Akakan Ski Resort Guide (Akakura Kanko)
Akakan Resort Ski Area (Shin-Akakura)
"This resort just blew us away. Without a doubt, Akakura became the whole teams most favourite resort in Japan."World Snowboard Guide
OverVIEW
First established in 1937, in recent years Myoko Akakura Kanko Resort Ski Area (a.k.a. Shin-Akakura) has merged with it's neighbour Akakura Champion Ski Resort and is now known as Akakan Ski Resort. These should not be confused with the neighbouring Akakura Onsen /Akakura Chuo/ Kumado ski resort areas (watch for the signs that clearly delineate the two areas). The official name is Akakura Kanko Resort Ski Area but all the locals usually refer to it as "Shin-Akakura". Lift tickets will cover both Akakura Kanko and Akakura Champion.
The first thing you will notice upon arrival is the dominance of the Akakura Kanko Resort and Spa - a large complex situated half way up the mountain. It was built in 1937 from a collaborative effort between Japanese and German interests, and making it Japan's first international standard mountain resort. There is more than one reason why some locals call it by the nickname “The Eagle’s Nest.”
The Akakura Kanko Ski Resort area provides a variety of runs for all levels of skiers, from beginners to experts as well as a kids park.The best runs are on Akakura Champion if you are intermediate or better, but with more than 13 metres of snow annually, you're guaranteed great skiing anywhere in this diverse ski area.
This large, snowy area consists of two main ski areas where you can enjoy a four 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, bumps, trees, terrain parks, or just plain cruising. At the foot of the resort is a small onsen resort area with a collection of restaurants, pension and shops. From the slopes 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 & Akakura Kanko in our ski forums.
Resort STATS:
Longest Run: 4,500 metres
Half Pipes: Yes
Terrain Parks:Yes
Back-country available: Yes - see MBSS at the office
Elevation: 1,500 metres
Vertical Drop: 760 metres
SKI RUNS:
Lifts: 1 gondola, 10 lifts
Trails: 10 (Beg:48% Int:37% Adv:15%)
Lift Tickets 2009/10:* |
Average Snow Depth |
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| One Day Ticket: | ¥3,900 | Dec | 80 cm |
| Two Day Ticket: | ¥7,400 | Jan | 180 cm |
| Three Day Ticket | ¥10,400 | Feb | 280 cm |
| Half Day Ticket: | ¥2,800 | Mar | 200 cm |
| Season Ticket | ¥50,000 | Apr | 180 cm |
| * Senior, family and/or coupon discounts may be available. | |||
| Resort Course Maps Here (English) (Japanese) | |||
| One skiers personal Akakura map and description here | |||
Akakura Kanko Resort Contact:
Phone: 0255-87-2503 | Website (EN) Website (JP)
English Speaking Ski SchoolS in AkakAN
English speaking ski school and rentals are available at the newly 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. MBSS in Akakan (Shin-Akakura) also offers both alpine and back-country ski experience.
Snowboard & Ski Rental 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:
Nearest station: Myoko Kogen
10 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 & AkakurA Kanko
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.
Access Map (English)
Akakura Live Web Cams
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Akakura Ski Video
Places to stay near Akakura Kanko Ski Resort:
Need a place to stay?
Check out these establishments below and many more at our Shin-Akakura (Akakan Resort) accommodation guide and map
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Canadian House A very popular Myoko pension that is #No. 2 booked option for Myoko accommodation. This establishment offers both western and Japanese style accommodation conveniently located close to Shin-Akakura Resort. There is an English speaking host, along with bike, ski and sports gear hire. Collection from Myokokogen Station can be arranged. Internet access available. |
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Hotel Moc, Shin-Akakura Fantastic location right opposite the Akakura Kanko (Akakan) Ski Resort. Twelve semi-Japanese and three Western style rooms. Hotel amenities include washer/dryer, internet access and a ski rental shop. Only ten minutes by car/taxi from Myokokogen station. A bus from the station is also available. Map to Hotel Moc Check Hotel Moc ratings at Trip Advisor |
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Windsor Hotel, Shin-Akakura, Myoko Kogen
The Windsor Hotel in Shin-Akakura offers superlative views and is only five minutes walk from the nearest ski slopes at Akakan Resort. Child care is available next to the hotel for children between 6 months and 2 years old (older children by negotiation - 1,000 yen per hour). A shuttle bus stops in front of the hotel providing easy access to other ski areas too. A Japanese-style izakaya (pub) is available for food and drinks + internet access Map to Windsor Hotel Read or leave a Hotel Windsor review |
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Pension Bonku A family friendly pension, only ten minutes by car from Myoko-kogen station. Map to Pension Bonku |
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Akakura Kanko Hotel - Probably Myoko's most famous establishment. Perched high on the slopes for which it is named after - Akakura Kanko - one can ski in and ski out. Map to Akakura Kanko Hotel | |
Click on the links for further details, prices and availability
