You asked, we answered: “We’re seeking a Japanese ski resort that’s ‘off the beaten track’ but also foreigner friendly”

In our new series You Asked, We Answered, we take questions from the Ski & Snowboard Japan Facebook community and put them to our network of experts.

The question

“We are planning a 2 week winter trip – and I am feeling SO overwhelmed by the many choices. We are a family of 4 (mom, dad, 2 teenagers) looking to go snowboarding and onsen. Around Nagano prefecture, NOT Hokkaido, so we can take a train from Tokyo.

We DO want an ‘off the beaten track’ family resort, but also foreigner-friendly enough, since we do not speak Japanese yet. (I am fine to use Google translate and wing it). We love nature and prefer a quiet, mellow, authentic experience much more than a crowded, developed, condo-style resort with high rises. We are not city people, but I also am open to a more developed area if necessary to get a walkable place since we won’t have a car.

My ideal situation is a small resort that my husband and kids can snowboard (beginner/intermediate –very easily satisfied!) and I can walk daily to a few different onsens, public or private, that are free or very affordable. And a few local restaurants around for hot soup/ramen after skiing? We would like a small apartment or house to rent that has a small kitchen so we can cook some meals at home, and will go out to eat several times too. We do NOT care about après ski scene, party or night life…we are just there for the nature, snow, onsen, and local food-cultural experience. But I really want a comfortable and affordable apartment or cabin that feels like a cosy home, with at least 1–2 bedrooms, kitchen, and lots of windows/natural light.”

Our expert: Leif Grant, a long-time ski and snowboard guide in Myoko Kogen

For advice on where to find this kind of experience, we spoke to Leif Grant, a long-time ski and snowboard guide in Myoko Kogen and the surrounding areas. In addition to running guiding and lesson services, Leif owns Himitsu House accommodation in Arai (Myoko City). While his house-style accommodation isn’t in the area suggested here, his years of exploring the region’s ski resorts have given him a clear favourite for families looking for something quieter: Ikenotaira Onsen Ski Resort.

Why Ikenotaira?

“Ike might be considered slightly off the beaten path,” says Leif, “but it’s still only a few minutes from Akakura and Sugi, and close to Myoko Kogen Station. You’ve got the quieter feel without being cut off from other areas.”

Leif notes that the Patience Capital Singapore investment at Suginohara and the broader Myoko area could mean his suggestion may not continue to be relevant in years to come. “It’s going to bring change. The question is whether it will be more like Karuizawa, with subtle, Japanese-style upgrades, or something more Westernised like Niseko. Time will tell but for now, Ike answers the question.”

Family-friendly skiing with character

Leif describes Ikenotaira as having “wide, gentle slopes which are ideal for beginners and intermediates, and a generally relaxed vibe.”

“English-speaking is pretty easy to find but the area still has a very Japanese atmosphere. There’s a bunch of small restaurants not owned by the resort, and the surrounding pension villages.”

Ikenotaira. Image: alpenblick-resort.com/ski

“Accommodation here ranges from self-contained apartments to traditional pensions, some Japanese-owned, others run by foreign residents,” offers Lief. “There’s a good variety. You can probably find something that suits your budget and comfort preferences without too much trouble.”

On the slopes, the crowd is mixed but allows for a bit of cultural interaction. “It’s popular with families and also with school groups,” he notes. “Some guests enjoy that interaction, while others feel the groups just take up precious space. It really depends on what you want.”

Onsen options

Many pensions and lodges in Ikenotaira have their own onsen for guests. For those staying in apartments or wanting to try something different, “there’s the Alpen Blick Spa, still often referred to as ‘Landmark’. It’s a great public onsen facility right in Ike,” says Leif.

Beyond skiing

For those who don’t want to spend all their time on the slopes, Myoko isn’t always as agreeable as some places. However, Ike has The Myoko Kogen Visitor Center, which “offers an easy, walkable bit of downtime. It’s a nice place to learn about the local area and wildlife,” says Leif. “You can also just sit with a coffee and take in the view of the mountain over Imori Pond through the big glass windows.”

Eating in Ikenotaira

Dining in Ikenotaira can be simple but satisfying. Small, owner-run restaurants serve hearty fare like ramen, Japanese curry, and home-style dishes. One standout is Eika, known for its Japanese-style Chinese food which tastes superb after a long, cold day outside. “None of the restaurants here are resort-owned,” says Leif. “That’s part of the charm.” Local favourite Arakin Ramen and Tsugumi (inside the Landmark Onsen building) are two other notable options.

Final Thoughts

For families seeking a mellow, authentic Japanese ski experience with beginner-friendly slopes, manageable access, and onsen within walking distance, Ikenotaira offers the balance you’re after.
As Leif sums it up: “If you want to ski in a place that feels genuinely Japanese (for now) but still offers enough English support to make things easy, Ike is hard to beat.”