The history of skiing in Japan began in 1911, when Major Lerch, a soldier of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, taught skiing in Joetsu City.
The Birthplace of Japanese Skiing Memorial Museum was built in 1992 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the birth of Japanese skiing, and has since been reconstructed.
Getting to the Museum
The area is about 5 kilometers from Joetsu Myoko Station, so a car is necessary.
There is a parking lot in front of the memorial, and you can park there for free.
About the Museum
The Museum is located in the small Kanayasan Park.
This park offers a panoramic view of the town, so you can expect a scenic view. There is a free parking space in front of the memorial.
A little further up the hill beside the memorial, you will see a stone monument that reads "The Birthplace of Skiing in Japan.
Location 1-18 Onuki, Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture 943-0893, Japan
Admission 460 yen(adults)
Hours: April to October, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. / November to March, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closed: Mondays, New Year holidays
Explore Niigata
Travel Tips & Information
Here is the basic information about Niigata as a reference for planning your trip.
1. "Getting there & Around" Joetsu, Itoigawa, Myoko
The mode of transportation you should choose to get to Niigata will depend on your location.
If you are in Tokyo, you can use the Joetsu Shinkansen. It will take around 2 hours and 10 minutes by Shinkansen. If you are coming from Tokyo to Nagaoka, it will take about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
If you are coming from Hokkaido or western Japan, you can also use an airplane.
There are flights to Niigata Airport from Sapporo, Narita, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Okinawa.
A limousine bus service is available from Niigata Airport to JR Niigata Station, which takes about 30 minutes and costs 420 yen.
This page provides information on how to get to the Joetsu, Itoigawa, and Myoko areas and how to get there.
2. "Where to Stay" in Joetsu, Itoigawa, Myoko
Niigata is a very long and narrow prefecture, with Joetsu, Chuetsu, and Shimoetsu.
If you want to go around in detail, you will need a car because the train connections are not that good. It is important to choose a hotel that is suitable for car travel.
Here is a selection of hotels in Joetsu, Itoigawa, and Myoko.
3. "What to Do & See" in Joetsu, Itoigawa, Myoko
Niigata has become a snow country and there are many ski resorts.
There is also a museum in Joetsu City, the birthplace of skiing.
In the winter, people enjoy skiing and snowboarding, but in the summer, the Nagaoka fireworks are famous all over the country.
The Fuji Rock Festival is also held at Naeba Ski Resort.
We have picked up tourist spots in Joetsu, Itoigawa and Myoko.
4. "What / Where to Eat" in Joetsu, Itoigawa, Myoko
Niigata is famous for its Koshihikari rice. In addition to rice, Niigata is also famous for its Hegi soba noodles, and Hakkaisan sake, which is a famous sake throughout Japan.
If you go to Higoe, you can find Murakami beef, and Tochio fried tofu is one of Niigata's most famous specialties.
Sasadango (bamboo dumplings) are also well known as a representative souvenir.
