Myoko Kogen Ski Resorts Guide
Myoko Akakura Onsen Ski Resort
"This resort just blew us away. Without a doubt, Akakura became the whole teams most favourite resort in Japan." World Snowboard Guide
OverVIEW
Following recent mergers Myoko Akakura Onsen Snow Area (赤倉温泉スキー場) now covers a number of formerly independent resort areas, the best known being Akakura Onsen, Kumado, and Akakura Chuo as well as a couple of other small areas such as Yodel. These should not be confused with the neighbouring Akakura Kanko /Akakura Champion resort area. Watch for the signs that clearly delineate the two areas.
Akakura Onsen Ski Resort provides a variety of runs for all levels of skiers, from beginners to experts. It is a huge resort with so many lifts and runs that it never seemed that crowded, even on a weekend, and lines are usually short or even non-existent. With more than 13 metres of snow annually, you're guaranteed great skiing at this diverse ski area. You can enjoy a 4 kilometre run from the top of the hill at 1,500-metre-plus. Or you can do whatever else fits your skills and interests: powder skiing, moguls, terrain parks, hit the trees or just fun family cruising. Pole races are held in February and March, with entry available to anyone.
There is a nice selection of restaurants scattered over the mountain. At the foot of the mountain is an onsen spa town where steam and the scent of hot springs fill the air - the perfect place to enjoy a traditional Japan apres experience. Below the resort a grand panorama spreads out, offering beautiful views of Lake Nojiri and, in the distance, the Sea of Japan.
Update this information or discuss Akakura Onsen in our ski forums.
Resort STATS:
Longest Run: 4,500 metres
Half Pipes: Yes
Terrain Parks: Two (as follows)
Kumado Panorama Course: kicker, table top, rail box, straight rail
Maeyama 4 Course: Freeride park - SBX course, kicker, table top, rail box, straight rail
Cross-country available: Unknown
Child Care / Ski School: Yes
Elevation: 1,500 metres
Vertical Drop: 760 metres
SKI RUNS:
Lifts: 38
Trails: 36 (Beg:48% Int:37% Adv:15%)
Lift Tickets 2011/12:* |
Average Snow Depth |
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| One Day Ticket: | ¥3,900 | Dec | 40 cm |
| Family Ticket (A): 1 ad + 1 ch | ¥5,200 | Jan | 180 cm |
| Family Ticket (B): 2 ad + 1 ch | ¥8,400 | Feb | 250 cm |
| Family Ticket (C): 2 ad + 2 ch | ¥10,000 | Mar | 200 cm |
| Half Day Ticket: | ¥2,500 | Apr | 150 cm |
| Night (Kumado): | ¥2,000 | ||
| Season | ¥40,000 | ||
| Joint Akakura Snow Area Pass - 1D | ¥4,800 | ||
| Joint Akakura Snow Area Pass - 2D | ¥9,000 | ||
| Resort Course Maps Here (English) (Japanese) (.pdf) | |||
| Akakura ski lift discount coupons here | |||
| One skiers personal Akakura map and description here | |||
| * Prices may be subject to change. Further senior, family, child and/or early/late season discounts may also be available. (Translated page) | |||
Akakura Onsen Resort Contact:
Phone: 0255-87-2125 | Website (Japanese)
ACCESS:
Nearest station: Myoko Kogen
15-20 minutes by taxi from Myoko Kogen Station on the JR Joetsu Honsen line.
Free shuttle buses run between Myoko Akakura Snow Area, Ikenotaira Onsen Ski Resort and Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort.
Tokyo Ski Buses to Akakura Onsen
Between December and April Travex runs a ski bus service direct from Tokyo Station or Ikebukero to the following ski resort areas - Suginohara, Ikenotaira and Akakura.
Ski Bus Club also runs both night and day bus services between Tokyo Station, Shinjuku and Ikebukero to Myoko Kogen, Suginohara, Ikenotaira and Akakura Onsen.
The cost for both services is 4,000 yen one way or 7,500 yen return.
English Ski School instruction in Akakura Onsen, Myoko
English speaking ski school and rentals are available at the recently established Myoko Snowsports in Akakura Champion. Ski lessons (in English) and ski rentals are also available from the Yodel Snow School in Akakura, Myoko Kogen. They also offer snow shoe, junior race training and kids programs. Bookings can be made online. Dancing Snow in Akakan (Shin-Akakura) also offers both alpine and back-country ski experience.
Snowboard & Ski Rental/Purchase in Akakura
There are numerous ski rentals shops such as Myoko Snowsports in Akakura Champion, Aoyama Sports in Akakura (online reservations available) or Yodel Ski School, also in Akakura Onsen. Many of the hotels also have ski rentals on-site such as Canadian House in Myoko Kogen.
Access Map (Japanese)
Akakura Live Web Cam
Akakura Onsen Ski Video
Places to stay near Akakura Onsen Ski Resort:
Need a place to stay?
Check out these establishments below and many more at our Akakura Onsen accommodation guide and hotel map
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Pension Mont Cervin is an affordable and popular pension that is our #No. 1 booked option for Myoko accommodation. The genial host, Shikine-san, is also director of the Myoko Kogen Visitor Center as well as a certified mountain and trekking guide. Hence he is able to show guests some of the most breathtaking views and scenery in the area via snowshoe tours. | |
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Akakura Central Hotel is just a one minute walk from Akakura Onsen and Akakura Kanko Ski Resorts and guests can ski-in/out to the Akakura Onsen Ski Area. The Japanese rooms have a satellite TV and full Western-style bathroom. | |
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Akakura Hotel - A well known Akakura ski hotel (see hotel map) in the very heart of Akakura Ski Village with only a four minute walk to the lifts. Refreshing 100% natural hot springs (Uen-no-yu) equipped with an open-air bath, sauna and jacuzzi | |
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Kogakuro Ryokan has friendly English speaking staff who understand the needs of international visitors. It is well located (see hotel map) in Akakura Village near the base of the Akakura Onsen ski and snowboard resort in Myoko Kogen. | |
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Akakura Hotel Korakuso - The wood-constructed Korakuso Hotel resembles a classic resort style mountain villa with a stylish and classical atmosphere. Guests find it easy to relax and enjoy the view of the Myoko mountain ranges. | |
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The Akakura Star Hotel is only a 5-minute walk to Akakura Onsen Ski Resort. It offers a hot-spring bath, Japanese meals and free parking. Guests can stay in Western beds, or try out Japan’s traditional futon bedding. | |
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Akakura Resort Hotel Alp is a ski-in/out hotel in Akakura Onsen Ski Area providing a choice of either Japanese and Western style rooms. Natural hot spring and sauna to finish off a day on the slopes or hiking. Read reviews on Akakura Resort Hotel Alp | |
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Tsubame Highland Hotel has both Japanese and Western style accommodation available and is surrounded by deep forests and beautiful high mountains of Myoko. It is the perfect place not only for for relaxing, but also hiking, trekking and skiing. | |
Other Akakura Hotels |
Akakura Annex (soon) |
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More Akakura hotels soon! |
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Click on the links for further details, prices and availability
