Akakura Kanko
760m vertical, 14m annual snowfall, 1937 heritage. Myoko Kogen's premium powder destination with onsen access.
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
19 Dec 2026
Closes
5 May 2027
Days open
137
Annual snow
12.9m
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Akakura Kanko sits between 740 and 1,500 metres on the eastern flank of Mount Myoko in Niigata Prefecture, delivering 760 metres of vertical drop across 10 named runs. Established in 1937 as Japan's first internationally designated ski resort, the area receives 14 metres of annual snowfall from Siberian weather systems crossing the Sea of Japan. The resort covers 50 hectares with a longest run stretching 4.5 kilometres from summit to base, accessed by six lifts including the recently renovated Myoko Kogen Sky Cable gondola.
Terrain splits 40 per cent beginner, 30 per cent intermediate and 30 per cent advanced across the compact trail network. Champion B Course offers competition-standard pitch with views extending to Lake Nojiri and the Sea of Japan, whilst Hotel B Course delivers moderate gradients with noticeable terrain variation. The upper mountain holds steeper pitches and gated backcountry access to Maeyama peak at 1,932 metres, whilst lower slopes provide wide cruising runs through the base area.
The mid-mountain Akakura Kanko Hotel anchors the resort with ski-in access and an onsen featuring outdoor baths at 1,200 metres elevation. Weekdays see minimal crowds across the terrain, though the compact layout means most visitors ski the entire mountain within a day. The resort connects at the summit with neighbouring Akakura Onsen, creating interconnected terrain popular with English-speaking ski schools and international families seeking traditional Japanese mountain culture.
A combined Akakura Kanko and Onsen lift pass costs approximately 1,500 yen more than single-resort access and unlocks 27 courses across 20 lifts between the two areas. The resort operates from mid-December through early May, longer than most Japanese areas. Akakura Kanko suits intermediate skiers seeking long groomers, powder enthusiasts chasing Japan's deepest snowpack outside Hokkaido, and backcountry tourers accessing Maeyama's mellow ridge terrain.
760m
Vertical
10
Runs
124 acres
Skiable
12.9m
Annual snow
The Terrain
10 runs across 124 acres skiable
Akakura Kanko is a compact 50-hectare Myoko ski area in Niigata, Japan, running from 740 metres at the base up to 1,500 metres for a 760-metre vertical. Ten runs are graded 40% beginner, 30% intermediate and 30% advanced, with nothing rated expert, so the mountain steepens noticeably as you climb. Heavy Sea of Japan snow, around 14 metres a year, keeps the upper pitches soft through midwinter. For skiers searching for Myoko, this is the higher and more demanding half of the Akakura pairing, with a gondola and quad chairs doing the lifting.
The Champion B Course is the standout, a full-length competition run with views across to Lake Nojiri and the Sea of Japan. Lower down, the slopes widen into easy cruising above the hotel strip, while glades beside the upper runs collect powder after storms. A single lift ticket also covers neighbouring Akakura Onsen, which adds lower, gentler terrain to the day. Akakura Kanko suits intermediates ready for a few steeper turns, families who want a short, simple mountain, and powder skiers happy to stay on the area's tree lines. Those wanting kilometres of variety will need to venture further afield in Myoko.
Terrain split
10
runs
10 runs across 4 grades
Beginner4 runs · 40%
Intermediate3 runs · 30%
Advanced3 runs · 30%
Expert0 runs · 0%
Time it right
When to visit Akakura Kanko
The 2025-26 season runs from 13 December 2025 through 29 March 2026, with lifts operating 8:30am to 4:00pm daily. This four-month window represents a typical season length for the resort, though operations have historically extended into early May depending on snowpack. Akakura Kanko typically opens earlier than many Honshu resorts due to its elevation advantage and north-facing terrain holding base depths reliably.
The Myoko region receives 14 metres of average annual snowfall, among the heaviest totals in mainland Japan. January's second week historically delivers the deepest accumulations, with 71 centimetres falling across 5.4 snowy days in an average week. Maritime moisture from the Sea of Japan creates frequent powder days with moderate temperatures, though the snow remains dry enough for quality riding compared to coastal resorts further north.
Early January through late February represents peak powder season, when Siberian storm systems deliver consistent snowfall and temperatures remain below freezing at all elevations. Mid-winter weekdays offer the strongest combination of fresh snow and minimal crowds, with weekday skier visits dropping to 40 per cent of weekend levels. March brings spring conditions with corn snow developing on sun-exposed slopes, whilst north-facing terrain retains powder into April during high-snow years.
The resort operates a New Year's Day sunrise gondola service starting at 6:30am, with the Sky Cable turning before dawn for first tracks and sunrise viewing from the summit restaurant. Two terrain parks operate through the season, rebuilt as the Freeride Park for 2024-25. Night skiing is not available at Akakura Kanko, though the connected Akakura Onsen area offers night operations on select terrain.
Season 2026 - 2027
19 Dec 2026
Opens
5 May 2027
Closes
137
Days open
12.9 m
Annual snow
The record
Historical snowfall at Akakura Kanko
Daily snow reports at Akakura Kanko go back to 2012, 14 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.
120 cm
Snowiest day
25 Jan 2026
1090 cm
This winter · 2025-26
so far
1293 cm
Typical winter
average of complete seasons
Winter totals
cm
Past wintersThis winter
Getting there
Getting to Akakura Kanko, and where to stay
Akakura Kanko occupies the lower eastern slopes of Maeyama, an outer rim peak of the Mount Myoko volcanic complex in Myoko city, Niigata Prefecture. The resort sits within the Myoko Kogen region, a collection of ski areas spread across the foothills of 2,454-metre Mount Myoko. The base village sits at 740 metres elevation, with the Takada Plain extending east toward the Sea of Japan 30 kilometres distant.
Akakura Onsen village lies 900 metres uphill from the resort base and serves as the main accommodation hub for the Myoko region, offering the area's largest concentration of restaurants, bars and guesthouses. Myoko city centre sits 10 kilometres northeast, whilst Nagano city lies 31 kilometres south across the prefectural border. The resort sits 4.3 kilometres from Myoko-Kogen Station on the Echigo Tokimeki Railway Myoko Haneuma Line.
Road access follows the Joshinetsu Expressway to Myoko Kogen interchange, then eight minutes via local roads to the resort base. Tokyo lies 270 kilometres and four hours' drive via the Kanetsu and Joshinetsu expressways. Niigata city sits two hours north via the Hokuriku Expressway. Free shuttles operate between Myoko-Kogen Station and the resort, though advance reservation two days prior is required with valid lift pass for return journeys.
Tokyo's Narita and Haneda airports both sit approximately 3.5 to 4 hours from the resort via the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The fastest route takes the shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Joetsu-Myoko Station in under two hours, then transfers to the Myoko Haneuma local line to Myoko-Kogen Station, followed by taxi or shuttle. Toyama Airport offers an alternative gateway 156 kilometres southwest, connecting via bus to Toyama Station then shinkansen to Joetsu-Myoko.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Stays map loads when you scroll here
Hotels and lodges near Akakura Kanko, powered by Stay22.
Good to know
Frequently asked
When is Akakura Kanko's ski season?
Akakura Kanko's 2026 - 2027 season typically runs from December 19 through May 5. That window is roughly 137 calendar days, though daily operations depend on snow cover, weather, and lift maintenance.
Resorts in Chubu, Japan often announce firm dates closer to winter; check the live snow report before you travel if you are planning around opening weekend or spring closure.
How much skiable terrain does Akakura Kanko have?
Akakura Kanko lists about 124 acres skiable of marked terrain spread across 10 named runs (50 hectares alongside 124 acres skiable). That footprint is what most riders experience on a lift-served day. Side-country or hike-to terrain may sit outside these published numbers.
Use the trail map to see how the mountain is laid out and where the longest fall-line runs connect back to base.
What is the terrain like at Akakura Kanko?
Trail grading at Akakura Kanko breaks down roughly as 40% beginner, 30% intermediate, 30% advanced. The mix is balanced enough for mixed-ability groups, so learners can stay on marked green/blue (Green/Red) terrain while stronger skiers peel off to steeper pitches.
Percentages describe the resort's published piste mix, not vertical metres. A mountain with modest "expert" stats can still feel demanding if the steep terrain is long or exposed. Read the trail map alongside these numbers when planning your route.
How many lifts does Akakura Kanko have?
Akakura Kanko operates 6 lifts across 3 lift types. The fleet includes 4 quad chairs, 1 gondola, and 1 triple chair.
Lift mix affects how quickly you can lap your favourite zones. Gondolas and trams move big crowds to mid-mountain, while shorter chairs and surface lifts often serve learning areas or local pods. Check the live snow report on ski days for real-time open/closed status.
What is the elevation and vertical drop at Akakura Kanko?
Base elevation at Akakura Kanko is about 740 m (2,428 ft), with the summit around 1,500 m (4,921 ft), giving roughly 760 m (2,493 ft) of vertical from base to top.
Higher start heights usually mean colder, drier snow holding longer into spring, but also thinner air and faster weather changes. Pack layers if you are riding from village level to summit lifts in one day.
How much snow does Akakura Kanko get each season?
Akakura Kanko averages about 1,293 cm (509 inches) of natural snowfall per season. That is a long-term climate figure. Any single winter can run well above or below it depending on storm track and temperature.
For trip planning, pair this baseline with the live snow report and webcams: fresh cycles show up in overnight totals and summit cameras long before season averages tell you much about today's surface.
How can I check snow and mountain conditions at Akakura Kanko before I go?
SnowStash pulls together 1 live mountain webcam, a downloadable piste map, and the daily snow report for Akakura Kanko so you can plan from home. Webcams refresh on a short interval and are the fastest way to judge visibility, wind exposure, and whether storm snow is still falling.
The snow report adds structured totals, base depth where available, and lift/trail status when the resort publishes it. Use both together: cameras show what it looks like right now, and the report summarises numbers your group can compare day to day.
Does Akakura Kanko have a trail map?
Yes. The downloadable PDF/image map is better for offline planning, marking meeting points, and understanding the full mountain layout at a glance.
Both versions are on the trail map page for Akakura Kanko. If you are navigating with kids or meeting friends across separate lifts, screenshot or print the static map and keep the live map open on your phone for operational updates.
Where is Akakura Kanko located?
Akakura Kanko sits in Chubu, Japan. That regional context matters for travel planning: airport transfers, snow tyres, and typical storm patterns all follow geography as much as resort marketing.
Browse nearby accommodation from the resort page if you are comparing village-base vs valley-base stays; where you sleep changes your first lift of the day more than most trail stats do.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
Mt Rose Aims to Open First in Tahoe on November 6
Mt Rose is going for the first-in-Tahoe title, with the Lakeview Express due to spin at 9 a.m. on Friday, November 6. One main lift, three runs and plenty of snowmaking, sitting on the highest base elevation in the region at 8,260 ft. Here is what is open, what is not (sorry, tubing fans), and how the early North American openings are stacking up.
4 Nov 2026
Europe Snow Forecast: Serre Chevalier Leads With 82 cm Over the Next 10 Days
Europe has had a quiet start to November, but our 10-day forecast has Serre Chevalier on 82 cm and Les 2 Alpes on 71 cm. Two pushes are lined up: a western Alps top-up from Friday, then a bigger, wider system on Thursday, November 12 and Friday, November 13 that reaches Italy and Switzerland. Full leaderboard inside.
4 Nov 2026
Mammoth Mountain Opens Early on November 5 With Up to 33 Inches of Snow in the Forecast
Mammoth just moved opening day forward to Thursday, November 5, eight days ahead of schedule. A snowy weekend and cold snowmaking nights did the work, and our forecast shows up to 33 inches more landing on November 13 and 14. Here is what opens, what the weather looks like and where Mammoth sits among the early Ikon Pass openers.
3 Nov 2026
Utah Snow Storm Builds Early-Season Base Ahead of November Openings
Rain down low, snow up high, and a snow report full of zeros that mostly means ‘not updated yet’. Utah’s first proper storm of 2026-27 is rolling through the Wasatch, Snowbird’s snow stake is closing in on 10 inches, and Brian Head is five days from opening day. Early November snow rarely looks like much, but it is the layer every November opening date is built on. Here is where it stands.
1 Nov 2026
Sierra Nevada Halloween Storm: Dodge Ridge Forecast to Lead With 19 Inches
Halloween weekend brings a wet, windy storm to the Sierra Nevada. Our five-day forecast has Dodge Ridge on top with 19 in, followed by Bear Valley at 15 in and Mammoth Mountain at 12 in, with most of it landing on Saturday. A winter weather advisory covers the Tahoe Basin and Mono County until 7 AM Sunday, gusts could reach 47 mph and the freezing level swings between 4,900 and 8,700 ft, so some bases will see rain. A dry spell follows from Monday.
31 Oct 2026
Lake Louise Opens Early on 1 November With Juniper Express and Easy Street
The Rockies get their first lift-served turns of the season early. Lake Louise opens Sunday 1 November, five days ahead of schedule, after a cold October and round-the-clock work from the snowmaking and mountain crews. Terrain is limited to Juniper Express Chair and Easy Street, with two small terrain parks and the beginner area for lessons. Opening-day tickets are over 60% off, with prices rising as more lifts open. First chair is at 9:30 am under the resort’s new lift hours.
31 Oct 2026
Kitzbüheler Horn Summit Cable Car to Be Replaced After 70 Years
A Tyrolean summit lift that has been carrying guests up the Kitzbüheler Horn since 1955 is on borrowed time. Its licence runs to 2045, but a new inspection rule has made refurbishment uneconomic, so Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel will spend around €15 million on a replacement on the same line. It should hold roughly 100 people and keep running in winds that would stop today’s lift. Building starts in autumn 2027, which makes this winter and next summer the last chances to ride the old one.
30 Oct 2026
What’s New in Japan Skiing This Winter: Niseko Gondola, a Private Resort and a Bigger Ikon Pass
Niseko Village is replacing a lift from the early 1980s with an eight-person gondola, Tsugaike gets a six-person chairlift, Madarao joins the Ikon Pass and Togari opens Asia’s first private ski resort. Here’s what is actually new in Japan skiing for 2026/27, plus what is still a year or two away.
30 Oct 2026