Inbound travel to Japan is set to make its post-covid return. For those with a taste for Japow, this puts Myoko back on the menu. Many hungry powder fiends see the Japanese food scene as merely the icing on the cake of a day ploughing through fresh snow. For many others, it’s the main course. Either way, Myoko has more than its fair share of taste havens. Here’s just a handful.

Pontaro

A few hundred metres from the gondola at Akakura Kanko Ski Resort, Pontaro is an izakaya restaurant — one selling small dishes a bit like tapas. This makes it a great option to indulge in traditional Japanese dishes while offering variety — everything from yakitori to okonomiyaki and noodle dishes. Of course, the drink menu is equally diverse with beer, nihonshu, shochu, whisky and wine. The bonus is that Pontaro has a reputation for quality among locals and past visitors alike.

English menu: yes
Vegetarian options: yes
Area: Shin-Akakura
More info

Nihontei/Tsugumi

For this entry, you get a two-for-one deal. Nihontei and Tsugumi are a little under three kilometres apart and share the same owner. Although decor couldn’t be any more different and dishes vary a little, these restaurants share an apparent commitment to deliciousness. Nihontei is an izakaya on National Route 18 very close to the Myoko Kogen interchange. It’s the original of the two and visitors are often surprised by the “rustic” vibe of the place. Don’t be put off.

A few minutes back up the mountain inside the Alpen Blick (Landmark) Onsen building is the younger brother, Tsugumi. Owing to its more recent establishment, Tsugumi is a little more modern-looking when compared to Nihontei. Equally delicious, must-tries include the jingisukan (the Japanese pronunciation of “Genghis Khan” – as grilled lamb is known as in Japan) and seafood salad.

English menu: yes
Vegetarian options: yes
Area: Nihontei – Myoko Kogen (Route 18), Tsugumi – Ikenotaira
More info – Nihontei
More info – Tsugumi

No Name Myoko

This cafe restaurant is owned and run by Kimi and Miyu from Japow House and is located diagonally across from Myoko Snowsports, right in the heart of Akakura Onsen. They try to incorporate as many local Myoko ingredients as possible in their dishes.

Along with specials at the whim of the chef come regular dishes including croque monsieur, smoked chicken peperoncino, burgers and other treats. Washing it down are beers, sakes, whiskeys, gins, and Nagano hot apple cider.

English menu: yes
Vegetarian options: yes
Area: Akakura Onsen
More info

Yabu Soba

Kirishita Soba Yabu, or simply Yabu Soba, can be found directly across the street from the post office on the Myoko Kogen Station side of route 18. This can make it a little difficult for those travelling to Myoko without a car but for those who can get there, you won’t find better soba.

They have other dishes too, of course, and all the noodles are homemade, giving it an edge you won’t find everywhere. Add to that the traditional atmosphere and fantastic service honed over six decades, and it’s a pretty good bet for a great feed.

English menu: yes
Vegetarian options: yes
Area: Myoko Kogen
More info

Zen

Zen restaurant is located at Silverhorn Hotel in Shin-Akakura, directly across the road from the gondola. Even if the location isn’t convenient enough for you, they can arrange a complimentary pick-up and drop-off from any Myoko accommodation. This is particularly handy if you’re keen on sampling a freshly made cocktail or one of a selection of international wines.

Drinks are not necessarily the highlight though. That would be the constantly changing Western-Japanese fusion set menu.

English menu: yes
Vegetarian/vegan options: yes
Area: Shin-Akakura
More info

Arakin Ramen

You’ll find this local favourite diagonally across the Ikenotaira intersection from Alpen Blick (Landmark) onsen that houses Tsugumi. While the name of the establishment gives away the fact ramen is on the menu, there are plenty of other options too. So, think of it as an izakaya more so than your average ramen joint.

Arakin specialties include shio chashumen (salt-flavoured ramen noodles with thinly sliced pork) and braised pork and cabbage. Being izakaya style, there’s also plenty on offer for those who are thirsty following a long day sliding down Mount Myoko.

English menu: yes
Vegetarian options: yes
Area: Ikenotaira
More info

Udon no Fu

As the name might imply, this is an udon restaurant. It was very popular in its former location underneath the now-closed Pomodoro pizza restaurant along the main drag of Akakura Onsen. Now in a new location not far away, it still sells delicious food.

Like Pontaro, Udon no Fu may be thought of as an izakaya restaurant, however, the signature dish is the squid ink udon. If the black broth and plastic apron that comes with the dish hints at a gimmick, know that it most certainly isn’t. You’ll want to use the apron as you go deep into the bowl of delicious, garlicky goodness. Ask the staff at your hotel where to find the new location.

English menu: yes
Vegetarian options: yes
Area: Akakura Onsen
More info

The last three entries on this list are not in Myoko Kogen but semi-accessible enough and too delicious to leave off.

The Roastery by Nojiri Coffee Company

Opening during the middle of 2022, Derrick and the team at the Roastery have found instant success with their combo of great food, drinks, and atmosphere. The Roastery specialises in authentic Californian cuisine (read; mouth-watering burgers and wings that can’t get into your mouth fast enough), craft beer and, as the name may give away, specialty coffee.

Being right on the lake and with a view to begin coffee tastings very soon, The Roastery offers a unique view and experience away from the mountain when visiting Myoko. Come winter, they’ll start transfers to and from Myoko accommodations for those without a car and/or who wish to indulge in a cocktail.

The Roastery, Myoko

The Roastery, Myoko. Image: Nojiri Coffee Company

English menu: yes
Vegetarian option: yes
Area: Lake Nojiri
More info

Menya Ashita

The “Menya” part of Menya Ashita simply means they sell noodles. Ashita is a ramen restaurant that isn’t technically in Myoko but is one hundred per cent worth the effort. Visually appealing, some of Ashita’s ramen dishes are quite generous, including slices of chicken to go with the typical pork on top.

The thickness of the broth goes a long way to solving issues that come about from enjoying too many sakes the night before, so long as you can find a tree to have a nap under afterwards. These and other specialties such as fish-based broth make this place a little different from your typical ramen restaurant.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 麺屋 あした (@ashita.111)

English menu: no
Vegetarian: no
Area: Joetsymoko Station
More info

Echigoya

Echigoya is a yakiniku (“grilled meat”) restaurant where you cook yourself on the table. For the uninitiated, even if you do choose to simply grill vegetables instead of meat, you probably won’t leave smelling the same as you did when you entered. As such, it may not be suitable for all vegetarians or vegans despite having vegetables on the menu. However, it certainly is suitable for the carnivores and omnivores among us looking for an authentically Japanese and inconspicuous dining experience.

Echigoya, Myoko

Echigoya, Myoko. Image: Nathan Eden

Yakiniku is rarely a particularly cheap meal, but Echigoya is very reasonably priced. Perhaps this is why they always seem so busy. It’s not uncommon to get turned away and so for this reason, the pro tip is to call ahead. If you don’t speak Japanese get someone to call on your behalf. Echigoya is around a 15-minute drive from Akakura towards Joetsu, just off Route 18.

English menu: yes
Vegetarian: yes
Area: Nakago/Nihongi Station
More info

Echigoya, Myoko

Echigoya, Myoko. Image: Nathan Eden