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Shiga Kogen

4.5 (200)Ski ResortNational ParkTourist AttractionParkPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Shiga Kogen in Nagano Prefecture is a highland area known for its breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor activities. Covering over 4,300 hectares, it is one of the largest ski resorts in Japan. During winter, the area transforms into a snowy paradise, attracting skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. The snow quality is excellent, with powdery slopes suitable for all skill levels.

In the warmer months, Shiga Kogen offers a completely different experience. The area is crisscrossed with hiking trails that lead through lush forests, around beautiful lakes, and up scenic mountain paths. The Shiga Kogen Highlands are part of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, known for its rich biodiversity. Hikers often spot rare plants and wildlife, adding to the adventure.

The region is also famous for its hot springs. After a day of exploring, visitors can relax in one of the many onsen, enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters.

For a bit of culture, Shiga Kogen is close to the historic town of Shibu Onsen and the famous Snow Monkey Park, where you can see Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs.

Hours: 

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM 

Closed: 

Open daily during the ski season (typically mid-November to early May)

Available: 

Seasonal (Winter and Spring)

Minimum Age: 

All ages are welcome

Fees:

1-Day Lift Pass: 6895.88 Yen


Hours
Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone
+81 269-34-2404
Website
www.shigakogen.gr.jp

The area

Address
7148 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan

What other travelers are saying about Shiga Kogen

The most important information had learned was that the free shuttle between the stops was slow and infrequent. I would recommend avoiding taking them if possible. That means, avoid skiing down a different trail than where you had started and ended up far away. Check your map before going down the trail. The resort is HUGE! There are so many different "resorts" in a single area, and there are even more resorts in other areas. But you could just stay in one area and that's enough. We began at the Yamanoeki Bus Stop, where the Alpina Sports Ski Rental Office and coin lockers were located. You can also park your car next to the building. We caught the bus the first day and drove the next. Right next to the building is a gondola that takes you to the skiing area. We spent most of our time on gondola/lifts 15, 16, 34, and 33, and that was more than enough to fill the whole day. There's a cafe stand and a dining room on top of the mountain if you need some food. The dining room is good for a quick bite. We saw monkeys here running around and jumping on top of hotel awnings, and even on top of people's cars. The hotel workers obviously despised the monkeys. They would throw snow and even point the snow blowers at them to try to scare them away. They tried to tell me why, but the language barrier prevented me from fully understanding. However, it's clear that they are considered a nuisance. Shiga Kogen is a great place for novice skiers. There are many long, green trails perfect for practicing and having fun. We stuck to the green trails the entire time, and we never got bored. It’s also really accessible from Tokyo, and both the lift ticket and ski rental prices were really great. The only downside is that we went in March when there wasn’t much powder left. We plan to go back in January next time for a more powdery experience.
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Janet Ha
Jun 19, 2024
One of the best ski resort in Japan. Famous Japanese powder snow. Not crowded at all, food and stay at prince hotel was great! Very reasonable priced lift tickets. Feb 2023
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John So
Dec 19, 2023
Shiga Kogen area is a great place to ski as it is mostly connected to the other ski areas (save for a few which required bus transfer to) so there is less scope to get bored with skiing the same runs, good mix or green, red & black slopes, plenty of lunch food options outside of the Prince ski area. Relatively quiet with few lift queues, and close to snow (onsen) monkey park One minor gripe is there are quite a few areas where you need to walk up gradients to get to ski lifts or neighbouring ski areas One major detraction is the lack of any sort of night life once the skiing has finished for the day, with not many restaurants choices connected by the local shuttle
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Wai Leung Tang
Jan 21, 2024
Slopes are wide and not crowded on weekdays. This is at Shiga Kogen Yakebitaiyama Ski Area. We stayed at Prince Hotel and truly is a ski in and ski out convenient hotel.
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Joc Wong
Mar 25, 2024
A large ski area with 18 Ski Resorts, offering various slope types suited for people of different ski/snowboard proficiency. The ski lift pass will be accepted at all ski resorts. It snowed almost daily during Feb 24, so the skiing experience was great. This Hasuike station is the entry and transit stop for the free shuttle buses to various ski resorts. There are three main routes (Northbound, Southbound and Outbound to Snow Monkey Park), so do always check with the bus driver. You can purchase the one-way bus tickets (2200JPY) to and fro Nagano Station using the ticketing machines available at Nagano station( bus stop at East Entrance Stop Number 23) and Hasuike Station. Most of the hotels in other areas may require you to book dinner with them, as those areas may not have restaurants open for dinner. Ichinose area is the most crowded with grocery and restaurants offering dinner. The price is also more reasonable. Okushiga area seems a bit more private and prime, with the restaurants charging at higher price. Kumanoyu area is less crowded but seemed more suited for beginners. The restaurants also charge reasonably.
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eat.2.exercise2024
Feb 27, 2024


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