Myoko Kogen: Bars, Restaurants & Cafes
If you are looking for nightclubs and parties Myoko will probably not be your scene. Instead, it's all about the riding here in Myoko. Nonetheless after a day of getting in amongst the white stuff there are still quite a few traditional bars (izakaya) and restaurants in Myoko Kogen to relax with friends and meet the locals. Izakaya are a particularly popular place to drink, eat (serving a variety of tapas-style Japanese foods) and mingle. If not stated no English menu is available so, unless you just want to point, don't forget your Japanese phrasebook!
"I love the village at Akakura Onsen and have eaten out at a different place every night and each time the food has been sensational. I love Myoko!" Peejay

The following information has been provided by various sources (including some pictures from Powder Recon). If you'd like to add your review on any establishments please contact us via this page or the forum. We value your opinion.
You can also download this very helpful Myoko Kogen map (courtesy of the Myoko Kogen Tourist Office) to help you out.
Akakura Onsen (map)
The main area for nightlife in Myokokogen is definitely the village area of Akakura Onsen which is easily reached by shuttle bus in the early evening or by taxi later on. The area is popular with both locals and tourists alike (you'll have plenty of opportunities to meet both) with it's own unique hustle and bustle in the evening. There are numerous bars and restaurants closely packed together both on and just off the main street. The following establishments are only a small sample of what is on offer.
Chia
Ramen noodles are a standard Japanese staple for ski-in meals and after late night drinking sessions. Chia caters to this perfectly, being open from late afternoon to around midnight with a delicious range of ramen, side dishes and drinks. (Map)
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Gelato Okura
Gelato Okura is well known for it's delicious home-made gelato and ice cream as well as crepes. it also doubles as a gift shop. (Map)
Hoheto
Hoheto Izakaya serves up a large selection of the usual style bar snacks but also some specialities such as whole roast garlic bulb and yaki niku (grilled meats) as well as big frosty beers, plus traditional sake and shochu (try the chu-hai - soda and shochu in different flavours). Be careful of the local to-garashi - long hot chili peppers grilled on skewers. (Map)

Hunter
Hunter restaurant (upstairs) and karaoke bar (downstairs) is a popular and easy to find establishment just near the main t-junction in Akakura Onsen. The restaurant is open from early to late (including breakfast) and serves a range of Japanese meals as well as some western options. The karaoke bar downstairs opens in the evening with western songs available. Drinks and some izakaya style snacks available. (Map)
Kei
Kei is a funky izakaya with an eclectic and somewhat different menu. Try the Salmon Tower or Garlic Butter Prawns. "Highly recommend the Kei izakaya, tucked downstairs on the main corner of the village opposite the 'Joybox'. Small, cosy & extremely good food." (Map) Review and photo courtesy of Rabid K9
Love Bar (a.k.a. Shot Bar Love)
Love Bar is the only pseudo-nightclub in Myoko Kogen and holds parties throughout the season with live DJ's (Map)
Manari Indian Curry House
Manari was recommended by Snow-search Japan as a good place for cheap eats (set meals with rice and a drink start from as low as ¥1000) and is open for both lunch and dinner. There is a range of different style curries available. (Map)
Parfait Crepe
The often long line ups at the two Parfait Crepe shops on the main street are testament to how good these things are, particularly when one needs a sugar hit after a hard day on the slopes. (Map 1, Map 2)

Pomodoro
The Japanese 'do' Italian food well and Pomodoro is no exception, serving a delicious range of pizza and pasta dishes for lunch and dinner. Prices range from reasonable to a little expensive. An English menu is available. (Map)

Restaurant Drane
Western style restaurant located close to Hotel Mumon (Map)
Sennin
Sennin Izakaya is a friendly hole in the wall bar tucked down off the main drag of Akakura. There is a small range of food listed on an English menu and friendly staff.
Shibata
Shibata is a more traditional Japanese style restaurant that is opens each evening for dinner. One speciality is their yaki-niku (grilled thin meats). An English menu is available. (Map)
Shinsetsuya
Shinsetsuya is located right next to the Kumado lifts. Shinsetsu-ya is a funky style bar serving a variety of Japanese food and drink that is somewhat different to your usual izakaya fare. Mine host Ken is a friendly host who makes sure everyone is welcome and satisfied. If you’re not sure what to order ask for iro iro and ken will supply a potpourri of tasty snacks. (Map)
Shokudo Koyama and Shokudo Miyoshiya
Shokudo Koyama is located at street level on the corner of the Akakura t-junction above Hoheto and Kei. This izakaya style restaurant has a big menu of great Japanese food and drinks at very reasonable prices (map) whilst Shokudo Miyoshiya is another Japanese-style restaurant imediately adjacent (map).
Spur
Japanese style restaurant and bar (izakaya). (Map)
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U
don-no-Fu
Udon noodles are thick wheat noodles best served in a hot broth and Udon no Fu is a great litle place on the main street (right under Pomodoro - see steps down in picture above) to try them out. Don't forget to check out their special 'Alps Udon' - udon noodles covered with cheese. (Map)
Wood Bar
A small cosy bar for chilling out in the evenings with a few drinks. (Map)
Yasuragitei
Yasuragitei is open for lunch and late into the evening for dinner and/or drinks. Offers a wide range of Japanese food and noodles. English menu available. (Map)
Add your own review on the forum. For more bars, restaurants and cafes in Akakura Onsen see this map.
Akakura Kanko (Map)
Castle Bar at the Windsor Hotel
A great little bar and restaurant opposite the Akakura Golf Club with izakaya style foods. The owners will sometimes get out their taiko drums in the evening. Review: "...the place also doubles as a bit of a hangout for the small contingent of young Aussie crew living & working seasons in Myoko. At first, I was a bit dubious but they were great crew, helpful, humble & justifiably stoked on Myoko." English menu available with native English speakers working the bar. Review and photo courtesy of Rabid K9 (Map)
If you're looking for something special Akakura Kanko Hotel has some very upmarket and expensive restaurants. Sorbier offers French a la carte modern creations, whilst Shirakaba provides modern Japanese cuisine. Café Terrace is more casual and suitable for lunch with great pastries, sandwiches and views. (Map)
Pontaro is a Japanese style pub (izakaya) with food and drink (map) whilst Don Don Tei is a teppanyaki restaurant (map). No English spoken or English menu.
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For more bars, restaurants and pubs in Akakura Kanko see this map.
Ikenotaira Onsen (Map)
Myokokogen Tatra Kan is a European style beer hall found just down the hill from the Hotel Alpenblick. It seats 400 and aims for the feel of a Swiss ski lodge, replete with international flags and "Swiss feel" beer steins on sale. The house's three brews come in cheery, plump, wine jug-shaped bottles. Their special brews are Weizen, Dark Lager and Pilsener. It offers a delicious buffet for a reasonable ¥2,800 p.p. (not inc. drinks) but only ¥1,800 if you flash your lift ticket. Food selections include grilled lamb and seafood, sushi, tempura, boiled crab, pizza, dim sum and more. Add just ¥1,500 to that and help yourself to all the Myoko Kogen beer you want. Light drinkers will like the three-beer sampler for just ¥600, or beer by the glass for ¥500. For more information on Myokokogen Beer see here
Serving hours are from 5:30 to 9 p.m., weekends and holidays. The meal is included in your tariff if staying at the hotel. No English spoken or English menu. (Map)
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For more bars, restaurants and pubs in Ikenotaira Onsen see this map.
Myoko Suginohara (Map)
Sora Tobu Usagi offers a set evening meal at a reasonable price. Also a small bar available for some quiet drinks. Review: "..the hot spot" Courtesy of Qantas Travel Insider. No English spoken or English menu. (Map)
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Seki Onsen (Map)
Coming soon!
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Myokokogen (town area) (Map)
Yamagishi is traditional style Japanese restaurant with a variety of izakaya-style foods such as yakitori (griled meat on skewers). It's speciality is various types of okonomiyaki (a Japanese cross between an omelette and a pizza) which you cook on the hot plate in front of you. Yamagishi can be found not far from the Myokokogen Hospital or Post Office. Also try the chu-hai in lime, lemon or grapefruit - a potent mix of soda and shochu (a grain based distillate). Yamagishi is always busy so always try to make a booking and don't be offended if they can't fit in a group. No English spoken or English menu. (Map)

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Madarao Kogen (Map)
Coming soon!
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