location · 所
Worth the journey.
Plan it well.
A clear guide to reaching Kishi Kogen Lodge by train or car in a Myoko winter.
Great village.
Serious mountain.
Kishi Kogen Lodge sits in Suginosawa, whith Japan's longest runs, deep Japan snow and a traditional mountain village with space to breathe.
Getting to Myoko doesn't have to be difficult. We take the same trip every time and have put it all below. The ticket office at each station are VERY helpful - don't be afraid to ask for directions if you're unsure.
Allow Extra connection time and check live timetables before travel.
Tokyo to Myoko, step by step.
Typical journey: around 2.5 - 3 hours before the final road transfer. Message us on Whatsapp when you get on the Shinano Raolway Kita-Shinano Line for Myoko Kogen. We will pick you up from the station.
At Nagano, change to the Shinano Railway Kita-Shinano Line for Myoko Kogen Station . Save yourself the worry - ask for directions from the ticket counter.
If you are landing in Narita and coming straight to Myoko, take the Keisei Skyliner train to Ueno. When you arrive at Ueno, you will need to exit the Ueno Koen Station and walk 400m to Ueno Station. From there, the travel is the same - Hokuriku Shinkansen!
If you are travelling from Tokyo. Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station.
If you are coming straight from the airport, take the Keisei Skyliner train to Ueno. When you arrive at Ueno, you will need to exit the Ueno Koen Station and walk 400m to Ueno Station. From there, the travel is the same - Hokuriku Shinkansen!
Arriving by train
Continue through the tunnel.
Continue via this safer approach to Suginosawa and Kishi Kogen Lodge.
Turn left at the first signal after the tunnel, names Toyohashi Crossing.
Typical journey: around 2.5 - 3 hours before the final road transfer. Message us on Whatsapp when you get on the Shinano Raolway Kita-Shinano Line for Myoko Kogen. We will pick you up from the station.
Turn left at the first traffic signal.
Exit the expressway at Myoko-Kogen.
Take the safe winter route.
Recommended route.
Driving in this area of Japan can be highly dangerous. Guests have become stuck in snow or lost in the area. Please treat winter conditions seriouesly and do not follow a navigation system if it directs you onto a shorter mountain road.
Your car navigation may choose the shortest rout that can lead to a dangerous, steep and slippery road up the mountian.
WINTER DRIVING ESSENTIALS
Keep fuel, warm clothing, water and a charged phone in the car.
Driving in the snow.
Check the forecast, road closures and daylight before leaving.
Snow tyres are essential. Carry chains where conditions or rental rules require them. We rarely use them on the cars and the chances of needing to use them are slim-none in the villages.
A 4WD vehicle is non negotiable.