Shiga Kogen Ski Resort
About the Resort
Shiga Kogen Snow Resort is a ski area located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, specifically within Joshinetsu National Park. It holds the distinction of being the largest and highest ski resort in Japan.
- It is one of Japan’s largest ski areas, encompassing 19 different ski areas6, or 21 ski resorts7, with 15 of its 18 ski areas being interconnected, offering the largest extent of connected terrain in Japan at 425 hectares. You can access all of them with one convenient lift pass。
- Shiga Kogen boasts a shockingly long ski season, typically open from mid-November until the end of May, or from late-November well into April or as late as early-May. The entire resort is usually open from mid-December until mid-April.
- The resort offers trails for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. It has a wide range of options including beginner slopes, long cruisers, challenging moguls, and powder bowls. A significant portion of its runs are rated intermediate.
- Shiga Kogen receives an abundance of snow, and its inland location ensures the snow is drier and stays in better condition for longer, making for reliable snow conditions.
- While it may lack luxury Western-style accommodation, Shiga Kogen provides the best range of traditional Japanese ryokan guesthouses where you can experience Japanese hospitality.
- The resort features five gondolas, the most of any resort in the region, providing access to its upper reaches.
Key Stats
- Longest and Most Reliable Season: Shiga Kogen boasts the longest ski season in Nagano and all of Japan, usually from mid-November to late April or early May. Thanks to its high elevation (highest in Japan) and natural topography, it also offers the most reliable snow conditions, with dry powder that lasts longer.
- Vast and Diverse Terrain: As the largest connected ski area in Japan, Shiga Kogen provides an enormous amount of terrain for all skill levels. Beginners will find lots of space and room to gain confidence, while intermediate skiers will find a wide variety of runs to push their skills. Advanced skiers can also find challenging terrain, though specific rules about off-piste should be noted.
- Convenience with a Single Lift Pass: With 19 ski areas (or 21) accessible by one convenient lift pass, and 15 of them interconnected, you can explore a vast amount of terrain without needing to take a bus between most areas.
- Unique Japanese Cultural Experience: The resort offers a strong sense of traditional Japanese culture through its wide range of traditional ryokan guesthouses. While it does not offer extensive Western-style nightlife, it provides the opportunity to unwind in hot springs (onsen).
- Excellent Accessibility and Proximity to Attractions: Shiga Kogen is accessible from Tokyo by Shinkansen and bus, with the Shinkansen ride to Nagano taking about 1.5 hours, followed by a 70-minute bus ride. It is also the closest resort to the famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park (25 to 30 minutes drive), making it easy to combine skiing with cultural sightseeing, including Zenko-ji Temple in Nagano City.
- Less Crowded Slopes: Shiga Kogen is typically quieter than resorts in Hakuba Valley and Nozawa Onsen, offering beginners and others more space on the slopes.
- Additional Winter Activities: Beyond skiing and snowboarding, the resort offers family-friendly activity areas and opportunities for snowshoeing and snowmobiling in its Yakebitaiyama ski fields.
Course Map
Level Guide
Terrain Information2
Snowboard Park
Back Country : Yes
Lift Tickets（1day）
Adult Lift Ticket: 7,500 yen
Junior Lift Ticket: 4,000 yen
Senior Lift Ticket: 6,800 yen
Rentals
Ski Set : 5,000 yen
Snowboard Set : 5,000 yen
Wear : 4,500 yen
Lesson
Ski Set : 4,500 yen
Snowboard Set : 4,500 yen
Wear : 4,000 yen
Location
By Car
Tokyo→Kanetsu Expressway→Joshinetsu Expressway→Shiga Kogen (3hr)
Parking
3,000 spaces
By Train
Tokyo Station→Nagano Station(1hr20min)→Bus(1hr)→Shiga Kogen
Ryuoo Ski Park is a ski resort located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
- This resort is introduced as Japan's easiest ski resort for snowboarding beginners.
- It is characterized by powder snow
- The resort also offers Après-ski and gourmet experiences
- Nagano Prefecture is home to the most ski resorts in Japan, with 85 locations. When combined with the neighboring Niigata Prefecture, the total reaches 133 resorts. Resorts in Nagano Prefecture boast excellent snow quality, particularly some of the world's best powder snow.
• Kagura Ski Resort sits in Yuzawa Town, Niigata Prefecture, and is made up of three inter-linked zones—Kagura, Mitsumata, and Tashiro—forming part of the wider Mt Naeba area.
• At altitudes that top out around 1,845 m, the slopes are regularly blanketed in light, dry powder.
• That elevation also delivers one of Japan’s longest lift-served seasons, typically running from late November to mid-May.
• Wide, mellow groomers welcome beginners and intermediates, while ungroomed tree runs and side-country gates keep powder hunters busy.
• Tashiro links to neighbouring Naeba via the 5.5 km “Dragondola,” unlocking an even larger playground under a single ticket.