Shiga-Kogen Yokoteyama Ski Resort opened on November 20th
Shiga-Kogen Yokoteyama Ski Resort opened on November 20th
Shiga-Kogen Yokoteyama Ski Resort in Shiga Kogen offers 22 runs with 10 lifts. Season: November 20 - May 6. Updated by Tak.
Japan's highest ski area at 2,307m. Opens mid-November, often lasts into May. Gentle pistes, panoramic summit views, and a café above the clouds.
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My Recommendation
Yokoteyama is Japan's highest ski area at 2,307m, which means it opens in mid-November and can run into June. The views from the summit are stunning, and there's a famous café up top that feels like it's floating above the clouds. Great for early and late season when other resorts aren't running yet.

Shiga Kogen Yokoteyama Ski Resort is Japan’s highest-altitude ski area, with lifts reaching over 2,300 meters. Thanks to this elevation, it offers one of the longest operating seasons in the country, often from late November into May, with consistently high-quality snow. Wide, gentle pistes make it beginner-friendly, while the panoramic summit views of the Northern Alps and Mt. Asama are a highlight for all visitors. At the top, the famous summit café—Japan’s highest—provides a unique spot to relax above the clouds. Its location on the eastern edge of Shiga Kogen makes Yokoteyama a scenic and family-friendly destination as well as an excellent base for exploring other Shiga Kogen areas.

Founder & Lead Curator, Japow Guides
I'm a Tokyo-based snowboarder and father of two with more than 20 years on Japan's slopes. I've personally visited and tested 26+ resorts across the country — from the deep powder of Myoko to the family-friendly runs of Karuizawa. Every recommendation on this site comes from real experience on the mountain.
Learn more about how we select resortsTokyo→Kanetsu Expressway→Joshinetsu Expressway→Nagano IC→Route19→Shiga Kogen→Yokoteyama (3hr30min)
1,200 spaces
Tokyo Station → Nagano Station (~1h20–1h30) → Nagaden express bus (~1h35–1h50, seasonal variations) → Yokoteyama/Shibutoge


Available
Not Available
Available
Not Available
December 20 - March 31
Weather dependent
Ski Lesson : from 4,000 yen
Snowboard Lesson : from 4,000 yen
2,307m altitude with snowmaking for an ultra-long season
At 2,307m, Yokoteyama is the highest lift-served ski area in the country. Combined with snowmaking, this means an incredibly long season — often mid-November through early June. If you're planning a ski trip outside the typical January–March window, Yokoteyama might be one of your only options, and a very good one at that.
Summit panoramas, 樹氷 formations, and Japan's highest café
The summit offers panoramic views and, in midwinter, the chance to ski through dramatic 樹氷 (juhyo — tree ice formations). The famous summit café is the highest in Japan, and on the right day you'll look down on a sea of clouds from your seat. The 4,000m downhill from summit to base passes through this scenery the whole way.
Border-straddling hotel and north-facing powder at Kumanoyu
Yokoteyama links to the Shibu Pass area, where the Shibu Pass Hotel famously straddles the Nagano–Gunma border. You can also ski into Kumanoyu, a north-facing zone with consistently dry powder and 10 courses from beginner to advanced. The hot springs at Kumanoyu's base make for a perfect après-ski soak.
Tokyo Station → Nagano Station (~1h20–1h30) → Nagaden express bus (~1h35–1h50, seasonal variations) → Yokoteyama/Shibutoge
Shuttle runs every 30 minutes during peak season
Full rental sets available on-site. Reserve in advance during peak season.
Ski set: ¥4,500 yen/day • Snowboard set: ¥7,800 yen/day
Credit cards accepted at ticket counters and restaurants.
Cash preferred at some smaller vendors
January to February for the best powder conditions.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends
Shiga-Kogen Yokoteyama Ski Resort opened on November 20th
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See #japowguides on InstagramEverything you need to know about Shiga-Kogen Yokoteyama Ski Resort
Yokoteyama is one of Japan’s highest lift-access areas, known for cold, dry snow and long operating seasons.
Tokyo → Nagano (Shinkansen) → express bus to Shiga Kogen, then shuttle to Yokoteyama.
Midwinter (Jan–Feb) for the driest snow; spring skiing often continues later than surrounding areas.
Limited on-mountain instruction—arrange English lessons via regional schools or hotels.
Base amenities include rentals, eateries, lockers; famous summit café views on bluebird days.
Still have questions?
Contact usYokoteyama