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Overview

Shiga Kogen lies in Nagano Prefecture within easy reach of Tokyo. The resort forms the heart of the Joshinetsu National Park with Shiga’s base sitting around 1400m above sea level and then rises a further 1000m above the base making it the highest ski resort area in Japan.

 

Secluded, beautiful and vast are three superlatives that come to mind when describing Shiga Kogen. It's higher elevation promises colder conditions and dryer powder which rivals Niseko and other resorts in Hokkaido (Japan's Northern Island) meanwhile promising less crowds and a more authentic Japanese experience.

 

Shiga Kogen is well suited for beginner, intermediate or advanced skiers and snowboarders with plenty of variety of trails over the 600 hectares the resort has to offer. Shiga has 18 interconnected ski areas on the one all mountain pass, making it Asia’s largest resort - with something for everyone. Shiga Kogen was also home to ski and snowboard slalom events during the 1998 Winter Olympic events.

 

Backcountry gates are now available in the Okushiga Kogen area of Shiga so those that want to experience challenging off piste terrains it can also find it here.

 

Amongst the 18 ski areas there are 5 main bases Ichinose, Okushiga, Yakebitaiyama, Giant and Sun Valley. Ichinose is the biggest with over 20 hotels as well as bars and restaurants to enjoy, while Yakebitaiyama is the closest to Ichinose and home to the Prince group of hotels, Okushiga is close by as well and offers a great international ski school, while Giant and Sun Valley have around 10 hotels each.

 

Featured Packages

Book By oct 31
Save 25%
Shiga kogen prince hotel east wing
Deluxe Shiga Kogen

The price is based on no peak. This is applied from 1st March 2025-31st March 2025.

Available
Dec-Mar

Duration
8 days

Price(PP)
¥240750 ¥178250

Book By oct 31
Save 15%
Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel West Wing
Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel West Wing

Twin share per person rate from 2nd March 2025-15th March 2025. It excludes New year, Saturday, Public holiday.

Available
Dec-Mar

Duration
8 days

Price(PP)
¥97875 ¥123250

Adventures & Attractions

Our recommended resort highlights.

SnowScoot
Shiga Kogen Family Friendly Activity Area

Yakebitaiyama Family Snow Park, by Prince Hotel West Wing, offers snow bikes, sleds, and tubes from mid-Dec to late-March. Reduced rates for guests.

Teppa Room
Shiga Kogen Restaurants and Bars

Shiga Kogen has limited but good dining options. In Ichinose, you’ll find 25 hotels with bars and restaurants, including Teppa Room and izakayas.

Snowmobile
Snowmobiles in Shiga Kogen

Snowmobiles in Shiga Kogen offer fun rides for all ages. No license needed; minimum age 6, with tandem rides required for ages 6-12.

Snow Monkey
Snow Monkey

The famous wild monkey park in Yamanouchi, Nagano, is reachable by daily shuttle from Akakura Onsen. A 20-30 min forest walk leads to the park.

Shibu Onsen
Shibu Onsen

The historic village, once frequented by samurai and poets, offers peace and charm. Bathing in all its onsens is said to bring good fortune.

Fireworks at Shiga Kogen
Shiga Kogen Winter Festivals

Experience local winter festivals with traditional performances, food stalls, and cultural events celebrating the season.

Madarao Ski Resort
Madarao Kogen Ski Resort

Madarao ski resort boasts varied terrain, including tree runs, open slopes and fresh powder. Perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort

Nozawa Onsen offers epic powder, long runs and a charming village with natural hot springs - perfect for a true Japanese winter experience.

Myoko Kogen Ski Resort
Myoko Kogen Ski Resort

Myoko offers deep powder, varied terrain and a mix of runs for all levels. Enjoy stunning views, tree skiing and a vibrant apres-ski scene.

  • How to Reach Shiga Kogen
  • Resorts & City Guide

By Air

Matsumoto Airport is the closest (1.5 hours by train), but Tokyo or Osaka airports offer the easiest access to Shiga Kogen.

By Train

Take the bullet train to Nagano or Iiyama, then a 45-60 minute bus to Shiga Kogen. Kudanaka Station is an alternative but less frequent option.

By Car

Hiring a car from Nagano Station makes the 1-hour drive to Shiga Kogen easy. A car isn’t necessary once in the resort due to its connectivity.

By Bus

Nagano Snow Shuttle, resort transfer buses, and direct buses from Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagano make bus travel to Shiga Kogen convenient.

By Private Transfer

Private transfers from Tokyo, Osaka, Matsumoto, or Nagano can be arranged for direct access to Shiga Kogen.

Below are some PDF tourist maps to help you navigate and enjoy your time in Shiga Kogen.

All Mountain Ski Trail Map Free. Work Offline. Share Anywhere

Main Area Ski Trail Map Free. Work Offline. Share Anywhere

Okushiga Ski Area Trail Map Free. Work Offline. Share Anywhere

Yakebitaiyama Ski Area Trail Map Free. Work Offline. Share Anywhere

Kumanoyu Ski Area Trail Map Free. Work Offline. Share Anywhere

Yokoteyama Ski Area Trail Map Free. Work Offline. Share Anywhere

Shiga Kogen Info Guide Free. Work Offline. Share Anywhere