Niigata Prefecture, Japan
Myoko Kogen
Japan's snowiest destination. An authentic onsen town. And Melo Haus sits right in the middle of it.
Niigata Prefecture, Japan
Japan's snowiest destination. An authentic onsen town. And Melo Haus sits right in the middle of it.
The Destination
Myoko Kogen isn't a purpose-built ski village or a resort bubble. It's a centuries-old onsen town in Niigata Prefecture — roughly four hours from Tokyo by train — where snow-laden streets, steaming hot springs, and izakayas serving local sake sit alongside some of Japan's deepest, driest powder. It's where locals go. And it's where Melo Haus is.
The Snow
Myoko sits in the Sea of Japan storm path — cold air sweeps across the water, picks up moisture, and dumps it as light, dry powder across the mountains. The result: over 15 metres of snowfall each season, consistently among the highest in Japan.
The season runs from mid-December through early May. January and February bring the deepest dumps, but powder days happen well into March and April. This isn't groomer skiing — this is the kind of snow you came to Japan for.
Four major resorts within five minutes. Ten more within the hour.
The Skiing
Myoko isn't one resort — it's an entire region. Over ten ski areas sit within an hour of the chalet, each with its own character. Whether you want wide-open groomers, steep tree runs, backcountry gates, or gentle terrain for the kids, it's all here.
4
Resorts
Within 5 minutes
10+
Ski Areas
Within an hour
15m+
Snowfall
Per season
Dec–May
Season
Five months of snow
The Town
After the mountain, walk to a local onsen and soak in natural hot spring water while the snow falls around you. Then find a small izakaya for handmade soba, local Niigata sake, and conversation with the people who live here year-round.
Myoko Kogen has the restaurants, the bars, and the onsen — without the crowds. It's the Japan you imagined before you arrived, and it's the experience that makes people come back season after season.
Beyond Skiing
Niigata is rice country — and sake country. Some of Japan's finest nihonshu is brewed within an hour of the chalet. Visit snow monkeys in natural hot springs, take a day trip to the Sea of Japan coast, or explore Nagano's castles and temples.
For non-skiers in the group, there's snowshoeing, onsen hopping, local cooking classes, and town exploration. In summer, the area transforms into a national park with hiking trails, alpine lakes, and mountain wildflowers.
Getting There
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Joetsumyoko Station — around two hours on the bullet train. From there, a local train or shuttle brings you to the heart of Myoko Kogen in under an hour. You can be on the slopes the same day you land in Japan.
Fly into Narita or Haneda, clear customs, and catch the Shinkansen. Alternatively, drive from Tokyo — winter roads are well-maintained and the route through the mountains is beautiful. Rental cars with snow tyres are readily available.
Stay With Us
Melo Haus sits in the heart of it all — minutes from the resorts, steps from the onsen, and entirely yours.