In the Myoko area, the number of foreign travelers grow steadily in this two-three years. We are Tokyo-based company, but main area of winter activity is in Myoko.

We went Myoko-Maeyama peak hunting - a famous tour course. This mountain area already has enough snow and underbrush has already been buried beneath a covering of snow.

Look at the amount of snowfall... during the daytime... amazing!

There are some large but lesser know resort amongst Westerners in Yamagata prefecture. Zao (in Japanease pronunciation "Za-o-u") is one of the famous village for hot-spring (Zao onsen, Zao hot-spring) in Japan.

There is a JIzou (stone statue of the ancient guardian) on the top of the mountain that is covered by a lot of snow. Strong wind and snow make trees to a snow monster. There are some ski area around this village. This is a wide choice for many different types of skier and snowboarder both in the ski area and back country area.

We enjoyed hot springs in the village, ate yakiniku (steak), and stay in Yamagata city.

On the other day, we visited the Asahi-machi (Asahi town) that places northern part of Yamagata prefecture and is famous for apple-growing area.

In Asahi-machi, there is a very local ski area, Asahi-Sizen-Kan. That was also very good!

Myoko Kogen - Akakura Kanko Resort is our most favorite snow resort that is already famous among powder snow maniac people even abroad. The resort consists of luxury hotel, spa, golf course and ski lifts.

At the beginning of the snow season, the end of December, it is less crowded than high season. We felt as if we are the only customer.

The hotel provides excellent meal and breakfast. We love to stay this hotel and recommend you to stay here confidently!!

Akakura Kanko Hotel

 

Have a nice Christmas and a Happy New Year.