Myoko Mountain Lodge

This was my 5th trip to Myoko - and my 5th stay at Myoko Mountain Lodge. Every time I return, I think how lucky I was to have found this amazing little place, run by the most wonderful people, on my first trip in 2018 - and now I wouldn't think of staying anywhere else. Michael and Tamami and are simply amazing hosts - going above and beyond on a daily basis to make sure every guest has the most amazing stay. And the lodge is a wonderful place too. The rooms and beds are clean, cosy and warm, the recently renovated bath rooms and toilets are always spotless and the lounge/dining area is a warm and welcoming place to enjoy a drink after a long day of skiing. Tamami and the lovely Sakura make sure everyone is fuelled up and ready to go each morning, with a Western-style cooked breakfast (or Japanese-style if you prefer). And you'll find them both back in the kitchen 3 nights each week, preparing delicious Japanese meals for a lodge full of hungry boarders and skiers. Many of the meals (like Okonomyaki and Shabu Shabu) are hands-on - cooked on portable gas cookers at each table - which is a great way to get to know the other guests. When Tamami and Sakura are having a well-earned evening away from the kitchen, Tamami can recommend and make reservations at one of several great places to eat - most of which are an easy 10 to 15 minute walk away. More often than not, Michael and his trusty 9-seater van are on-hand to provide a ride to dinner - and the short walk home is a handy way to work off that serve of Karaage chicken! As for the skiing - the main lift at Akakura Kanko ski area is an easy 10-minute walk (or 2-minute drive) from the lodge - and Suginohara, Alpenblick (Ikenotaira) and Akakura Onsen ski areas all within a 5 to 15 minute drive . But you won't need a car when you stay here (in fact you're better off without one) as Michael and his trusty van make sure everyone gets to their favourite runs each morning in comfort and warmth. If it's a quiet day around the lodge and you're heading to the right place, you might even be lucky enough to spend some time skiing the groomers with Michael - as I did on this trip - and pick up a few expert ski tips along the way. I've already booked trip number 6 and can't wait to return.