How To Get To Myoko

So, you’ve booked your trip to Myoko Kogen. You are ready for the legendary chest-deep powder, the rustic hot springs, and the cozy izakayas. There’s just one final hurdle: getting there.

While Myoko feels wonderfully tucked away in the snowy mountains of Niigata Prefecture, it is actually incredibly accessible from Tokyo. Whether you want the lightning-fast efficiency of the Shinkansen (bullet train) or the hassle-free convenience of a direct ski shuttle, here is exactly how to get to Myoko Kogen.

Option 1: The Bullet Train (Fastest & Most Reliable)

Total Travel Time: ~2.5 to 3 hours from Tokyo Station.

Taking the train is the most popular, scenic, and reliable way to travel—especially in the dead of winter when heavy snow can cause highway traffic delays.

Step 1: Tokyo to Nagano Station via Shinkansen
From Tokyo Station (or Ueno Station), hop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen.

• The Train: You can take either the Kagayaki (fastest, all-reserved seating) or the Hakutaka (stops at a few more stations).
• Time: Approximately 80 to 100 minutes.
• Cost: Around ¥8,000–¥8,500. (This leg is fully covered if you are using a JR East Pass or the whole-country JR Pass).

Step 2: Nagano to Myoko-Kogen Station via Local Train
Once you arrive at Nagano Station, follow the signs to exit the Shinkansen gates and head over to the local train lines.

• The Train: Transfer to the Shinano Railway Kita-Shinano Line bound for Myoko-Kogen.
• Time: Exactly 45 minutes.
• Cost: Around ¥850. (Note: Because this is a private local railway, it is not covered by the standard JR Pass, so you will need to buy a separate ticket at the machine or use an IC card if compatible).

Step 3: Station to Your Resort
Myoko-Kogen Station is the main hub. From here, Akakura Onsen, Ikenotaira, and Suginohara are all about a 10-to-15-minute drive away. Most major hotels offer free guest pickups if you arrange it in advance. Otherwise, local buses and taxis are waiting right outside the exit.

Pro-Tip: Do not confuse Myoko-Kogen Station (the local stop closest to the ski hills) with Joetsu-Myoko Station (a different bullet train stop much further north, primarily used if you are heading to Lotte Arai Resort).

Option 2: Direct Airport Shuttle Bus (Most Convenient)

Total Travel Time: ~5 to 5.5 hours.

If you are traveling with heavy ski bags, families, or simply don’t want to navigate busy Tokyo train stations with luggage, the direct airport shuttle is a lifesaver.

During the peak winter ski season, companies like the Nagano Snow Shuttle operate direct buses straight from both Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) airports directly to the main bus stops in Myoko Kogen (usually dropping off at Akakura Onsen).

• Pros: Luggage goes underneath, zero transfers, you can sleep the entire way, and there are scheduled rest stops for snacks.
• Cons: It takes longer than the train, runs only a couple of times a day, and highway traffic can occasionally cause delays during heavy blizzards.
• Tip: You must book these seats well in advance online before your trip.