Winter Fun at Shiga Kogen Ski Resort: Snowshoe Tours, Dining, and Snow Monkeys

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort: Snow Activities and Relaxation in Nagano

The Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort, home to one of Japan's largest ski resorts, is situated in the highlands of Yamanouchi, Nagano, within the Joshin'etsu-Kogen National Park.

With a peak altitude of 2,307 meters, the Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is nestled amidst natural splendor. Boasting 18 ski fields, the resort features 16 excellent hotels and seven mineral-rich hot springs.

Shiga Kogen also offers a wide array of activities suitable for visitors of all ages and physical abilities. From immersive snowshoe tours for those seeking deeper exploration, to exquisite dining experiences, the region has something for everyone. Visitors can also encounter Nagano's snow monkeys bathing in the natural hot springs nearby.

This article will provide an insider's perspective on the exciting snow activities and dining experiences available at Shiga Kogen, as recounted by a MATCHA writer who has personally experienced them.

Unique Winter Activities at Shiga Kogen

1. How to Get to Shiga Kogen from Tokyo
2. Easy Snow Activities at Shiga Kogen
- Snowshoe Tours
- Therapy on the Snow
3. Dining at Shiga Kogen
- The Rooftop Dining
- TEPPA ROOM
4. Hotel Higashidate: Hot Springs and Rooms with Panoramic Views
5. Nearby Attractions: Snow Monkeys and Hot Springs
- Jigokudani Monkey Park
- Yudanaka Onsen and Shibu Onsen

How to Get to Shiga Kogen from Tokyo

Easily accessible, Shiga Kogen can be reached in about two hours and 30 minutes from central Tokyo via Shinkansen. Travelers can board the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station, a trip lasting approximately one hour and 20 minutes. From Nagano Station, there are two transportation options available.

For those interested in visiting various locations en route, such as the renowned monkey park, or for direct travel to Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki bus station, we recommend taking the express bus via the Shiga Kogen line.

Bus tickets can be purchased from the JR Ticket Office situated outside the Shinkansen gates at Nagano Station. Once you have obtained your ticket, proceed outside the east exit to locate the bus station. To reach Shiga Kogen, proceed to bus stop no. 26 and present your ticket to the driver to board the bus, with the journey taking approximately 70 minutes.

Visitors interested in staying in the Yudanaka Onsen and Shibu Onsen hot spring resorts have the option to take a train from Nagano Station directly to Yudanaka Station, a 45-minute ride. Upon arrival, a shuttle bus is available to transport travelers directly to Shiga Kogen.

For more detailed information, including bus schedules and stops, please refer to Shiga Kogen's official website.

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Easy Snow Activities at Shiga Kogen

A winter wonderland beckoning those near and far to explore its snowy landscapes, Shiga Kogen is the best place to enjoy snow sports and activities from December until May. The resort provides high-quality equipment and gear rental onsite. Moreover, the activities can be enjoyed by participants of all levels from beginner to advanced.

Read on to learn more about the unique beginner-friendly activities that can be enjoyed amid the breathtaking winter scenery of Shiga Kogen.

1. Snowshoe Tours

The snowshoe tours offered by the Shiga Kogen Ski Resort provide a chance to delve into serene, untouched natural settings, from old-growth forests to breathtaking mountaintop views of Nagano’s northern Alps.

The elongated shape of snowshoes evenly distributes weight, enabling walkers to traverse deep snow effortlessly. Unlike skiing or snowboarding, snowshoeing is accessible to all ages and fitness levels, requiring minimal practice.

The Shiga Kogen snowshoe tours are available in English and Japanese and are guided by heartwarming and friendly experts. Those who participate can expect a cheerful snowshoeing experience full of laughter while witnessing Nagano's wilderness, indulging in delicious local snacks, discovering animal footprints, and identifying flowers and trees that will blossom in spring!

The guides showcase the land's transformation from summer to winter, revealing surprises such as frozen lakes and ancient trees emerging from the snow. Each aspect of the tour presents visitors with a unique and captivating experience. For more information, visit the official website.

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2. Therapy on the Snow

Therapy on the Snow is a rejuvenating and nature-immersive guided tour. Participants can leave behind stress, reconnect with inner joy, and indulge in a personalized experience set against the backdrop of glistening snow and serene winter landscapes.

The tour includes unique encounters such as spotting white rabbits and other wildlife, savoring the aroma of pine and the taste of sweet birch tree sap, and listening to the tranquil sounds of nature. Guides tailor the experience based on visitors' preferences, providing opportunities for picnics with local delights and breathtaking views.

On tour, our guides created a table from snow so that we could relax with sweet tea and apples while staring at mesmerizing, crystal-clear views of Nagano's Northern Alps, the Sea of Japan, and Sado Island.

This exclusive snow tour appeals to all five senses, allowing participants to relish the winter ambiance, from the crunch of thick snow underfoot to the soothing taste of warm ginger tea and crisp apples, offering a truly grounding and rejuvenating experience.

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Dining at Shiga Kogen

A ski resort welcoming over two million visitors annually, Shiga Kogen boasts excellent restaurants where you can indulge in local treats and mouth-watering dishes. The following are some of the best dining spots to visit on your trip.

1. The Rooftop Dining

Situated 2,000 meters above sea level on Mount Higashidateyama at the heart of the Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, The Rooftop Dining is a delightful restaurant where guests can relish warm Western-style cuisine while taking a break from outdoor activities. Positioned directly above the ropeway, The Rooftop Dining offers breathtaking views of Nagano's Northern Alps.

One of the restaurant's signature dishes is hot cheese, which can be enjoyed with three different plates: vegetables, bacon, and sausage, and shrimp and scallops. The cheese was light yet gratifying, infusing warmth into each refreshing dip, perfect for those continuing activities without feeling overly full.

Other delectable dishes include char-grilled sirloin steak and demi-glace-stewed hamburger, both bathed in delightful sauces. Visitors may also choose from a wide array of delicious wines to complement their meal, as well as coffee and tea.

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2. TEPPA ROOM

At TEPPA ROOM, you can savor delicious craft beer and local cuisine. Nestled near the Ichinose Ski Resort and hotels, this bar provides a relaxing and casual setting, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of adventure with family and friends.

Adorned with dragon art murals, the bar is owned by the iconic Tamamura Beer Brewery, leveraging over 200 years of local craftsmanship and Shiga Kogen's pristine waters and rice fields to craft their distinctive beer and sake.

Inspired by the local legend related to Onuma Pond, their blue dragon logo reflects the tale of a dragon's love for a princess.

We sampled three types of oyaki, a delectable buckwheat bun filled with various ingredients, alongside fried chicken, potato fries, pizza, and tapas. For drinks, we enjoyed Shiga Kogen, a light, sweet IPA with a hint of citrus. The bar offers Japanese and English menus, catering to an international audience.

For a deeper dive into Tamamura's history and sake and beer tasting, explore the Sake Brewery Museum Gallery Tamamura Main Store near Yudanaka Station, once a vital stop along the Kusatsu Kaido road.

The museum is housed in a renovated sake storage house; its size and beautiful architecture offer insight into the area's rich history and sake brewing industry.

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Hotel Higashidate: Hot Springs and Rooms with Panoramic Views

Hotel Higashidate features spacious rooms with open-air baths that offer sweeping vistas of the Northern Alps. A mere two-minute walk from the gondola lift, its prime location is easily accessible. Originally built in 1960 as a hot spring inn, the facility has undergone several upgrades; it is now a haven of healing and serenity with an emphasis on the guests' well-being.

The lobby's expansive glass windows draw in radiant light from the newly installed terrace, while the rooms allow guests to bask in breathtaking views of the Northern Alps, aglow with the sunrise from beyond.

Once home to over a hundred hot springs, Shiga Kogen now has seven main springs. Drawing directly from Shiga Kogen's oldest hot spring, Hoppo Onsen, with a history spanning 170 years, the hotel's therapeutic waters are kept warm by infusing steam into the baths, creating large effervescent bubbles—the hot spring's namesake emanates from the sound effects heard while bathing.

The hotel has several types of rooms that cater to the guests' diverse needs, all providing access to the hotel's public hot spring. Among these, the Orange Moon and Beniyuki rooms stand out.

The Orange Moon room, covering 60m², is ideal for families and long-term stays. It features stylish wooden and stone flooring, a spacious tatami area, a kitchenette, two double beds, a lounge with a TV and massage chair, as well as a terrace adorned with expansive glass windows. The room is also provided with an open-air bath.

On the other hand, the Beniyuki room, designed like a traditional Japanese home, is a deluxe option covering 100m² and offers ample space for large families or groups.

Adorned with large dining tables, seating areas, and two double beds in the bedroom, the room also features a striking red open-air bath crafted from Shigaraki-yaki ceramics, offering beautiful scenery views.

From the exquisitely designed lobby with natural-colored furnishings to the luxurious rooms and hot spring baths, Hotel Higashidate offers a tranquil space for guests to relax amid the breathtaking scenery of Shiga Kogen.

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Nearby Attractions: Snow Monkeys and Hot Springs

Nagano's Jigokudani Monkey Park, renowned for its charming wild monkeys enjoying hot springs, is located just a 25-minute drive from Shiga Kogen. After this unique encounter, you can bask in a day of relaxation and natural beauty at Yudanaka Onsen, adding enriching cultural and iconic experiences to your trip.

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Jigokudani Monkey Park is a world-renowned destination, drawing visitors to witness adorable Japanese macaques bathing in natural hot spring waters.

Established in 1964 and a part of the Shiga Kogen UNESCO Eco-Park, the facility offers a glimpse of monkeys in their wild habitat year-round, from snowy winters to sunny summers, open daily with slight time adjustments each season.

Accessible via a local shuttle bus, a mere 10-minute ride from Yudanaka Station or approximately 20 minutes from Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki, the park's entrance is just a 30-minute walk from the ticket gate. We recommend sturdy, non-slip footwear for navigating the muddy paths or the snow and patches of ice.

Yudanaka Onsen and Shibu Onsen

Yudanaka Onsen, adjacent to Jigokudani Monkey Park, is a haven for hot spring enthusiasts with stunning mountain panoramas and traditional streetscapes. The town, in conjunction with Shibu Onsen, creates an ideal setting for a serene onsen pilgrimage.

Visitors can stroll along streets lined with quaint wooden hot spring bathing facilities and inns, which softly illuminate the 1,300-year-old town with a warm glow after dusk. Witness locals casually wearing yukatas (light kimonos) and wooden sandals as they explore the next hot spring to visit.

For a unique experience, Shibu Onsen features nine soto-yu (public bath houses) perfect for seekers of longevity and healing.

Each bath features a seal, and it is said that visiting all nine houses bestows longevity, protection from evil spirits, good health, and more. Packed with minerals, each hot spring offers distinct healing properties, catering to an array of conditions from skin ailments to rheumatism.

Access to all nine hot spring facilities is provided to guests staying in local hotels and ryokans.

Additionally, visitors can pay respects at shrines, relax at free foot baths, and savor onsen-boiled eggs during their journey.

To access the monkey park from Yudakana Onsen town, visitors can conveniently take the shuttle express bus from the Hoshikawa Onsen bus stop, ensuring straightforward access during their trip. For detailed bus route information, please visit the official Shiga Kogen bus service website.

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Visit Shiga Kogen for Unforgettable Views and Winter Activities

Shiga Kogen is an ideal retreat into nature throughout the year, providing distinctive seasonal beauty and attractions, including rare sights, breathtaking views, and gourmet experiences.

Easily reachable from Tokyo, it's the perfect place to unwind with friends and family while enjoying outdoor activities. Whether it's observing adorable monkeys, relaxing at the hot springs, or hiking amidst seasonal scenery, Shiga Kogen and its surroundings offer a peaceful sanctuary away from the bustling cities.

Written by Kate_T
Sponsored by Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort