Myoko, located in Niigata Prefecture, is famous for its world-class ski resorts, attracting winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world. However, Myoko offers much more than just skiing—it’s a year-round destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those wanting to immerse themselves in the local culture.
During autumn, the region’s stunning colors make Myoko an ideal spot for outdoor exploration, and the best way to experience it is on an e-bike. An e-bike tour is a fantastic way to explore Myoko’s natural beauty at a relaxed pace, letting you take in the fresh air, stunning views, and peaceful surroundings, as you connect with nature.
The tour can be guided in English so international visitors can enjoy it comfortably. I had the pleasure of joining this e-bike tour with my lovely WaWo members, and we absolutely loved the experience. It was a fantastic opportunity to explore Myoko’s beauty, enjoy the fresh autumn air, and bond over making sasazushi together, a distinctly Myoko sushi dish. We finished up with a visit to a storied sake brewery, the cherry on top of a wonderful visit to a wonderful town.
The tour begins at the Myoko Kogen Visitor Center, a wonderful spot for families and nature lovers. Here, you can learn about the biology of the area, including the animals, insects, and flowers that call this beautiful region home. The center not only offers informative displays but also interactive tools that allow you to explore and feel the natural world in a hands-on way. For example, you can touch the fur of various animals, use a microscope to observe insect body parts, and engage with other interactive exhibits—all for free! It’s a perfect introduction to the local ecosystem, offering an educational and fun experience for everyone. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or visiting with family, the center offers a deeper connection to Myoko’s natural wonders.
After getting some knowledge about the area, it’s time to explore! If you’re a bit scared about riding the e-bike for the first time, don’t worry! At the beginning, the guide will let you practice in a safe area to help you get used to the bike.
The e-bike makes it easy to enjoy Myoko’s diverse landscape at a relaxed pace. On an e-bike, you can glide through the picturesque paths of Myoko-Togakushi National Park, taking time to fully appreciate the surrounding nature. Have you ever thought about taking a road trip through nature? In a car, the scenery often rushes by, leaving little opportunity to stop and appreciate the details. On an e-bike, however, you can pause whenever something catches your eye—whether it’s a peaceful river, a quiet forest path, or a breathtaking mountain view. The slower pace of the ride allows you to connect with nature and enjoy the sights and sounds of the environment around you.
One of the highlights of the tour is Naena Waterfall, a majestic 55-meter cascade recognized as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls. To get an up-close view, you’ll need to cross a bridge and take a short, 10-minute hike, which will immerse you in nature. The trail can get a bit muddy after rain, so it’s important to wear proper footwear. The hike itself is a peaceful journey through the forest, with the sound of the rushing water growing louder as you approach the waterfall, making the experience even more enchanting.
After your ride and hike, the tour continues with a hands-on sasazushi-making experience at a traditional ryokan. At the ryokan, an 80-year-old grandmother and her granddaughter will teach you how to make sasazushi—a regional variety of sushi made from vinegared rice wrapped in bamboo leaves and topped with seasonal ingredients. The process begins with creating a bowl shape from the bamboo leaves, which can be a bit challenging at first, like crafting an origami bowl. However, you’ll quickly learn the technique and enjoy the handcrafting experience. When it comes to adding the toppings, there are no strict rules—just follow your heart! Whatever ingredients you combine will be delicious, making it a fun and creative part of the experience. Once your sasazushi is ready, you’ll get to enjoy this tasty treat for lunch, savoring the flavors of Myoko in a truly authentic way.
No visit to Niigata would be complete without experiencing its world-renowned sake, and Myoko is no exception. After the e-bike tour, you can pay a visit to Kimi no I Shuzo, a historic sake brewery established in 1842. As you approach the brewery, the unique wooden building, preserved in its original form, makes you feel as though you’ve traveled back in time. This sense of history and tradition adds to the charm of the experience.
At Kimi no I Shuzo, you can witness the sake-making process up close and learn how the pristine local water and high-quality Niigata rice come together to produce their exceptional sake. Niigata is famous for its rice production, and the sake brewed here reflects this rich agricultural heritage. During your visit, you can participate in a nomikurabe (sake tasting), where you’ll sample a variety of locally crafted sakes. Each sip highlights subtle flavors and smooth finishes unique to the region. Whether you’re a sake enthusiast or a first-time taster, this experience will leave you with a deeper appreciation for Japanese sake and its cultural significance.
While Myoko is known for its ski slopes, the e-bike tour can be enjoyed throughout the year—excluding winter due to snow. Whether in the blooming spring, lush summer, or vibrant autumn, Myoko offers a chance to experience its beauty in every season. Each time of year brings a different natural landscape, and the e-bike makes it easy to take in these surroundings in a relaxed and immersive way.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to explore Myoko beyond its ski slopes. This autumn adventure, combined with nature, culture, and cuisine, offers a memorable experience. Book your tour now and create lasting memories in one of Japan’s most beautiful and welcoming regions.
Access
By Train:
By Car: Drive from Tokyo via the Kanetsu Expressway, Joshinetsu Expressway, and Route 18 to Myoko Kogen Visitor Center. The journey takes approximately 4 hours.
Know More
For more information about the Togakushi E-Bike Tour and other activities in Japan’s national parks, visit the following resources:
Image Credits
All images used in this article are taken by WaWo Japan Travel.
<Author>
Jolene QIU
Travel Consultant at WaWo Japan Travel
