Top class in Japan! Explaining the charms and recommended courses of Shigakogen Ski Resort by area

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in Japan

Shiga Kogen is located in Yamanouchi Town in the northeastern part of Nagano Prefecture, and is a ski resort where you can ski in the middle of nature and has been certified as a UNESCO Eco Park. The altitude is between 1,330m and 2,307m, the snow quality is good, and the facility is home to 18 ski resorts.

Introducing 18 ski resorts.

It's so vast that it's said to be about 10 times the size of Disneyland, making it the perfect place to enjoy the winter outdoors. Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is a ski resort that is loved by everyone from beginners to advanced skiers, families, and foreign tourists.

The charm of Shiga Kogen Ski Resort

We will introduce the following three attractions of Shiga Kogen Ski Resort.

It has many attractions that you can't easily experience at other ski resorts, so be sure to check out the information to enjoy it even more.

Tree run where you can slide through nature

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort has a wide variety of courses, but the most attractive one is said to be the forest course. The long course with beautiful scenery is sure to leave you very satisfied. Tree run is a new type of skiing that involves skiing between mountains and trees. If you're lucky, you might see stoats and rabbits, which are natural monuments. This course is recommended because you can have fun in this way by looking around during your break.

18 ski resorts where one day is not enough

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort consists of a total of 18 ski resorts, and you can enjoy skiing while climbing the slopes. Some ski resorts are open for night skiing, so you can enjoy skiing all day long from morning to night!

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is so vast that you can't cover it all in one day, so it's a good idea to learn about the characteristics of each ski resort and decide on the must-see points.

Feel the majestic nature

With one of the largest grounds in Japan and an altitude of up to 2,307m, the view from the ski resort is breathtakingly spectacular! Surrounded by majestic mountains, you can ski in a spacious space. Anyone will become addicted to the pleasure of skating through the spectacular scenery. On a clear day, you may even be able to see Mt. Fuji, so be sure to check it out.

Introducing the Shiga Kogen Ski Resort courses by area

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort has 18 ski resorts, and each area has different characteristics, so we will introduce each one. With so many ski resorts, some people may be confused about where to go. We will explain the points and recommended courses for each area.

Central area for kids and beginners

The central area in the center of Shiga Kogen is the largest area and consists of 13 ski resorts. There are many variations, so try finding your favorite course.

The Rabbit Course at Ichinose Diamond Ski Resort and the Monkey Course at Ichinoseyama Kami Ski Resort are recommended for beginners to practice or for families with children.

Higashidateyama Ski Resort also has an alpine ski giant slalom course that was used in the Nagano Olympics. Although this is a course for experienced runners, you can have the valuable experience of skiing the same course that the runners have run. Why not give it a try?

Japan's highest altitude! Yokoteyama area

The Yokoteyama area consists of Yokoteyama Ski Resort and Shibutoge Ski Resort, which are located at an altitude of 2307 meters, the highest point in Japan. Enjoy the finest natural snow powder. You can see 360 ​​degrees from the top of the mountain, and on clear days you can see from Mt. Fuji to the Sea of ​​Japan.

The courses include a course that winds down the mountainside for intermediate climbers, and a forest course for advanced climbers. Steep slope courses and courses with uncompacted snow are popular with advanced skiers.

Also, when you get to the top of the mountain, you should definitely stop by the bakery called ``Yokote Sancho Hutte.'' It has been featured in many media outlets as the highest bakery in Japan. It's so popular that it's almost sold out in the morning.

Good quality powder snow Kuma-no-yu area

The Kumanoyu area is a popular area in Shiga Kogen where you can enjoy powder snow with good snow quality. Due to its high altitude and north-facing slope, the snow remains smooth for a long time. The good news is that the ski slopes are in good condition throughout the day.

The Kumanoyu area has 5 lifts and 12 courses. There are many courses mainly for beginners, children, and intermediates, so this area is recommended for families and those who want to improve their skills. The course called ``Mogul Burn'' is perfect for practicing on bumpy slopes. There is a ``Children's Square'' next to the lift, where you can play in the snow with sleds and toys, so it's recommended for families with small children.

Yakebiyama area recommended for foreign visitors to Japan

The Yakebiyama area is one of the largest in the Shiga Highlands, and includes a beautiful coniferous forest course. The Mt. Yakebi area is characterized by the quality of its snow, which is said to be one of the best in Honshu.

The ``Olympic Course'' at Shiga Kogen Yakebiyama Ski Resort is famous as the famous course used for competitions at the Nagano Olympics, and is gaining popularity with tourists. In addition, the giant slalom is a long course of over 2km and is extremely responsive! A course that can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to experts

are available.

Yakebiyama Ski Resort also offers free lift tickets for elementary school students and younger throughout the season, making it a popular area for families.

Okushiga area popular with families

In the Okushiga area, there is a kids park exclusively for children. It is a very popular area for families as it has a forest course for children and a kids room.

The courses in the Okushiga area have a well-balanced selection of courses for beginners to advanced skiers, so a wide range of people can enjoy skiing and snowboarding.

The Okushiga area, which is located at the very back and receives a lot of snow, is one of the few ski resorts that operates only on natural snow. There are courses where you can enjoy overhead powder and beautiful tree runs, so you can enjoy the scale of this area.

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort lift fees

Lift tickets for Shiga Kogen Ski Resort are sold online and at the counter. We recommend purchasing online as it is cheaper and more economical. Below, we introduce Shiga Kogen Ski Resort lift prices sold online.

*Please check the official website for details on lift tickets sold at the counter.

Junior high and high school students must present proof of age, such as a student ID card, so please do not forget it. In addition, one preschool child will be admitted free of charge for each adult user.

Tickets can be purchased at the counter, but it will be easier to enter if you purchase them online in advance.

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort Slope Meal Information

When you think of ski resorts, many people probably think of ski slope food (commonly known as ``slope food''). We will introduce restaurants at Shiga Kogen Ski Resort by area!

Relatively large areas such as the Chuo area and Okushiga area have a large number of shops.

Recommended spots around Shiga Kogen Ski Resort

There are many famous tourist spots around Shiga Kogen Ski Resort. Why not visit here to make memories other than skiing? We will introduce recommended spots around Shiga Kogen Ski Resort.

Monkeys bathing in hot springs!? Jigokudani Monkey Park

Jigokudani Monkey Park is a famous tourist spot where you can see Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs. Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in the valley of the Yokoyu River. Surrounded by steep cliffs, it is nicknamed ``Hell Valley'' because of the spouting springs that constantly emit smoke.

Monkeys bathing in hot springs at Jigokudani became a hot topic and well-known around the world after the Nagano Olympics. As the only monkeys in the world to bathe in hot springs, they still attract the attention of researchers and photographers.

Why not come and see the monkeys happily soaking in the hot springs?

Onuma Pond, a mysterious cobalt blue lake

Onuma Pond is the largest lake in Shiga Kogen that shines in cobalt blue. The beautiful blue pond, created when a river was dammed by a lava flow from Mt. Shiga, is a mysterious and one of the famous spots in Shiga Kogen.

There are several legends surrounding Onuma Pond, and festivals are held in connection with the legends, which have been passed down with great care in the local community.

Onuma Pond also serves as a trekking course. The brilliance changes depending on the viewing angle and lighting, so try observing it from various locations.

It's like the world of Ghibli! Shibu Onsen

Shibu Onsen has so many sources that hot water comes out as soon as you dig into the ground. It is said to be proud of its abundant amount and quality of hot spring water, and you can enjoy a variety of hot springs.

Among them, Shibu Onsen's ``Kanaguya,'' a historical inn, is rumored to have been the model for the aburaya that appears in Studio Ghibli's animated film ``Spirited Away,'' making it a popular spot among Ghibli fans.

The elegant wooden buildings that have been around since the Edo period are impressive, and the Saigetsuro is a registered tangible cultural property. It is a place that is still cherished as a valuable building.

How to access Shiga Kogen Ski Resort

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is easily accessible by car or bus, and there are a variety of ways to get there. We will explain each method, including which stations to go through and which interchanges to use.

We've also introduced the directions for the areas you'll be visiting, so you can use the most convenient access method to get around without wasting your time.

How to access using Shinkansen

If you are accessing the area by Shinkansen, first head to Nagano Station. Access by direction is as follows.

From Nagano Station, take the Nagano Electric Railway's limited express train to Yudanaka Station, which takes about 44 minutes, and then take the local bus, which takes about 30 minutes to Shigakogenyama Station. You can also take the Shiga Kogen Express Bus to Shiga Kogenyama Station. Both routes take about 1 hour and 10 minutes, but we recommend the express bus, which does not require transfers.

Once you arrive at Shiga Kogenyama Station or Resort Center, head to the ski resort you want to go to by using the gondola or bus.

How to access by car

The access method by car is as follows.

Although driving by car has the advantage of not being dependent on departure time or luggage management, it is a good idea to make a safe plan in advance, such as leaving with plenty of time to avoid getting tired while driving back.

How to access using a ski tour

You can go directly from Haneda Airport or Tokyo Station by using ski tour buses. You can sleep on the bus and save time carrying your luggage.

There are many plans ranging from overnight stays to day tours that arrive in the morning, so be sure to check them out.

Direct access from the airport

If you want to go directly from the airport to the ski resort, we recommend the express bus ``Snowliner.'' You can head to the ski resort without changing trains, so if you are visiting Japan on an international flight, you can get there without getting lost.

It operates daily during the winter season from December 15, 2023 to March 29, 2024. For detailed information on prices, dates, times, etc., please visit the official Snow Liner website, which is available in English, Chinese, and Korean.

Have the best winter memories of your life at Shiga Kogen Ski Resort

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is one of Japan's best ski resorts where you can enjoy nature on a grand scale. Anyone from beginners to advanced skiers can enjoy skiing and snowboarding. In addition to skiing, there are a variety of nearby tourist attractions. If you want to not only enjoy winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, but also sightseeing, please come and visit us.

Also, for those heading to Shiga Kogen Ski Resort from the airport, we recommend the express bus `` Snow Liner ''! You can go straight to the ski resort without having to transfer, so please consider it.

Click here to reserve the Snow Liner