Shiga Kogen - Japan's Largest Ski Area

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.

Why Shiga Kogen Stands Out

The Shiga Kogen area stands out for its overwhelming scale, reliable snow quality, and rich Japanese cultural experiences.

• Japan's Largest Connected Resort Shiga Kogen is one of the largest ski resorts in Japan, encompassing 19 different ski areas. Most of these (15 out of 18 areas, approximately 425 hectares) 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.
• Superior Snow Quality and Long Season Shiga Kogen boasts the longest season among all ski resorts in Nagano and Niigata Prefectures, 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. While it receives slightly less snowfall than coastal areas, its inland location means the snow is drier and, thanks to surrounding mountains, remains in better condition for longer. Cold weather patterns from Siberia ensure consistent cold conditions even in warmer seasons.
• Diverse Slopes and Courses The resorts in Shiga Kogen offer courses suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. It is particularly well-suited for beginners to intermediate riders, providing ample space to build confidence and an ideal environment for skill improvement. The resort's vastness ensures quiet slopes where beginners can freely practice.
• Onsen and Cultural Experience One of the major attractions of Japanese ski resorts is onsen (hot springs), and Shiga Kogen is no exception. Several hotels and guesthouses within the resort feature internal hot spring baths. Notably, it offers the best range of traditional Japanese ryokan guesthouses, allowing visitors to experience genuine Japanese hospitality. Moreover, 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. This provides an excellent opportunity to combine skiing with Japanese cultural immersion. For a more authentic Japanese hot spring town atmosphere, you can choose to stay in nearby onsen towns like Kanbayashi, Shibu, or Yudanaka Onsen.
• Other Activities Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Shiga Kogen offers various winter activities. The area has five gondolas, the most in the region, providing access to the upper parts of the resort for snowshoeing or enjoying magnificent views. Snowmobiling is also available in the Yakebitaiyama ski fields, and multiple activity areas are prepared for families.
• English Support and Rentals Many ski resorts in Shiga Kogen provide lessons with English-speaking instructors. Ski and snowboard rental services are also well-equipped, with high-quality options often available directly through high-end accommodation's in-house services. Compared to other popular resorts, Shiga Kogen tends to have fewer Western skiers, appealing to travelers seeking a more "Japanese" atmosphere.

Access

• From Tokyo to Shiga Kogen Area:
  • Shinkansen + Bus: A Shinkansen ride from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station takes approximately 1.5 hours. From Nagano Station, a bus ride to Shiga Kogen takes about 70 minutes.

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.