Myoko Magic: 4 Days of Snow, Ski & Fun!
The girls goofing around in the line for the lift…
Looking for an easy, family-friendly snow getaway from Tokyo? Our winter trip to Myoko Kogen over the February long weekend (Emperor’s Birthday) was just what we needed. With a bonus school holiday on Tuesday, we turned the three-day weekend into a four-day adventure in the snow!
This simple itinerary is perfect for expat families living in Japan—especially those with young kids who are just getting started with skiing or snowboarding. We’ll share our travel tips, favorite food stops, and the best kid-friendly activities in Myoko.
Travel Logistics: Getting to Myoko Kogen
We drove from Tokyo to Nagano Station, where we found a convenient underground parking lot charging ¥3,000 per day. It was easy to park, and from there we headed to the local train line that connects to Myoko Kogen.
Important tip: Trains from Nagano to Myoko are infrequent—running every 45 to 90 minutes—so be sure to check the schedule in advance. We just missed a train by one minute, but passed the time in the waiting room with some snacks from the conbini. The train typically arrives 10–15 minutes before departure, so you can board early and settle in.
If you're arriving at Nagano via Shinkansen, you can transfer to the local line without leaving the station.
Although we were advised not to drive into Myoko with our 2WD car (due to heavy snow), in hindsight, we probably could have done it with snow tires. That said, it was nice to sit back and enjoy the train ride.
Day 1: Arrival and Getting Settled
Our cozy lodge picked us up from the Myoko station and even made a quick stop by the grocery store so we could prep dinner in the shared kitchen. That night, we played board games, made a warm meal, and got everything ready for our snow-filled adventure the next day.
Day 2: Ski and Snowboard Lessons with Myoko Snowsports
We booked ski and snowboard lessons for the kids through Myoko Snowsports, and we can’t recommend them enough.
Our oldest joined Snowboarding Level 2, while our youngest was in Mini Mountaineers (Skiing Level 1).
Since it was a quiet Sunday, our oldest got a private lesson, and our youngest had just four other kids in her group.
Gear rentals were available in advance, and lunch was included.
The instructors were warm, welcoming, and incredibly organized. At the end of the lesson, they gave us detailed feedback with tips for future runs and suggested levels for the next visit.
Our kids were a little nervous to be apart from us at first, but by the end, they couldn’t wait to go back the next day.
This gave my husband and me a chance to enjoy the slopes together—scouting out family-friendly runs we could all try on Day 3.
That night, we ordered takeout from Two Pines Pizza. The wood-fired pizzas were fantastic. We got the Cheezu and the Niku—even our “only cheese” kid loved the meat pizza. The crust was thicker than typical wood-fired pizza, making it super filling. Each pizza had eight hearty slices (think large by Japanese standards).
Just note: they serve pizza only, so if you want salad or sides, plan to DIY at the lodge.
Day 3: Skiing as a Family + Relaxing Onsen Time
We hit the slopes together and made Yodel Information House our home base. Lockers were available, making it easy to stash our bags.
We had lunch at the restaurant at the top of Yodel Lift 1, which had a nice variety of options including:
Noodles
Curry
Fried chicken
Pizza
After a full day of skiing, we headed over to Alpen Blick Onsen for a soothing soak. It’s a small onsen but perfect for families—it felt great to relax with the kids after an active day. We walked back to the lodge and finished off our leftover pizza and groceries for dinner.
Day 4: Snow Play and Departure
Before checking out, we made the most of our final morning by sledding and playing in the snow at the lodge. Our hosts then dropped us off at the station in time for the 10:45 AM train back to Nagano.
We picked up our car and were home in Tokyo by 4:00 PM—tired but happy.
Final Thoughts
Our family had such a wonderful time in Myoko Kogen, and we’re already planning a return trip next winter. With convenient access from Tokyo, great snow conditions, and super family-friendly options, Myoko is a hidden gem for expat families looking to enjoy Japan’s winter magic.
