Season ended · next season typically starts December
Shiga Kogen Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort
Shiga Kogen's flagship zone — 18 trails, World Cup pedigree, and ski-in/ski-out Prince Hotel. Night skiing on the East Course until 20:00.
My recommendation
Yakebitaiyama sits deep in the Shiga Kogen area at 2,000m, which means the snow quality is excellent. Two gondolas get you to the summit fast, and the mostly intermediate terrain is great for riders who want to level up. The Olympic downhill course is there if you want to test yourself.
TakFounder · Japow GuidesAbout the Resort
Yakebitaiyama (Shiga Kogen) is one of the largest single ski areas in the region, featuring 2 gondolas + 3 chairlifts and 18 trails. Expect reliable snow and plenty of wide, well-groomed pistes with a longest run of about 2.5 km. The Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel (East/South/West) sits right on the base for true ski-in/ski-out convenience—South even loads straight onto a gondola. You can also squeeze in extra laps with night skiing on the East Course (18:00–20:00). With a World Cup pedigree and some sanctioned tree-run options alongside off-piste zones, Yakebi works brilliantly for strong intermediates and advanced riders while still welcoming families who love scenic cruising. It’s an ideal hub for multi-day exploring of neighboring Ichinose and Okushiga on the all-mountain pass.
Location & Access
By Car
Tokyo→Kanetsu Expressway→Joshinetsu Expressway→Nagano IC→Route19→Shiga Kogen→Yakibitaiyama (3hr30min)
Parking
1,500 spaces
By Train
Tokyo Station → Nagano Station (~1h20–1h30) → Nagaden express bus to Shiga Kogen (Yamanoeki/Ichinose) (~70–90 min) → resort shuttle (~10–20 min) → Yakebitaiyama
Yakibitaiyama, Shiga Kogen, Nagano, Japan
Terrain & Slopes
30
Courses
10
Lifts
incl. 2 gondolas
2.4km
Longest run
Beginner50%
Intermediate35%
Advanced15%
Grooming85% groomed · 15% non-groomed
Snowboard ParkAvailable
Back CountryNot Available
Tickets & Pricing
Current Prices2025–26 season prices, for reference
1-Day Lift TicketAdult8,000 yen
1-Day Lift TicketChildfree under 12 years old
1-Day Lift TicketSenior6,400 yen
Lessons
Lesson in Japanese JA
Ski Lesson : from 4,200 yen
Snowboard Lesson : from 4,200 yen
Why You'll Love Shiga Kogen Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort
2,000m altitude and two gondolas straight to the top
Fast summit access and excellent snow quality
Yakebitaiyama is one of the highest resorts in Shiga Kogen, and the snow quality reflects it. Two gondolas provide fast access to the summit area, so you're not spending half your morning on slow chairlifts. The efficient access means more runs per day — especially valuable on short trips.
Intermediate paradise — with an Olympic course for the brave
Mostly medium-pitch groomers plus the 1998 Nagano Olympic downhill
Most of Yakebitaiyama's terrain is medium-pitch groomed runs, which makes it ideal for intermediate skiers and snowboarders looking to build confidence and push their limits. But if you want a real challenge, the Olympic course from the 1998 Nagano Games is here — a wide, steep, open run that's exhilarating to charge down.
Prince Hotel ski-in/ski-out — the base you don't have to leave
South Wing loads onto a gondola, night skiing until 20:00
The Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel (East/South/West wings) connects directly to the slopes. South Wing even loads onto a gondola right from the hotel. Night skiing runs until 20:00 on the East Course, so you can squeeze in extra laps after dinner. It's a convenient, self-contained base for exploring Yakebitaiyama and the neighboring Shiga Kogen zones.
Travel Tips
🚌 Getting There
Tokyo Station → Nagano Station (~1h20–1h30) → Nagaden express bus to Shiga Kogen (Yamanoeki/Ichinose) (~70–90 min) → resort shuttle (~10–20 min) → Yakebitaiyama
Shuttle runs every 30 minutes during peak season
🎿 Equipment Rental
Full rental sets available on-site. Reserve in advance during peak season.
Ski set: 6,500 yen/day • Snowboard set: 6,500 yen/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
Season has ended. Live snow and weather info will return in December.
Latest News from Shiga Kogen Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort
Yakebitaiyama closed on 1 May after rapid snowmelt
Shiga Kogen Yakebitaiyama ended its 2025-2026 season on 1 May 2026, after rain caused rapid snowmelt.
Shiga Kogen Yakebitaiyama opened for 2025-2026 in early December
Shiga Kogen Yakebitaiyama opened for the 2025-2026 season in early December 2025. The resort connects to Okushiga Kogen and has a ski-in hotel at the base.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Shiga Kogen Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort
High-altitude, cold-snow resort within Shiga Kogen—long season, excellent groomers, and interlinked terrain.
Tokyo → Nagano (Shinkansen) → express bus to Shiga Kogen → local shuttle to Yakibitaiyama.
January–March for reliable snow; shoulder months can still ski thanks to altitude.
English lessons can be arranged via Shiga Kogen providers or hotel desks.
Rentals, hotel dining, lockers; lift access to broader Shiga network on applicable passes.
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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.