Myoko Kogen: Bars, Restaurants & Cafes

Myoko Kogen: Places to Eat and Drink

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!

The following information has been provided by various sources. 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.

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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)

Delica

Delica is a cosy and popular place for a few apres drinks. Enjoy the atmosphere and the wide range of drink choices. Karaoke available. (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. "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

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 (somewhat expensive) pizza and pasta dishes for lunch and dinner. An English menu is available. (Map)

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)

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Udon-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) 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 usually get out their taiko drums sometime 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. Review and photo courtesy of Rabid K9 (Map)