Myoko Suginohara Nozawa Onsen

Staring at Sugi

When you gaze across the valley from Nozawa you pick up amazing views of Mt Myoko and Mt Hiuchi. Two formidable mountains, both sitting at an elevation of just under 2500 meters above sea level with Mt Hiuchi winning by a few meters. Myoko Kogen is graced with 5 ski resorts and Suginohara is one of them that stares right back at us in Nozawa. It is only a 49 minute drive from Nozawa Onsen so another great option to explore for a day trip. Having been to Suginohara a fair few times over the past 30 years but last season was the first time to ride the lifts. Usually we just use it as an excellent starting point to explore the surrounding peaks and beautiful back country on offer there.

The Ski resort is a great set up with easy access from a large carpark located about the middle of the runs. It is a good medium sized resort with a Gondola and 4 other lifts. It is a long but fairly narrow resort with a great vertical of 1124 meters with the peak being at an impressive 1855m above sea level the highest lifted runs in Myoko. The longest run is a thigh burning 8.5km which claims to be the longest run in Japan. Fun groomers and awesome terrain park along with some great side country means there is something for everyone.

The village below, Suginosawa is fairly sleepy and not great public transport to other places at night so restaurant choices are limited but there are some tasty options on the mountain during the day. We also stayed there this summer and went hiking at the glorious Naena falls. Defiantly a fun day trip from Nozawa if keen to check out some other nearby resorts. Would need to hire a car or take a Taxi to get there in a decent time. Book your Nozawa Accommmodation here; Accommodation Nozawa Onsen

On a clear day you get magnificent views over Lake Nojiri back to Nozawa Onsen and if lucky can even see Mt Fuji.