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, certified as a UNESCO Ecopark. The altitude is 1,330m to 2,307m, and the snow quality is good, and it is a facility where 18 ski resorts are gathered.

We will introduce 18 ski resorts.

It is said to be about the size of 10 Disneylands, and is a great place to enjoy the winter outdoors. Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is loved by everyone, from beginners to advanced skiers, families, and foreign tourists.

The Charm of Shiga Kogen Ski Resort

Below are three of the attractions of Shiga Kogen Ski Resort.

It offers a variety of attractions that you won't easily find at other ski resorts, so be sure to check it out for more information to help you enjoy yourself even more.

Tree run where you can glide through nature

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort has a wide variety of courses, but the most attractive of them all 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 sensation of skiing, sliding between mountains and trees. If you're lucky, you might see ermines and rabbits, which are protected species of nature. This is a recommended course, as you can enjoy this kind of thing by looking around during your break.

18 ski resorts where one day is not enough

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort consists of 18 ski resorts, so you can enjoy skiing from one to the other. Some ski resorts are open at night, so you can enjoy skiing all day long from morning to night!

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is so vast that it is impossible to see everything in one day, so it's a good idea to learn about the characteristics of each ski resort and then decide which ones you can't miss.

Feel the majestic nature

With one of the largest ski resorts in Japan and an elevation of 2,307m, the views from the resort are breathtaking! Surrounded by majestic mountains, you can ski in a spacious area. The thrill of skiing through a spectacular view is addictive. On clear days, you can even see Mt. Fuji, so be sure to check it out.

Introducing the courses at Shiga Kogen Ski Resort by area

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort has 18 ski resorts, each with its own characteristics, so we will introduce each one. With so many ski resorts, some people may have trouble deciding where to go. We will explain the highlights 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, consisting of 13 ski resorts. There is a wide variety of courses, so try to find your favorite one.

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

Higashi-Tateyama Ski Resort also has the giant slalom course that was used in the Nagano Olympics. Although it is a course for experienced skiers, it offers the rare experience of skiing down the same course that the athletes ran. Why not give it a try?

The highest altitude in Japan! Yokoteyama area

The Yokoteyama area consists of Yokoteyama Ski Resort and Shibutoge Ski Resort, located at the highest point in Japan at 2,307 meters above sea level. You can enjoy the finest natural powder snow. And from the summit you can see a 360-degree view, from Mt. Fuji to the Sea of Japan on a clear day.

There are various courses, including a course that winds down the mountainside for intermediate skiers and a forest course for advanced skiers. Courses with steep inclines and ungroomed snow are popular among advanced skiers.

Also, once you reach the summit, we recommend stopping by a bakery called "Yokote Sancho Hütte." As the bakery at the highest altitude in Japan, it has been featured in the media many times. It is so popular that most of its bread is sold out by mid-morning.

High-quality powder snow in the Kumanoyu area

The Kumanoyu area is a popular area in Shiga Kogen where you can enjoy good quality powder snow. The area is located at a high altitude and faces north, so the snow stays soft for a long time. The good condition of the slopes throughout the day is a great plus.

The Kumanoyu area has five lifts and 12 courses. There are many courses aimed mainly at beginners, children, and intermediate skiers, making it a recommended area for families and those looking to improve their skills. The "Mogul Run" course is the perfect course for practicing on mogul slopes. Next to the lifts is the "Chibikko Hiroba" (Children's Square), where children can play in the snow with sleds and toys, making it a great place to bring small children.

Recommended for foreign visitors to Japan: Yakebitaiyama area

The Yakebitaiyama area is the largest in the Shiga Kogen highlands, and has a course through a beautiful coniferous forest. The Yakebitaiyama area is also known for its excellent snow quality, said to be some of the best in Honshu.

The "Olympic Course" at Shiga Kogen Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort is famous as the famous course used in the Nagano Olympics, and is popular with tourists. The Giant Slalom is a long course of over 2 kilometers that is extremely challenging! A course that can be enjoyed by a wide range of skiers from beginners to advanced skiers.

We have a full range of items.

Additionally, Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort offers the benefit of free lift tickets for elementary school students and younger throughout the season, making it a popular area for families.

Okushiga area is popular with families

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

The Okushiga area has a good balance of runs for beginners to advanced skiers, so a wide range of people can enjoy skiing and snowboarding.

The Okushiga area, located at the very back and receiving a large amount of snow, is one of the few ski resorts that operates only on natural snow. This area offers a vast range of ski resorts, including overhead powder runs and beautiful tree runs.

Lift fees at Shiga Kogen Ski Resort

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort lift tickets are available for purchase online and at the counter. We recommend purchasing online as it is cheaper. Below you can see the online lift ticket prices for Shiga Kogen Ski Resort.

*For details on lift tickets sold at the counter, please check the official website .

Please remember that junior and senior high school students must show proof of age, such as a student ID. Also, one preschool child can enter for free with each adult.

Tickets are available for purchase at the counter, but you will have a smoother entry experience if you purchase your tickets in advance online.

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort Slope Dining Information

Speaking of ski resorts, many people are curious about the food on the slopes (commonly known as "gere food"). We will introduce restaurants at Shiga Kogen Ski Resort by area!

There are naturally more shops in relatively large areas such as the Chuo area and Okushiga area.

Recommended spots around Shiga Kogen Ski Resort

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

Monkeys 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. It is surrounded by steep cliffs and is called "Hell Valley" because of the sight of the hot springs constantly spewing smoke.

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

Why not visit to see the monkeys soaking in the hot springs?

Mysterious cobalt blue lake, Pond Onuma

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

There are several legends surrounding Lake Onuma, and they are cherished by locals and even have festivals held in connection with them.

Onuma Pond is also a trekking course. The way it glows changes depending on the viewing angle and the amount of light, so try observing it from various places.

Shibu Onsen: Just like the world of Ghibli!

Shibu Onsen has so many hot springs that hot water comes out as soon as you dig into the ground. Boasting an abundant amount of water and good quality, you can enjoy a variety of hot springs.

Among them, the "Rekishi no Yado Kanaguya" in Shibu Onsen is rumored to have been the model for the bathhouse that appears in the Studio Ghibli animated film "Spirited Away," and is a popular spot among Ghibli fans.

The elegant wooden buildings dating back to the Edo period are impressive, and the "Saigetsu-ro" in particular is a registered tangible cultural property. It is a valuable building that is still treasured today.

How to get to Shiga Kogen Ski Resort

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is located in a place where you can easily get there by car or bus, and there are various ways to access it. We will explain each method of access, such as which station to go through and which interchange to use.

We also introduce the areas you will be visiting according to the direction you are heading in, so you can travel in the most convenient way possible without wasting time.

How to access by Shinkansen

If you are traveling by Shinkansen, head to Nagano Station first. The directions for each direction are as follows:

From Nagano Station, take the Nagano Electric Railway's limited express train to Yudanaka Station in about 44 minutes, then take a local bus for about 30 minutes to Shiga Kogen Yamano Station. You can also take the Shiga Kogen Express Bus to Shiga Kogen Yamano Station. Both routes take about 1 hour and 10 minutes, but the express bus is recommended as it does not require any transfers.

Once you arrive at Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki, the resort center, take a gondola or bus to your desired ski resort.

Access by car

The access route by car is as follows:

While a car has the advantage of not being affected by departure times or having to manage luggage, it's important to make safe plans in advance, such as leaving with plenty of time to spare so you don't get tired when driving back.

How to get there by ski tour

If you use a bus for a ski tour, you can go directly from Haneda Airport or Tokyo Station. You can sleep on the bus and reduce the amount of luggage you need to carry.

There are many plans available, from overnight stays to day trips with early morning arrivals, 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 "Snow Liner." It takes you to the ski resort without any transfers, so those who arrive in Japan on an international flight can travel without getting lost.

It will operate daily during the winter season from December 15, 2023 to March 29, 2024. For detailed information such as fares, dates, and times, please see the official Snow Liner website , which is available in English, Chinese, and Korean.

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

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is one of Japan's leading ski resorts, where you can enjoy the magnificent natural scenery. Anyone, from beginners to advanced skiers, can enjoy skiing and snowboarding. In addition to skiing, there are many other tourist attractions in the area. If you want to enjoy sightseeing as well as winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, be sure to visit.

Also, if you are heading to Shiga Kogen Ski Resort from the airport, we recommend the express bus " Snow Liner "! It will take you smoothly and directly to the ski resort without any transfers, so please consider it.

Snowliner reservations here