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Discover Japan's best ski resorts with legendary powder snow, world-class facilities, and authentic Japanese culture.
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Explore Japan's largest ski area at Shiga Kogen, featuring interconnected resorts and diverse terrain for all skill levels.
Discover the incredible ski resorts of Shiga Kogen, where legendary powder snow meets authentic Japanese culture.
Last Updated: October 11, 2025 by Tak
Shiga Kogen Area: Expansive Slopes, Excellent Snow Quality, and Fusion of Japanese Culture
Shiga Kogen, located in Nagano Prefecture, one of Japan's major ski destinations, is accessible from Tokyo in about 2.5 hours by Shinkansen and connecting bus. It is known as Japan's largest interconnected ski area, offering an ideal choice for winter sports enthusiasts.
The Shiga Kogen area stands out for its overwhelming scale, reliable snow quality, and rich Japanese cultural experiences.
Access
Conclusion
Shiga Kogen is an ideal winter destination for skiers and snowboarders seeking diverse sliding experiences on expansive slopes, along with stable snow quality and a long season. It is also suitable for families and highly recommended for those who wish to simultaneously enjoy authentic Japanese culture and hot spring experiences.
15 different ski areas are interconnected by lifts and accessible with a single lift pass
15 out of 19 Ski Resorts in Shiga Kogen are interconnected by lifts and accessible with a single lift pass. This makes it the largest ski area in Japan where you can ski without needing bus transfers. It is also Japan's highest ski resort, with its highest chairlift reaching 2307 meters.
Shiga Kogen has longest season among all ski resorts in Nagano and Niigata.
Snow Resorts in Shiga Kogen typically open from mid-November until the end of May. Due to its high elevation and geographical conditions, it offers the most reliable snow conditions.
Shiga Kogen offers the best range of traditional Japanese ryokan guesthouses
Fewer Western skiers, appealing to travelers seeking a more Japanese atmosphere. Shiga Kogen is very close to Nagano City's Zenko-ji Temple, which has a history of approximately 1400 years, and the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, famous for its wild monkeys bathing in hot springs.
Great Access from Tokyo
With 1.5 hours train and 70 min bus rides to Shiga Kogen Area is great for tourist who do not want to spend too much of your time travelling to the resorts
Common questions about skiing in Shiga Kogen
Shiga Kogen is Japan's largest ski area with 19 interconnected resorts, high elevation (1,200-2,307m), and excellent snow quality. It's known for its vast terrain and reliable snow conditions throughout the season.
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano Station (1.5 hours), then take a bus to Shiga Kogen (1 hour). There are also direct bus services from Tokyo that take about 4-5 hours.
Ichinoike and Hasuike are great for beginners with gentle slopes and good facilities. The area also has excellent English-speaking instructors and beginner-friendly terrain.
Yes! Most major resorts in Shiga Kogen offer English ski and snowboard lessons. The area has become more international-friendly with English-speaking instructors and staff.
Shiga Kogen has excellent snow quality due to its high elevation and location. The area receives consistent snowfall and maintains good snow conditions throughout the season, often extending into late spring.
Yes! Shiga Kogen's 19 resorts are interconnected, allowing you to ski between different areas on a single lift ticket. This makes it perfect for exploring diverse terrain in one day.
Shiga Kogen offers hotels, ryokans, and guesthouses. Many accommodations are located near the slopes and include onsen facilities. The area has a more resort-like atmosphere compared to traditional ski villages.
For more general questions (about money, culture, transport, etc.), please see our main Japan Skiing FAQ page.
View Main FAQI'm a Tokyo-based snowboarder with more than 20 years on the slopes. As a father of two, I enjoy riding natural terrain and side hits, and I'm passionate about helping international visitors discover the best of Japan's ski resorts. Off the slopes, I love family time, dogs, and soaking in Japanese onsen.