Getting to Myoko Akakura in Winter
Quick answer
By train: take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano (about 1 hr 20 min), then change to the Shinano Railway for Myoko-Kogen Station (about 45 min). From the station it is about 10 minutes to the house by taxi.
By car in winter (about late November to March), a 4WD with winter (studless) tyres is required. A 2WD will not make it up the hills — not even an SUV, and not even with chains.
Routes from Tokyo, Narita and Haneda
| Train (via Nagano) | Tokyo Station → (Hokuriku Shinkansen, about 1 hr 20 min) → Nagano Station → (Shinano Railway Kita-Shinano Line, about 45 min) → Myoko-Kogen Station. About 2.5–3 hours in total |
|---|---|
| From Narita Airport | Narita Express to Tokyo Station (about 1 hour), then the train route above |
| From Haneda Airport | About 30 minutes by train to Tokyo Station, then the train route above |
| Myoko-Kogen Station to the house | Taxi about 10 min / local bus (Myoko City community bus, Akakura line) about 20 min. No station pick-up |
| By car (from Tokyo) | Kan-Etsu Expressway → Fujioka JCT → Joshin-Etsu Expressway → Myoko-Kogen IC → about 10 min on local roads. About 3.5–4 hours (without traffic) |
| Car hire | Hire near Joetsumyoko Station or Nagano Station. In winter, request a 4WD with studless winter tyres |
※The Japan Rail Pass covers the Shinkansen to Nagano, but the Shinano Railway is not a JR line, so a separate ticket is needed.
Do I really need a 4WD in winter?
Yes, it is essential. The hamlets where our houses are located sit on steep hills, and in winter cars often skid or slide into roadside ditches.
- 2WD vehicles (front- or rear-wheel drive) cannot be used. This applies even to SUVs and other high-clearance cars. On snowy hills, what matters is whether all four wheels are driven, not ground clearance.
- A 2WD fitted with tyre chains is not allowed either. They help you get moving, but not enough to climb steep hills or to stop safely on the way down.
- Every guest who has arrived in a 2WD so far has ended up stuck in the snow.
▲ 2WD vs 4WD on a snowy hill (source: Burns Garages LTD)
Winter parking and shuttle
From about 15 December to 31 March (depending on snowfall), snow clearing means only some properties have on-site parking.
| On-site parking | Forest & Stars AKAKURA LODGE／SAUNA／CABIN 1〜4 (max. one car per CABIN) |
|---|---|
| All other properties | Park at a nearby paid car park and we take you to the house by shuttle bus. We will send the time and meeting point before your stay |
※Parking is limited at every property. Please share cars where possible.
Distance to the ski resorts
| Akakura Onsen Ski Resort | About 3–5 min by car |
|---|---|
| Akakura Kanko Resort Ski Area | About 5–10 min by car |
| Ikenotaira Onsen Alpen Blick Ski Resort | About 10–15 min by car |
| Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort | About 20–30 min by car |
※Times are for good road conditions. In winter, snow, ice and traffic can make journeys much longer. Walking with ski gear is not recommended.