Myoko Activities | Things to do in Myoko
Are you looking for things to do in Myoko Kogen during your visit? Aside from winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing, there’s a huge variety of things to do in Myoko throughout the year and varying according to the seasons. These include trekking, flower viewing, different Myoko events and soaking in the local onsen.
See here for things to do in Joetsu City.
Sekiyama Shrine
Every year, on the third Saturday of July, a fire festival is held whose tradition stretches back more than 1300 years and is attended by many worshipers. Local young people of traditional dances and bojutsu. Bojutsu is a staff-fighting technique that can be traced back to techniques developed by mountain priests to protect themselves after the armies of Oda Nobunaga attacked Sekiyama and burned down the mountain’s 70 temples and shrines. Ceremonial sumo matches are also held, adding to the lively atmosphere. Alternatively it’s a delightful area to stroll around under the cover of winter snows.
Mountain Treks
The Joetsu-Myoko area has countless hiking trails featuring forests, lakes, waterfalls and old-growth Japanese beech and birch groves. Hikers of all levels will find a trail perfect for their skill and interests.
Nojiri Lake
Lake Nojiri, located across the prefectural border from Myoko Kogen, offers the perfect summer escape for lovers of the great outdoors. Nojiri Lake is an ancient glacial lake – Nagano’s second largest. It has an old-fashioned rustic charm and pace and is quite affordable for family visits.
