Myoko-kogen Highlands妙高高原

A hot spring villages in the outskirts of Mt. Myoko-san. One of the finest ski areas in the country.

Myoko-kogen Highlands stretch out at the eastern foot of Mt. Myoko-san, which towers on the border of Nagano Prefecture in the southwestern part of Niigata Prefecture. It is a popular summer resort because of its cool climate. Mt. Myoko-san is the highest peak in the Myoko Volcano Range, and the outer rim of its crater is surrounded by Mt. Akakura-yama, Mt. Mae-yama, and Mt. Kanna-san. The Jigoku-dani Valley between Mt. Myoko-san and Mt. Mae-yama is the rich source of hot springs.

Five different qualities of rich hot spring water welling up from the foot of Mt. Myoko-san supply water to seven hot spring villages: Akakura; Shin-Akakura; Ikenotaira; Suginosawa; Myoko; Seki; and Tsubame.
In addition, there are nine skiing grounds on the grand slopes of the foothills of Mt. Myoko-san, known to be one of the best ski areas in the country. Attracting many skiers during the winter season, this place becomes quite busy and lively.

Tenshin Okakura, a pioneer of Japanese modern arts and former president of Tokyo Art School (the present-day Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music), loved Myoko for its richness of nature so much that he built a mountain villa there in his later years. Within its site stands Okakura Tenshin-do Hall, a replica of Yumedono of Horyu-ji Temple in Nara, complete with a gold gilt statue of Tenshin inside.