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.
Based 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 metres. Because of the high altitude, the resort has 100% natural snow and dry, light snow quality. The course mix is about 20% beginner, 60% intermediate, and 20% advanced. The signature run is the 2,200-metre Downhill Course. There is also a free kids park with a moving carpet, and a connection to the neighbouring Yakebitaiyama ski area.
The season here is long. Okushiga Kogen usually opens in mid-December and stays open until early May, which makes it a good choice for spring skiing. In April and May, the resort runs early-morning lifts on weekends and holidays for firm morning snow. The atmosphere is calmer and more adult than busy family resorts, but the gentle lower slopes and the kids park make it workable for families who want quieter slopes.
Getting to Okushiga Kogen takes some planning. The resort is honest that access is not the easiest, because it is deep inside the mountains. The simplest way without a car is to take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station, then a Nagaden express bus toward Shiga Kogen, changing for the Okushiga line. By car, it is about 50 minutes from the Shinshu-Nakano interchange, and winter tyres or chains are required. There are two free car parks at the base.
Official website: Okushiga Kogen Resort
Location & Access
By Car
N/A
Parking
N/A
By Train
N/A
Shiga Kogen, Japan
Terrain & Slopes
10
Courses
6
Lifts
2.2km
Longest run
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
🚌 Getting There
N/A
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
No news available at the moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know 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 a Nagaden express bus toward Shiga Kogen and change for the Okushiga line. The resort is the most remote part of Shiga Kogen, so the bus trip takes time. Check the bus timetable in advance.
Options are limited because the resort is remote. There are hotels, pensions, and restaurants at the base, including the well-known Okushiga Burger. Non-skiers can relax at the accommodation, but there is no large 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.