Kogakuro
9,1/10 Exceptional - Based on 134 reviews
Kogakuro is a long-established Japanese inn in the Akakura Onsen area of Myoko, offering a traditional experience with modern comforts. Founded in 1886, the property combines tatami-floored guest rooms, low-profile furnishings and large windows that frame the mountain setting. It presents itself as a ryokan with onsen in Myoko, maintaining a quiet, timbered atmosphere and communal spaces such as a library and a lounge with a fireplace and bar for relaxed evenings after outdoor activities.
Guest rooms range from compact Japanese-style rooms with shared bathing access to larger units that include a private toilet and, in some cases, an en-suite shower. On-site services are practical for year-round visitors: luggage storage, ski storage and a drying room for winter gear, complimentary Wi‑Fi in public areas, and an English-speaking front desk that assists with lift ticket arrangements and local transport. The ryokan also operates a small gift shop and can arrange simple concierge services for hiking, skiing or cultural outings.
The bathing facilities use natural hot spring water from local springs: baths are supplied without additives and include indoor pools plus an open-air rotenburo with mountain views. Bathing areas are separated by gender and run on a communal basis; staff can advise about reserving private bathing when available. Meals highlight regional ingredients with traditional multi-course dinners and a breakfast buffet offering Japanese and Western options. Steps from the Akakura lifts, the property suits visitors seeking a compact, authentic ryokan with onsen in Niigata and easy access to seasonal outdoor recreation.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kogakuro
Positive Reviews
Very helpful, friendly and attentive staff
Multiple reviews praise the team (including the manager) for being extremely helpful, responsive and going above and beyond to assist with restaurant bookings, transport, tickets and local advice.
Excellent location for skiing and dining
Guests frequently highlight the convenient location — short walk to the slopes, close to the main street with restaurants and gear rental, and easy access to shuttle/bus and train connections.
Generous breakfast and good food
The included buffet breakfast is repeatedly described as delicious and filling (pancakes, Japanese and western options, made‑to‑order eggs, smoothies). Several reviews also compliment the in‑house dinner and restaurant.
Onsen, communal lounge and pleasant facilities
Many guests enjoyed the onsen (indoor and outdoor), the cosy shared lounge with fireplace and comfortable seating, and generally well‑maintained facilities that make the stay relaxing after skiing.
Comfortable, traditional rooms and good value
Rooms are noted as spacious for Japanese standards, clean and comfortable with good bedding; reviewers feel the property offers excellent value for money.
Negative Reviews
Some areas feel dated (toilets and fittings)
Several reviewers mention the property is older in places — toilets and certain fittings are dated (one noted a lack of heated toilet seats common elsewhere in Japan).
Weak Wi‑Fi in some rooms/areas
At least one review specifically reported very weak wifi, which may affect guests needing reliable internet access.
Ski storage is inadequate
One reviewer described the ski storage as a dimly lit shed with old racks that struggle to hold modern skis, suggesting storage could be improved for ski guests.
Bar/service hours could be longer
A minor suggestion from a guest was to extend the bar hours for food service, as it closed earlier than they would have liked.
Pillows a bit firm for some guests
A few guests noted the pillows were firmer than they prefer — a small comfort issue typical of local standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from doubles and twins to family rooms; some configurations sleep up to five guests, and many rooms use traditional tatami with futons. Children of all ages are welcome, with children aged 4 and above treated as adults for occupancy.
Kogakuro uses natural spring water and offers both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths; these onsen are public/shared facilities rather than private in-room onsen. Some room types include a private bathroom but not a private hot-spring bath by default.
The property can provide a free shuttle to/from Myoko Kogen Station if requested in advance (typically needs at least one day’s notice). For airport transfers, seasonal shuttle operators serve Narita, Haneda and Niigata airports to the Myoko area and can be booked separately.
Most guests travel via Tokyo: take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano, then the local Kita-Shinano line to Myoko Kogen Station, followed by the hotel shuttle or a short taxi ride. Regional airport shuttles and local trains from Niigata or Joetsu-Myoko are also common options.
Yes — the ryokan maintains English-language information and reviews frequently note English-speaking staff who assist with arrival and local arrangements. Staff are generally able to help with bookings, directions and activity suggestions in English.
Expect Japanese-style rooms with tatami, shared indoor and outdoor onsen, traditional breakfast and dinner service in the dining room, a library, and a cozy lounge with a fireplace and bar area. The ryokan emphasizes local ingredients and a traditional atmosphere.
Kogakuro is a short walk to the Akakura Onsen ski area and its lifts, and regional sights such as Imori-ike Pond and local museums are a short drive away. The Myoko area also offers multiple ski resorts, hiking and local cultural sites within easy reach.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 (3:00 PM) until about 20:00 (8:00 PM), and check-out is by 10:00 (10:00 AM); guests are asked to notify the property of their expected arrival time in advance. Meal reservations should also be communicated at least one day before arrival.
Pets are not allowed at Kogakuro. The hot-spring baths are shared facilities; private onsen rental is not listed as a standard option, so contact the ryokan directly if you need information about private-use possibilities.
Kogakuro has one on-site dining room serving traditional Japanese meals (and seasonal breakfast buffets in winter), and village restaurants and cafés are within a short walk. For groceries or convenience stores, local village shops serve basic needs a short distance from the property.