Red Fox Lodge | True Ski-in Ski-out
The Red Fox Lodge is a newly renovated family lodge located directly at the base of the Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort which hosts the longest Ski run in Japan - roughly 8.5km. The drone footage below shows that the Red Fox Lodge is truly a ski-in ski-out location - perfect for that next family adventure!
About Myoko Kogen
Myoko Kogen is located in Niigata Prefecture on the main island of Honshu, just across the border from Nagano Prefecture. It is the closest part of the greater Myoko City region to Tokyo/Nagano.
Suginosawa itself is a quiet little Japanese farming village. Nearby you have Akakura Onsen Ski Resort, which boasts the steepest run in central Japan, referred to as "the wall". As a result of the diversity of its terrain and massive snowfall, Myoko Kogen is one of the up and coming skiing destinations on the South Island of Japan. With the stunning Naena Waterfall located in the Suginosawa area attracting thousands of spring and summer visitors every year, it is a year-round destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
To avoid confusion, please be aware of the following terms:
‘Myoko’ is Myoko City – the large geographic area. Its central area is around Arai which is roughly 30 minutes by car from Myoko Kogen and Akakura Onsen;
‘Myoko Kogen’ is the town/village area at the base of the mountains and where the local train station is located. It is 40 minutes by train from Nagano;
‘Akakura Onsen’ is the hot spring village at the base of the lifts where most foreign visitors stay. It is about 10 minutes by taxi from Myoko Kogen;
Red Fox Lodge is located directly at the base of the Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort. Myoko Suginohara is a long and wide ski area that is spread at the foot of Mt. Myoko. It offers various trails including 8.5km run and also ungroomed powder slopes with 100% natural snow. At the summit on fine days, you can overlook a distant view of Mt. Fuji. There are some guest houses around the ski resort, and many hotels and Japanese inns in Akakura Area which is a 10 min drive from the ski resort.
Myoko Kogen is a year-round destination, with things to do in every season. Snowboarding and skiing in one of the many resorts in the area, taking in a local onsen, back country hiking, great food, cherry blossoms and one of the oldest temples in Japan are just a small list of things that you can enjoy in the Myoko Kogen area.
If you are interested in organising transport or a tour to any nearby attractions, please speak with one of our friendly staff for more information.
Winter
Winter in Myoko Kogen lasts from about early December to mid-March.
Myoko Kogen is one of Japan’s oldest ski areas and made up of three separate resorts – Myoko Akakura, Myoko Suginohara and Ikenotaira Onsen. The region often receives some of the heaviest snowfalls in Japan & its proximity to the Sea of Japan means Myoko often gets snow before anywhere else. It is renowned for some of the best vertical and longest runs Japan has to offer.
Spring
Spring in Joetsu-Myoko lasts from about mid-March to May, depending on the location.
Spring in Japan is famous for the cherry blossom season. Cherry blossom season is from the 1st of April to the 15th.
The most famous local area for viewing cherry blossoms is at Takada Park in Joetsu City; in particular experiencing the famous Cherry Blossoms at night.
Summer
Summer lasts from about early July to early-September, depending on location. and a particularly festive time of year,with colourful matsuri (festivals)
throughout the area.
The forests are popular with hikers , as is climbing Mt Myoko. The area is one of 48 certified 'forest therapy bases' in Japan, where walkers can practise the art of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing).
Many of the ski resorts also offer downhill mountain biking. Visitors can also enjoy the beaches in the Joetsu region - taking a dip or heading out for a surf in the Sea of Japan
Autumn
Autumn lasts from about early late October to early December, depending on location.
Autumn in Joetsu-Myoko brings out the brilliant autumn colours, complemented by the brilliant blue skies.
Some of the ski area gondolas are open for autumn leaf viewing which begin around late October or early November.
It’s still great weather for mountain hiking too (although starting to get a little chillier!).
For additional information regarding things to see and do in the Myoko Kogen region, please visit "Things To Do".