A view of the slopes from Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort, Myoko Kogen, Niigata

Myoko Kogen, Niigata: Deep Snow, Lower Entry Prices, and Rising Investor Interest

Published On: 8月 25, 2026

A definitive guide to Myoko Kogen – explore its deep powder snow, ski resorts, onsen villages, property prices, accessibility, and growing international investment appeal.

Myoko Kogen was previously a lesser-known mountain resort, but that is changing as the international snow sports market becomes more interested in the region. Investors are buying up hotels, lodges, and restaurants to meet the demand from foreign skiers. Meanwhile, major development projects are set to make Myoko Kogen even more appealing to overseas investors.

The local property market is still relatively inexpensive compared to other ski resort areas in Japan, although prices in sought-after regions are already beginning to climb. For example, land prices in Akakura jumped by 7.1% in 2026, the highest increase in Niigata Prefecture.

Area Overview

Myoko Kogen is a mountain resort area in Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture, near the border with Nagano Prefecture. It is located at the foot of the active volcano Mount Myoko. The area is not a ski resort itself but rather a group of resort communities and ski areas. Some of the most popular ones are Akakura, Ikenotaira, Suginosawa, and Shinakakura, while ski resorts such as Lotte Arai are also popular with local skiers.

The closest railway station is Myoko-Kogen Station at the Echigo Tokimeki Railway and Shinano Railway . To get to Myoko Kogen from Tokyo, you can take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Joetsu-Myoko Station and then take a local train or bus.

Access and Transportation

Destination / Area	Main Route	Approx. Travel Time
Joetsu-Myoko Station	Hokuriku Shinkansen	Approx. 2 hr from Tokyo
Tokyo	Hokuriku Shinkansen → Joetsu-Myoko	Approx. 2 hr
Nagano	Hokuriku Shinkansen → Myoko area	Approx. 45 min–1 hr
Myoko-Kogen Station	Local JR / Shinano Railway connections	Main local gateway
Akakura Onsen	Bus from Myoko-Kogen Station	Approx. 10–15 min
Ikenotaira	Local bus / car	Approx. 15–20 min
Suginosawa	Local bus / car	Approx. 20–30 min
Tokyo by car	Kan-Etsu / Joshin-Etsu Expressway	Approx. 3.5–4 hr

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization , you can reach Myoko from Tokyo by taking the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Joetsu-Myoko Station, a three-hour journey. Myoko Kogen is a great option for international skiers because it is conveniently located near Tokyo and Nagano. It is also accessible to skiers who want to take the Shinkansen from Niigata on the Sea of Japan coast.

Atmosphere and Vibe

Myoko Kogen is different from many of Japan’s more famous ski resort areas. The resort communities have a more traditional Japanese feel to them, with traditional ryokan, restaurants, and hot-spring baths, as well as shops and accommodations for skiers, found in places like Akakura Onsen. While the area is seeing an increase in international visitors, the traditional charm of Myoko Kogen is still present and appealing to many visitors.

Winter

In winter, Myoko Kogen is a snow-covered mountain village. Myoko Kogen is known for its heavy snowfall, which is caused by the region’s location on the leeward side of the Sea of Japan, and snow lovers will enjoy the deep powder found in the local ski resorts.

The mountain resort area has something for skiers of all levels, from beginners to advanced tree skiers.

The international skier community in Akakura, in particular, has helped fuel the local economy, as many visitors are willing to spend money on restaurants, ski rental shops, accommodations, and other services.

Beyond Winter

For non-skiers, Myoko Kogen has much to offer throughout the year.

The area is popular with hikers and nature lovers, as the mountainous terrain offers great opportunities for mountain biking, hiking trails, waterfalls, and hot-spring baths. The Naena Falls, Tsubame Onsen, and hiking trails are some of the region’s most popular attractions outside of the ski season. The hot-spring area of Tsubame Onsen is a great place to relax and unwind in a small mountain village.

While the summer season is much less developed than the winter season in Myoko Kogen, it can be a great opportunity for investors to provide services to skiers during the off-season. Properties that offer year-round activities or views may be a good choice for long-term investments in the region.

Tourist and Local Destinations

Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort

Myoko Suginohara is one of the most popular ski resorts in the area. The ski resort is known for its long trails and heavy snowfall, with skiers being able to enjoy the mountainous terrain going down into Suginosawa. The resort was purchased in 2023 by Singapore-based Patience Capital Group, as part of a larger investment in Myoko Kogen.

Akakura Onsen

The area of Akakura is at the center of Myoko Kogen’s international tourism scene. Akakura combines skiing and hot-spring baths, offering a traditional Japanese mountain resort experience to visitors. The village has many accommodations, restaurants, bars, shops, and hot-spring facilities, making it a great choice for both skiers and non-skiers. It is a popular area for real estate investment as it offers great views, amenities, and access to skiing.

Akakura Kanko Resort

Another popular ski area in Myoko Kogen is Akakura Kanko. It is easily accessible from the resort community of Akakura and offers the Akakura Kanko Sky Cable for panoramic views of the region. The Sky Cable in Akakura Kanko is a popular tourist attraction, as the cable car offers spectacular views of the mountains during the green season. It reaches a height of 1,300 meters above sea level and is a great summer activity.

Ikenotaira Onsen

The mountain village of Ikenotaira is located in the center of Myoko Kogen’s ski areas and is known for its skiing, hiking trails, hot-spring baths, and forested environment. It is a less developed area than Akakura, making it a popular choice for those seeking a traditional mountain village experience.

Tsubame Onsen

Tsubame Onsen is a small mountain village located on higher ground in the center of the region. The small village is known for its beautiful white waterfalls and hot-spring baths, making it one of the most picturesque destinations in Myoko Kogen.

Naena Falls

Naena Falls is one of the most popular attractions in Myoko Kogen. It is a beautiful waterfall that is especially impressive during the snow-melt season. It is a popular tourist destination and a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the region without having to do any hiking.

Livability

Living in Myoko Kogen is a great way to experience traditional Japanese mountain life. Supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, cafes, ski shops, and accommodations are available in all of the larger resort communities. Larger variety shops and more diverse dining options can be found in the nearby city of Joetsu. Healthcare and other services not found in the mountain resort communities can also be found in Joetsu.

Myoko Kogen’s proximity to Nagano and Joetsu makes it a convenient choice for skiers and residents who want to have access to more developed cities with a wider variety of services.

A Growing International Community

The international appeal of Myoko Kogen has been growing in recent years, as a large part of the local economy now depends on foreign visitors. Many international skiers choose to stay in the region’s resort communities, with Akakura being the most popular among them. Some overseas visitors are also choosing to make long-term investments in the local economy by purchasing local businesses such as accommodations, rental shops, and restaurants.

According to Reuters , foreign nationals have already bought several inns, ski rental shops, and restaurants in Akakura in 2025. This creates a unique opportunity for international property owners, as they will be able to enjoy the local amenities while also being surrounded by traditional Japanese culture.

A Quieter Alternative

Compared to Hakuba and Niseko, Myoko Kogen is still a relatively undiscovered ski resort area. While this may be seen as a disadvantage by some, it can be an advantage for those looking to enjoy a more traditional Japanese resort experience.

It is important to keep in mind that the local infrastructure is much more limited than in other ski resort areas in Japan. Restaurants and other tourism-related businesses are much more limited outside of the ski season and may only be available by appointment.

Real Estate: Rent and Property Information

Myoko Kogen’s real estate market is one of the most interesting aspects of the mountain resort area. For many years, the local property market has been known for its affordable prices, with many traditional lodges, empty shops, and other buildings available for purchase. International buyers could buy large properties in the region for a small price compared to other ski resort areas such as Niseko.

This has begun to change in recent years, however, as rising demand has led to increases in land and property prices.

Land Prices

According to 2026 land-price data, Myoko City’s average official land price was ¥19,904 per square meter, down 1.04% from the previous year. Myoko City’s residential land price was, on average, ¥16,548 per square meter.

It is important to note that these prices are much lower than the prices of land and property in Niseko or Hakuba, which are some of the most expensive ski resort areas in the world. However, it is also important to note that land prices can vary greatly depending on the area. Land prices around Myoko-Kogen Station averaged around ¥15,200 per square meter, with a price increase of 3.54%. In Akakura, commercial land prices jumped by 7.1%, the highest increase in Niigata Prefecture, driven by rising tourism and major developments.

Property Indicator	2026 Figure
Myoko City average land price	¥19,904/m²
Residential land average	¥16,548/m²
Myoko-Kogen Station area	¥15,200/m²
Station-area YoY change	+3.54%
Akakura commercial land YoY change	+7.1%

This is an important point to consider when looking to make an investment in Myoko Kogen. The price of a property can vary greatly depending on its location and proximity to local amenities.

Why Entry Prices Remain Attractive

Many properties in Myoko Kogen are traditional Japanese-style lodges that require significant investment before they can be used as a rental or a guesthouse. This creates an opportunity for international buyers to purchase a property at a lower price compared to other ski resort areas. In 2024, a foreign couple purchased a fully furnished lodge in Myoko Kogen for around ¥10,000,000.

It is important to keep in mind that this is a much lower price than many other properties in the region, although it is not the cheapest option available. Many properties in Myoko Kogen are traditional lodges that require significant renovation and maintenance.

The cheapest properties to buy are often located far from the local resort communities and require additional investment in snow removal, maintenance, and licensing.

Foreign Investment

One of the most important trends affecting the real estate market in Myoko Kogen is the growing interest from foreign investors.

Singapore-based Patience Capital Group has begun purchasing ski resorts and land in Myoko Kogen, with plans to open a major development project worth up to ¥200 billion. The development project is expected to include luxury accommodations and other facilities to meet the needs of international visitors. This will have a major impact on the local property market, as demand for real estate is expected to rise dramatically over the next several years.

At the same time, increased hotel capacity and tourism infrastructure will also have a major impact on the local property market. As more and more visitors choose to stay in the local resorts, other property owners may benefit from the rising demand for accommodations.

However, it is important to note that the rising prices, increasing competition, and changes to the local community are also a concern for some local residents, according to Reuters .

Rental Potential

In terms of the local rental market, winter is, of course, the most important season. Properties in the resort communities of Akakura Onsen are in particularly high demand, as they offer great views of the surrounding mountains, as well as being close to ski resorts, restaurants, bars, and hot-spring baths. Properties further away from the resort communities can also be a good choice, as they often provide more space for a similar price, although transportation may be a concern.

The local rental market is also seeing an increase in demand for summer activities, as hikers, bikers, and hot-spring bath visitors are looking for places to stay. While the local summer season cannot compete with the winter season in terms of visitor numbers, it is still an important source of income for many local property owners.

When considering the local rental market, it is important to take the time to research the local zoning and licensing laws before purchasing a property.

Interested in buying property in Japan's resort areas? PropertyAccess specializes in real estate across Japan's premier resort destinations. If you would like to explore available properties or discuss your options, book a private consultation using the link below.

🔗 Book a Free Consultation Session with Our Team 🔗

Other Information

Myoko Kogen is a unique mountain resort area that offers many of the advantages of Japan’s other ski resort regions such as Niseko or Hakuba, but with fewer complications. It has great snow conditions, ski resorts, hot-spring baths, mountain views, and international visitors. What it has lacked until recently is international investment and development.

However, this is beginning to change, as foreign visitors are choosing Myoko Kogen over other ski resort areas in Japan. Foreign buyers are purchasing local businesses such as restaurants and hotels, while major international investors are buying land and ski resorts in the region. At the same time, Myoko Kogen is still much less developed and much cheaper than many of Japan’s other ski resort areas, making it a great investment opportunity.

Foreign Ownership

Foreigners are legally allowed to purchase real estate in Japan, regardless of their immigration status. However, it is important to note that purchasing property does not grant you legal residency or work permits in Japan. For overseas investors, local property management is of particular importance in Myoko Kogen, due to the heavy snowfall in the region and the seasonal nature of the local economy.

Snow Management

The heavy snowfall in Myoko Kogen can be an advantage for skiers, but it can also be a disadvantage for property owners. You will need to take the following factors into consideration:

Roof reinforcement
Snow removal
Heating costs
Pipe freezing
Drainage
Winter access
Insurance
Building insulation

Many traditional properties in Myoko Kogen require significant reinforcement before they can be used as a rental or a guesthouse during the winter season.

Renovation

If you are considering buying a traditional lodge, you will need to take renovation costs into account. Before buying any property, it is a good idea to consult with local experts about building reinforcement, insulation, plumbing, electrical systems, fire safety, and snow management.

Short-Term Accommodation

If you are considering opening a lodge, hotel, or other short-term rental, it is important to learn about the local regulations before buying a property.

Myoko Kogen has become an increasingly popular destination for foreign visitors, and local experts have noticed a growing interest in short-term rental accommodations such as hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnbs. This has led to an increase in demand for properties in the region, as well as a rise in prices.

Final Thoughts

Many properties in Myoko Kogen can be purchased for a lower price than similar properties in Niseko or Hakuba, and the local economy has begun to change as more and more foreign visitors choose to spend their winters in Myoko Kogen. However, it is important to keep in mind that the local real estate market has begun to change, and the prices in sought-after areas such as Akakura are rising. What this means is that there is an opportunity for foreign investors to purchase properties at lower prices, but they will need to be aware of the rising demand in the local market.

While the prices in Myoko Kogen may still be lower than in other ski resort areas, the rising demand has also led to an increase in renovation and maintenance costs. This is especially true for older properties, many of which require significant reinforcement and renovation before they can be used as a rental or a guesthouse during the winter season. The local rental market is seasonal, with winter being the most important season, but the increasing popularity of hiking and hot-spring baths has led to a rise in demand for summer accommodations as well.

If you are looking for an investment in Japan’s ski resort property market, you should definitely consider Myoko Kogen. This mountain resort area has many advantages over other ski resort areas in Japan, and it offers great opportunities for both short-term and long-term investments.