Season ended
Shiga Kogen Okushiga
The highest and most remote resort in Shiga Kogen, with 100% natural snow and a long season into early May. A quiet, high-altitude mountain for families who want good snow and space.
My recommendation
Okushiga is where people who already know Shiga Kogen go the second time. It is the quiet, high, all-natural-snow end of the mountain, with one gondola and a long cruising run rather than a sprawl of lifts. Don't come expecting sanctioned off-piste — Shiga's rules are strict and the ropes mean it — come for uncrowded pistes and spring mornings. There is nowhere to eat out at night, so take the half-board and treat the hotel dinner as part of the trip. I'd send a first-time family to the Yakebitaiyama side and save Okushiga for the return visit.
TakFounder · Japow GuidesBased on local data and reviews
About the Resort
Okushiga Kogen sits at the far northern end of Shiga Kogen in Nagano. It is the most remote part of this large mountain area and one of the highest, with a top elevation of about 2,000 m and a base at 1,470 m. The resort uses 100% natural snow, and the altitude keeps it dry and light. There are 10 courses, about 20% beginner, 60% intermediate and 20% advanced, served by one gondola and five pair lifts. The signature run is the 2,200-metre Downhill Course; the only ungroomed course is Kumaotoshi, a short 30-degree pitch for experts. A free kids park with a moving carpet sits near the base.
Okushiga connects to the neighbouring Yakebitaiyama ski area by a marked link course, and both are covered by the Shiga Kogen all-mountain pass. Off-piste rules across Shiga Kogen are strict: roped and closed areas are off limits for any reason, and entering them means losing your pass and paying for any rescue.
The season is long, usually from mid-December to early May, which makes it a good choice for spring skiing. In April and May the resort runs early-morning lifts from 6:30 on weekends and holidays for firm morning snow. The atmosphere is calmer and more adult than busy family resorts, and the gentle lower slopes make it workable for families who want quiet slopes. There is no village: evening dining is limited to the hotel restaurants, so half-board is the norm.
Getting here without a car is simpler than it looks. Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station, then the Nagaden winter express bus, which runs straight through to the Okushiga gondola with no transfer — about 2 hours, ¥3,000 — for roughly 3.5 to 4 hours from Tokyo all in. By car it is about 50 minutes from the Shinshu-Nakano interchange; winter tyres or chains are required, and there are two free car parks at the base.
Official website: Okushiga Kogen Resort
Getting There
The answer first — details on the full access guide.
Tokyo StationHokuriku Shinkansen
Nagano Station (East Exit)Nagaden express bus — runs straight through to Okushiga in winter, no change at Shiga Kogen
Okushiga Gondola= the slopes
Roughly 3.5–4 hours from Tokyo all in — too far for a day trip, so plan at least one night. The express bus is the easy option: no winter driving, and it stops right at the gondola. The bus timetable is reissued every winter, so check the current one (and book the Shinkansen) before you travel.
Location & Access
By Car
About 50 min from Shinshu-Nakano IC (Joshin-etsu Expressway) via Route 292 toward Shiga Kogen, bearing toward Ichinose/Okushiga at the Hasuike junction. Winter tire/chain measures are required; the resort also recommends diesel cars refuel near Shiga Kogen in winter so the fuel resists freezing.
Parking
Free parking at the gondola base lot (approx. 200 cars, right by the gondola station) and the Center House lot (approx. 100 cars, handy for the hotels and pension quarter).
Where to Stay
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Terrain & Slopes
The numbers that matter for a family day.
10
Courses
6
Lifts
2.2km
Longest run
20%
Beginner-friendly
Beginner20%
Intermediate60%
Advanced20%
Snowboard ParkNot Available
Back CountryNot Available
Tickets & Pricing
Current Prices2025–26 season prices, for reference
1-Day Lift TicketAdult6,700 yen
1-Day Lift TicketChild3,300 yen
1-Day Lift TicketSenior5,800 yen
Lessons
Lesson in Japanese JA
Ski Lesson : N/A
Snowboard Lesson : N/A
Why You'll Love Shiga Kogen Okushiga
High altitude and 100% natural snow
Dry, light snow at the top of Shiga Kogen
Okushiga Kogen is one of the highest resorts in Shiga Kogen, with a top elevation around 2,000 metres. The high altitude keeps the snow cold and dry through the season, and the resort uses 100% natural snow. This is a strong choice for visitors who care most about snow quality.
A long season into spring
Open from mid-December to early May
The season here is long. Okushiga Kogen usually opens in mid-December and stays open until early May. In spring, the resort runs early-morning lifts on weekends and holidays so visitors can enjoy firm morning snow. Families planning a spring trip have a reliable option here.
A quiet mountain with a free kids park
Gentle lower slopes and space to learn
Okushiga Kogen is calmer than many busy family resorts. The first slope is gentle and suits beginners and children. There is a free kids park with a moving carpet in front of the centre house, where small children can play and practise. The quieter slopes give learning families more space.
Travel Tips
The small moves that save an hour of queuing with children.
🚌 Getting There
Shuttle runs every 30 minutes during peak season
🎿 Equipment Rental
Full rental sets available on-site. Reserve in advance during peak season.
Ski set: —/day • Snowboard set: —/day
💳 Payment Methods
Credit cards accepted at ticket counters and restaurants.
Cash preferred at some smaller vendors
🌨️ Best Time to Visit
January to February for the best powder conditions.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends
Latest News from Shiga Kogen Okushiga
Openings, closings and conditions — translated from official sources.
No news available at the moment.
Planning your trip?
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View the planning timelineFrequently Asked Questions
Everything you asked us about Shiga Kogen Okushiga.
Yes, for families who want quiet slopes. The first slope is gentle, and there is a free kids park with a moving carpet. The mountain is calmer than busy resorts, which can help nervous beginners. Stronger skiers have intermediate and advanced runs too.
The resort has a ski school, but English support is more limited than at large international resorts. It is best to book ahead and confirm English directly with the school before your trip.
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station (about 1.5 hours), then the Nagaden winter express bus from the East Exit, which runs straight through to the Okushiga gondola with no transfer (about 2 hours, ¥3,000). Not every departure continues past the main Shiga Kogen stops, so check the timetable. About 3.5 to 4 hours from Tokyo all in.
Options are limited because the resort is remote and there is no village. The hotels at the base have restaurants (reservations are needed for dinner), and the well-known Okushiga Burger is a lunch item at the Okushiga Kogen Hotel. Non-skiers can relax at the accommodation, but there is no town here.
Yes. The high altitude and 100% natural snow help the resort stay open until early May. On spring weekends and holidays it runs early-morning lifts for firm snow. This makes it one of the better spring choices in the area.
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TakFounder · Japow GuidesI'm a Tokyo-based snowboarder and father of two, with over 20 years on Japan's slopes. Resorts I have personally visited are marked “Visited” and include my first-hand notes. The other resorts are summarized from public ski-area data and local reviews. I add my own notes over time.