Ski Resorts in Niigata:Myoko

2022.02.01

Accommodations

So, you’re in the midst of planning your perfect snow holiday in Japan, and your home away from home is an essential component to get right, particularly when considering special desires, budgets, and experiences. Therefore, we have compiled an overview of what remarkable lodging options are on offer for all wishes and wants in the Myoko Kogen and Arai region.

With many excellent snow resorts to explore, each with a range of wonderful accommodations, the Myoko Kogen region is certainly an attractive and desirable area for snowsports enthusiasts and snow-hunting families and friends. The area is made up of six resorts, with Akakura Kanko and Akakura Onsen the focal point, and linked to Alpen Blick Resort (formerly Ikenotaira) and Myoko Suginohara by shuttle bus, with Seki Onsen accessible within easy driving distance. Lotte Arai Resort is another increasingly popular resort-style hotel located nearby. Other Myoko lodging choices are also available near the Myoko Kogen train station and in the surrounding Ikenotaira, Suginohara, Seki, and Lake Nojiri areas.

Akakura Village boasts a wide choice of lodging options, including opportunities on the slopes themselves with ski-in, ski-out access. Other accommodations are nestled within the vibrant town of Akakura, including luxury hotels, family-friendly lodges, Japanese-style ryokans, and budget range hostels to cater to all requests. In more recent times several accommodations have gone through renovations and added more western-style comforts, family-friendly rooms, and en-suites, combined with English speaking staff members, and most accommodations are able to arrange free transport to/from the local train station. All these factors combine to make Akakura a popular destination in Myoko for everyone including families, couples, and groups of friends.

Luxury Style

The first thing you will notice upon arrival to Akakura is the spectacular Akakura Kanko Hotel – a large resort and spa hotel complex situated halfway up the mountain, which was originally built for the Japanese royal family back in 1937. The hotel offers the ultimate ski-in, ski-out experience with magnificent panoramic views while allowing those who stay to feel invigorated by bathing in the natural hot springs. Guests have access to an on-site rental equipment shop and assistance to snowsports schools. With the blend of traditional Japanese charm and Western comforts, the hotel prides itself on its focus on exceptional guest experience and amenity quality.

Oyado Furuya is known for its stunning Japanese style and design, providing guests with a fantastic and luxurious experience of local culture whilst still providing modern comfort. The hotel is in the heart of the Akakura Onsen town amongst the lively restaurants and bars. Furuya has a unique on-site Japanese restaurant --a must-do for that authentic luxury dining experience. With direct access to rental options, international-snowsports schools, and the slopes, Furuya is certainly a popular choice.

Lotte Arai Resort celebrated its reopening in 2017 after extensive renovations. This hotel’s incredible setting, designed as a true luxury mountain resort, is one of the leading attractions within Niigata snowfields. The award-winning luxury boutique offers world-class facilities and features four lodges with an array of superior room choices catering to a variety of tastes. The hotel ticks all the boxes when it comes to the perfect snowsports holiday, with picturesque mountain views, a stunning spa, natural hot springs, cuisine-rich restaurants, extravagant bars, childcare, an international snowsports school, and high-quality rentals, all topped off with adrenaline-driven activities. Complemented by the epic fresh Japow, it’s safe to say Lotte Arai Resort is a terrific holiday destination for families and friends alike.

Family / Friends Style

Hotel Silverhorn, set at the base of majestic Mt.Myoko, is the perfect place for families, couples, and groups of friends looking for some western comforts and friendly, exceptional customer service. The hotel features refurbished high-quality rooms with courteous English-speaking staff and the onsite Zen Restaurant & Dining. They go above and beyond to ensure guests have the best possible experience, including a shuttle service to village restaurants, snowsports school, rental services, and the train station.

The Address Akakura boutique hotel provides stunning, recently refurbished apartment-style lodging in the hub of Akakura town. Each apartment has a kitchenette, en-suite bathroom, and western-style beds. The hotel features a traditional Japanese onsen and provides guests with shuttle services. Conveniently located next to an international snowsports school and rental shop, many guests take advantage of their proximity.

Looking for a true lodge style experience with exceptional hosts which cater wonderfully for families, couples and friends? Look no further than Myoko Mountain Lodge. Their shared lounge is ideal for relaxing
and reminiscing about snowy adventures with other guests, and acts as a space for the kids to make new friends. Cosy rooms are set up beautifully with Western style comforts in mind. Bathroom facilities are shared, however the lodge also has a Japanese-style bath (Ofuro) for winding down after a day on the slopes.

Refre Hotel offers contemporary, bright and roomy accommodations, suitable for every guest. The hotel is operated and maintained by a family with a welcoming atmosphere. Refre has both Western and Japanese-style rooms, all with the necessary conveniences. Its onsen is one of the greatest in the area and a must-visit after a day riding the nearby resorts. It is an exquisite base for experiencing the best of Akakura’s various attractions.

Japanese / Budget Style

Myoko Kogen hosts both traditional ryokan and minshuku accommodations as well as conventional hostels, with many older or abandoned properties recently being invested in, reopening many more choices for international guests.

The very popular Myoko Powder Hostel is conveniently located near to local restaurants bars and lifts. This lodge was restored and turned into an international hostel, offering a shared kitchen and common room, as well as a lounge with a fireplace and large screen projector. The breakfast bar and dining area have a beautiful view of the valley.

Akakura Akarien is a friendly bed & breakfast ski lodge in the heart of the Akakura Village. With a focus on comfort, style, and excellent customer service, you will feel right at home. The lodge has a variety of room configurations and a shared lounge, bathroom facilities, and an on-site bar. A perfect lodge to get to know fellow globe-trotting snow lovers.

Japow House is a delightful family-owned lodge with cosy clean rooms and an on-site bar with fabulous hosts, and it provides free shuttles to the slopes and complimentary breakfasts throughout the winter season. Senke Hotel, Hotel Takeda, Hunter Lodge, and Star Hotel fit into the more traditional and authentic Japanese lodgings, whilst Wakui Hotel has a variety of room types, including some with ensuites.

Overall, no matter if you are a first-time family catching the snow bug, die-hard friends riding the epic Japanese powder, or a couple looking for a romantic snow holiday, the Myoko Kogen region and Lotte Arai Resort will certainly have an accommodation style and budget to suit you.