5 Fun & Easy Day Trips from Myoko

There’s plenty to see and do during a visit to Myoko. In winter, the focus is mostly on skiing and snowboarding, while the warmer months offer great options for hiking, biking, and more. That said, day trips from Myoko are a great way to mix things up and explore more of the region.

Day Trips from Myoko

Visiting Myoko during the quieter green season makes day trips even easier—less traffic, no snowy roads, and a more relaxed pace overall.
An increasing number of guests now see Myoko as a peaceful break between the busier tourist hotspots. Activities like hiking, yoga, cycling, and spending time with the family beneath the lush green mountains are a perfect way to recharge. And when winter rolls around, it goes without saying—Myoko’s powder snow is nothing short of legendary.

Staying at Myoko Apartments puts you in a great spot to explore the surrounding areas. Sitting right on the edge of Niigata Prefecture with a stone’s throw to Nagano Prefecture, Myoko is an ideal base for checking out some of the best places this part of Japan has to offer.

Nagano City

Just 30km from Myoko, Nagano is the closest major city and a great option for a day trip. It’s famous for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics, but even more so for Zenkoji Temple, one of the most culturally significant temples in Japan.

Zenkoji houses the first Buddhist statue ever brought to Japan. While the original is hidden, a replica is displayed to the public once every six years. Founded in the 7th century, the temple actually led to the founding of Nagano city itself, unlike most cases, where cities grow first and temples come later.

Visitors to Zenkoji can explore its dark underground passage in search of the “key to paradise,” admire the historic architecture and statues, and enjoy the lively streets nearby. Be sure to try the food and browse the local shops. A great lunch spot is Fujiya Gohonjin, known for its atmosphere and excellent meals.

If you’re travelling with kids, Round 1 in Nagano is worth a stop. It offers a host of fun activities like karaoke, table tennis, arcade games, batting cages, and even 52 bowling lanes.

Matsumoto

Matsumoto is best known for its iconic castle. For a small entry fee, visitors can tour the inside of the castle and see its original wooden interior, which includes several clever defence features. The view from the top floor offers a great panorama of the city and the surrounding mountains. It’s a great stop for both adults and children, and the castle gardens host a myriad of Instagrammable photo spots.

Togakushi

Just under 30km from Akakura, the scenic drive to Togakushi takes you through forest and farmland, with roadside produce stands and cafés along the way. Togakushi is known for its three shrines—lower, middle, and upper—set in a peaceful forest. The path to the upper shrine is especially stunning, lined with over 300 towering cryptomeria trees.

In addition to its natural beauty and famous soba noodle restaurants, the Togakushi Ninja Museum shares the area’s ninja history, and the nearby Kids Ninja Village is a hit with families. Note, these are only open in the non-winter months. During winter, Togakushi Ski Resort is a great resort, much quieter than the Myoko resorts on a weekend and almost deserted midweek.

Tokamachi

You don’t need to find your way to the centre of Tokamachi to enjoy the highlights. On the drive from Myoko toward Tokamachi (via Iiyama), you’ll find signs for two standout spots: Kiyotsu Gorge and Bijin Bayashi Forest.

Kiyotsu Gorge, located within Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, features volcanic rock walls and a 750-meter viewing tunnel with four lookout points. It’s an easy, flat walk and a beautiful place for autumn leaves or a summer cool-down. Try to go on a weekday to avoid local crowds.

Bijin Bayashi, or “Beautiful Woman Forest,” gets its name from the 90-year-old beech trees that are said to resemble graceful women. Whether or not you agree with the comparison, the forest is stunning year-round and attracts many repeat visitors hoping to capture its changing moods through the seasons.

Kanazawa

The furthest destination on this list, Kanazawa is still very accessible from Myoko. Some guests staying at Myoko Apartments have made the round-trip in a day, while others prefer to turn it into a short overnight getaway. By car, it’s about 2.5 hours each way on the highway, but you could always opt to drive to Joetsumyoko Station and catch the Shinkansen from there.

Thanks to its well-preserved historic districts and the extension of Shinkansen line back in 2015, Kanazawa has grown in popularity as a quieter alternative to Kyoto. Like Kyoto, it was spared from WWII bombings, and during the Edo period, it was a cultural centre ruled by the powerful Maeda clan.

Top attractions include Kenrokuen Garden—often considered among Japan’s most beautiful—the well-kept old town, Kanazawa Castle, historic Chaya entertainment districts, and a rich samurai heritage. Add in excellent food, and you’ve got a perfect blend of culture, history, and modern charm.

Day Trips From Myoko Apartments

Myoko Apartments makes for an excellent base to enjoy both nature and culture. And there’s so much we didn’t mention (apologies to Nozawa Onsen). Whether you’re skiing in winter or road-tripping in summer, the area offers a wide variety of day trips that make every stay unique and memorable. Let us know if you need help planning your adventures—we’re happy to assist!