[Nagano] Kitashiga's Top 3 Ski Resorts Guide: Skiing, Hot Springs, and Snow Monkey Watching!

From Tokyo to Kitashiga's Three Great Ski Resorts! A Complete Guide to Transportation, Accommodation, and Skiing

When winter arrives, the Kitashiga area attracts skiers and snowboarders from all over Japan. Easily accessible from Tokyo, the area boasts three major ski resorts that are enjoyable for beginners to advanced skiers: Kitashiga Komaruyama Ski Resort, X-JAM Takai Fuji Ski Resort & Yomase Onsen Ski Resort, and Ryuo Ski Park. From a first-time ski experience for parents and children to freestyle skiing for advanced skiers, there's a wide range of ways to enjoy the area. This article provides a comprehensive guide to Kitashiga's three major ski resorts, covering transportation, accommodations, skiing experiences, differences in snow quality, and even gourmet food and hot springs to enjoy after a day at the slopes.

Access from Tokyo to Kitashiga

There are three common ways to access Kitashiga: by train, bus, or car.

By train: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Nagano Station, you can take JR or private railways to the nearest station. Enjoy a comfortable train journey while enjoying the changing scenery.

If you are traveling by highway bus, there are direct shuttle buses from Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station, and some that go directly to each ski resort. This is convenient for those with a lot of luggage or who are not confident in their driving skills, and it also has the added benefit of allowing you to start skiing immediately after arriving.

If you are driving , you can reach the destination in about 3 to 4 hours via the Kan'etsu Expressway or Joshin'etsu Expressway. It's essential to bring studless tires and chains to protect yourself from snowy roads. You can also enjoy local cuisine at service areas along the way, making the journey itself a fun part of your trip.

Kitashiga Komaruyama Ski Resort — A classic ski resort that is safe and fun for families and beginners alike

Features

At Kitashiga Komaruyama Ski Resort, the snow quality at Komaruyama is soft and fluffy, and there are many days when you can experience light powder snow. There are also many gentle runs for beginners, making it ideal for families and those trying skiing for the first time. On the forest runs within the ski resort, you can ski between snow-covered trees and enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the seasons. Another attraction is the short wait times for the lifts, allowing for smooth skiing. The elevation difference is relatively small, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy skiing with peace of mind.

activity

Ski School: Experienced instructors provide careful instruction to children and adults according to their level.

Snow play area: There are plenty of other snow activities besides skiing, such as sledding and building snowmen.

Rental facilities: Skis, clothing, helmets, etc. are available, so you can come empty-handed.

Accommodation and hot springs

There are many accommodations with hot springs around the ski resorts, so you can relax and unwind after a day on the slopes. The snowy scenery seen from the open-air baths is exceptional, a luxury that can only be enjoyed on a winter trip. You can choose from Japanese-style rooms and Western-style rooms, and they are suitable for families, couples, and groups.

Gourmet

There is a wide variety of menu items to warm you up after skiing, including local cuisine, Shinshu soba noodles, set meals using local vegetables, and hot pot dishes.

Nearby spots

Kitashiga Kogen Ranch (winter only): An experience spot where you can interact with sheep, cows, and goats on the snow.

Local shrines and historical alleys: Take a stroll between skiing trips and experience the traditional culture of Kitashiga.

Hiking trail: Enjoy the snowy scenery on a walking trail that can be walked even in winter.

X-JAM Takaifuji Ski Resort & Yomase Onsen Ski Resort — Freestyle Heaven

Features

X-JAM Takai Fuji Ski Resort has an extensive park specializing in freestyle skiing and snowboarding. You can hone your skills with a variety of facilities, including jumps, rails, and boxes. With plenty of soft, slippery powder snow, the park offers different ways to enjoy the skiing and snowboarding depending on the conditions each day. It's also a great place to try out tricks or practice before a competition. Combined with the adjacent Yomase Onsen Ski Resort, it's a great place for everyone from families to advanced skiers. There are a variety of courses, from moderate slopes for intermediate skiers to challenging slopes for advanced skiers.

activity

Freestyle Park: Popular with a variety of sections including jumps, rails, and boxes.

Kids School/Family Course: A gentle course where even small children can ski safely.

Rental facilities: Ski and snowboard equipment and cold weather wear are also available.

Accommodation and hot springs

This accommodation is directly connected to Yomase Onsen, so you can relax and soothe your body in the open-air bath after skiing. Enjoying a soak in the hot spring while admiring the snowy scenery is an exceptional experience.

Gourmet

Hot Spring Town Restaurant: Stylish cafe lunches and dishes made with local ingredients.

Local cuisine: Shinshu soba, wild vegetables, hot pot dishes, etc.

Nearby spots

Stroll around Yomase Onsen Town: Walk around the town visiting small general stores and sweets shops.

Takai Fuji Observatory: You can get a panoramic view of the Shiga Kogen mountains, and the view is especially spectacular at sunset.

Nature Trail: An easy walk while enjoying the snowy scenery.

Ryuo Ski Park — Japan's longest course and a spectacular gondola

Features

Ryuo Ski Park is known for its long runs, some of the longest in Japan. With a mix of packed snow and powder snow, you can change your skiing style depending on the conditions each day. With long runs, advanced skiers can enjoy a sense of speed and exhilaration. You can ski while enjoying the forest and magnificent mountain views, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers. There are also gentle runs for beginners, making it safe for families.

activity

Dragon Gondola: One of the world's longest gondolas, connecting Ryuo and Oji Ski Resorts. Enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the mountains.

Snowboarding and skiing: Most of the courses are aimed at intermediate to advanced skiers, but beginner courses are also available.

Rental and School: Beginners can ski with confidence.

Accommodation and hot springs

Ryuo Onsen: Relax and soothe your fatigue with an open-air bath or massage.

Kanaguya Ryokan: A historic inn that was founded in 1758 and is a nationally registered tangible cultural property. It has nine hot spring baths, and guests can experience the "Kyuto Junyoku" hot spring bathing tour around the hot spring town.

Saigetsuro: A historic wooden building, perfect for photography and architectural strolls.

Gourmet

Mountaintop restaurant: Enjoy lunch while enjoying the spectacular view while skiing.

Local cuisine: A wide variety of hot dishes including Shinshu soba noodles, wild vegetables, and hot pot dishes.

Nearby spots

Dragon Dora observation point: A popular photo spot.

Jigokudani Monkey Park: You can observe snow monkeys bathing in hot springs, making it a great place to visit after skiing.

Special recommendation! Kanaguya Ryokan & Saigetsuro — Refresh your body and mind with a history and hot springs after skiing!

After working out on your skis, relax at Kanaguya Ryokan, a treasure of Kitashiga! Founded in 1758, this long-established inn is a nationally registered tangible cultural property. The inn has nine hot spring baths, and you can relax to your heart's content in private baths and open-air baths. Soaking in the open-air bath while watching the winter snowscape is truly luxurious.

Of particular note is Saigetsuro . Just walking through this historic wooden building will make you feel like you've traveled back in time to the Edo period! Taking photos is sure to be Instagram-worthy. The atmosphere is reminiscent of the world of the Ghibli film "Spirited Away," and it will satisfy not only anime fans but also architecture lovers .

In addition, the "Kyuto Junyoku" experience, exclusive to guests, allows you to stroll around the hot spring town in a yukata and visit nine baths with different spring qualities! You can enjoy a luxurious time only possible in winter while taking in the snowy scenery and old townscape of the hot spring town. Your body will warm up after a day of skiing, leaving you feeling completely satisfied in both mind and body.

Also, in the Kanaguya area, Jigokudani Monkey Park is nearby, where you can see snow monkeys bathing in hot springs . The charm of Kitashiga is that you can enjoy not only skiing, but also the winter nature and encounters with animals. This is an experience spot where you can enjoy everything from skiing and hot springs to historical walks, anime-style experiences, and snow monkey observation, making it the perfect place to "enjoy all of Kitashiga in one day."

Summary! Have an extraordinary experience in Kitashiga in winter!

Head to one of Kitashiga's three major ski resorts from Tokyo! After enjoying the powder snow and diverse courses, relax in a hot spring and enjoy local cuisine. You can also enjoy extraordinary experiences, such as touring the historic hot springs at Kanaguya Ryokan, observing snow monkeys, and taking a winter nature walk. Has reading this made you want to go?