a fee of ¥600 for adults and ¥350 for children.
  4. Kogakuro - Open from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, closed in winter. Admission is ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for children.
  5. Taizan - Available from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, closed in winter. The cost is ¥600 for adults and ¥400 for children.
  6. Park Hotel - Open from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM with an entry fee of ¥500 for adults and ¥300 for children.

Shin-Akakura Onsen

Situated at approximately 700 meters, Shin-Akakura Onsen opened in 1923 and is surrounded by birch and larch forests. This elegant hot spring was developed as a resort area in 1929 and is known for its peaceful and stylish ambiance. The water has similar properties to Akakura Onsen, beneficial for wounds, rheumatism, skin diseases, and neuralgia.

Here are some hot springs in Shin-Akakura Onsen that offer day-use facilities:

  1. Hotel Taiko
    • Facilities: Indoor and outdoor baths with stunning mountain views.
    • Hours: Typically open from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM for day-use visitors.
  2. Akakura Kanko Hotel
    • Facilities: Luxurious indoor and outdoor hot springs.
    • Hours: Usually available from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM for non-staying guests.
  3. Myoko Kogen Hotel
    • Facilities: Indoor baths with natural hot spring water.
    • Hours: Open for day use from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
  4. Akakura Onsen Hotel
    • Facilities: Spacious indoor baths and serene outdoor baths.
    • Hours: Day-use available from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
  5. Hotel Silver Horn
    • Facilities: Cozy indoor baths with a relaxing atmosphere.
    • Hours: Open for day-use visitors from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

It's always a good idea to check with the hotels directly for the most current hours and availability.

Ikenotaira Onsen

At an altitude of around 750 meters, Ikenotaira Onsen opened in 1924 and features both clear and black mud hot springs. The clear simple sulfur springs and black mud springs, sourced from the South Jigokudani valley, are effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, and cold sensitivity.

Suginozawa Onsen

Located at about 700 meters, Suginozawa Onsen is the newest hot spring in the Myoko Kogen Onsen Village, established in 1997. Although there is no direct supply to accommodations, the public bath "Naena no Yu" offers a cleansing hot spring experience.

Myoko Onsen

Myoko Onsen, situated at approximately 550 meters, originated in 1912 as an extension of Akakura Onsen. The hot spring, sourced from the South Jigokudani valley, is known for its mild water properties that are gentle on the skin.

These hot spring hotels in Myoko Onsen offer day-use facilities:

  1. Tsubame Highland Lodge

    • Facilities: Natural hot spring baths with a serene atmosphere.
    • Hours: Open for day use from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
    • Details: Ideal for a quiet and peaceful hot spring experience.

  2. Hotel Senke

    • Facilities: Traditional indoor baths with natural hot spring water.
    • Hours: Usually available from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM for non-staying guests.
    • Details: Cozy and authentic Japanese onsen experience.

  3. Akakura Central Hotel

    • Facilities: Indoor baths with a classic onsen feel.
    • Hours: Open for day use from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
    • Details: Convenient location with easy access to the onsen town's amenities.

These options provide a range of experiences for day visitors looking to enjoy the rejuvenating hot springs of Myoko Onsen. It's recommended to check with the hotels directly for the most current hours and availability.

Tsubame Onsen

At the highest elevation of about 1,100 meters, Tsubame Onsen features a milky white bath known for its beauty-enhancing properties. Historically associated with Uesugi Kenshin, the spring contains three elements that promote skin health.

Seki Onsen

Located at around 900 meters, Seki Onsen is the oldest hot spring in the Myoko Kogen Onsen Village, discovered in 1729. Known for its reddish-brown water rich in iron, Seki Onsen is effective for cuts, burns, chronic skin diseases, and gynecological disorders.

Here are some hotels in Seki Onsen that offer day use of their hot spring facilities:

  1. Seki Onsen Seifuso

    • Details: Traditional ryokan with indoor and outdoor hot spring baths.
    • Day Use Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
    • Facilities: Indoor and outdoor hot spring baths.

  2. Seki Onsen Aipara

    • Details: Modern hotel with a variety of hot spring options.
    • Day Use Hours: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
    • Facilities: Indoor hot spring baths.

  3. Seki Onsen Kyukamura

    • Details: Resort hotel offering a range of hot spring experiences.
    • Day Use Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
    • Facilities: Indoor and outdoor hot spring baths.

  4. Seki Onsen Yuki-no-sato

    • Details: Cozy ryokan with scenic hot spring baths.
    • Day Use Hours: 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
    • Facilities: Indoor hot spring baths.
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Sightseeing and Activities

Seasonal Activities

Spring

Spring in Myoko is marked by the blooming of various flowers such as katakuri and mizubasho. The snowmelt creates a powerful and spectacular view of Naena Falls. The annual "Sougen Festival" in May celebrates the arrival of spring.

Summer

In summer, the lush greenery of Myoko offers a refreshing escape from the heat. The Sasa-ga-mine Plateau at 1,300 meters is ideal for leisurely walks and cattle grazing. Visitors can enjoy trekking, outdoor sports, and the pristine air of the highlands.

Autumn

Autumn brings vibrant foliage to Myoko, with the best viewing spots extending from late September to early November. The High Valley Pond, between Mount Myoko and Mount Hiuchi, was selected by CNN as one of Japan's 31 most beautiful places.

Winter

Winter transforms Myoko into a premier snow resort, featuring nine unique ski areas catering to all skill levels. Snowshoeing around Ikenotaira Onsen and Imori Pond offers scenic winter landscapes. After a day of snow activities, the hot springs in Myoko provide a relaxing retreat.

Outdoor Attractions and Activities

  • Golf Courses: Myoko offers several golf courses such as Akakura Golf Course, Myoko Country Club, and Apresort Joetsu Myoko.

  • Trekking and Mountain Climbing: Myoko and Hiuchi Mountains are popular for trekking, especially from mid-July to early August when alpine flowers are in bloom.

  • Cycling and Nature Tours: Rent an electric assist bike to explore Imori Pond, Naena Falls, and further afield to Sasa-ga-mine and Lake Nojiri. Nature tours and forest therapy programs are also available.

Whether visiting for the hot springs, seasonal scenery, or outdoor activities, Myoko offers diverse experiences throughout the year.

Access

Myoko Kogen is well-connected by both train and bus services, making it easily accessible from major urban areas in East and West Japan.

From Tokyo:

  1. Shinkansen and Local Train:

    • Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station (about 1.5 hours).
    • Transfer to the Shinano Railway Kita-Shinano Line or the Myoko Haneuma Line and get off at Myoko Kogen Station (about 40 minutes).

  2. Highway Bus:

    • Direct buses from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Myoko Kogen are available and take approximately 5 hours.

From Osaka:

  1. Shinkansen and Local Train:
    • Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Nagoya Station (about 1 hour).
    • Transfer to the Limited Express Shinano and travel to Nagano Station (about 3 hours).
    • From Nagano Station, take the Shinano Railway Kita-Shinano Line or the Myoko Haneuma Line to Myoko Kogen Station (about 40 minutes).

From Niigata:

  1. JR Limited Express Train:
    • Take the JR Joetsu Line from Niigata Station to Naoetsu Station (about 2 hours).
    • Transfer to the Echigo Tokimeki Railway Myoko Haneuma Line and travel to Myoko Kogen Station (about 25 minutes).

From Kanazawa:

  1. Shinkansen and Local Train:
    • Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Kanazawa Station to Nagano Station (about 1 hour).
    • Transfer to the Shinano Railway Kita-Shinano Line or the Myoko Haneuma Line and get off at Myoko Kogen Station (about 40 minutes).

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