Shiga Kogen skied to 6 May with a long spring season
Shiga Kogen ran a long season to 6 May 2026, with a spring-skiing period from 1 April. Its high elevation keeps good snow late.

Shiga Kogen is a Japanese ski destination home to 4 ski resorts covered by Japow Guides. Use this page to compare conditions, plan access from Tokyo, find family-friendly options, and decide which slopes match your trip — written and curated by Tak.
Last Updated: June 18, 2026 by Tak
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World-famous "Japow"
Experience the incredibly light, dry powder snow that Japan is famous for worldwide, with consistent snowfall throughout the season.
Hot springs & traditional cuisine
Combine skiing with authentic Japanese experiences including hot springs (onsen), traditional cuisine, and warm hospitality.
Shiga Kogen ran a long season to 6 May 2026, with a spring-skiing period from 1 April. Its high elevation keeps good snow late.
Compare resorts, check real-time weather conditions, and plan your perfect ski adventure.
Common questions about skiing in Shiga Kogen
Shiga Kogen is Japan's largest ski area with 19 interconnected resorts, high elevation (1,200-2,307m), and excellent snow quality. It's known for its vast terrain and reliable snow conditions throughout the season.
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano Station (1.5 hours), then take a bus to Shiga Kogen (1 hour). There are also direct bus services from Tokyo that take about 4-5 hours.
Ichinoike and Hasuike are great for beginners with gentle slopes and good facilities. The area also has excellent English-speaking instructors and beginner-friendly terrain.
Yes! Most major resorts in Shiga Kogen offer English ski and snowboard lessons. The area has become more international-friendly with English-speaking instructors and staff.
Shiga Kogen has excellent snow quality due to its high elevation and location. The area receives consistent snowfall and maintains good snow conditions throughout the season, often extending into late spring.
Yes! Shiga Kogen's 19 resorts are interconnected, allowing you to ski between different areas on a single lift ticket. This makes it perfect for exploring diverse terrain in one day.
Shiga Kogen offers hotels, ryokans, and guesthouses. Many accommodations are located near the slopes and include onsen facilities. The area has a more resort-like atmosphere compared to traditional ski villages.
For more general questions (about money, culture, transport, etc.), please see our main Japan Skiing FAQ page.
View Main FAQ
Tak — Founder & Editor.
I'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. How we select →
Convenient transportation
Well-connected by efficient public transport including bullet trains, making it easy to reach from major cities.
All skill levels welcome
From gentle beginner slopes to challenging expert runs, there's something for every skier and snowboarder.
Shiga Kogen Yakebitaiyama ended its 2025-2026 season on 1 May 2026, after rain caused rapid snowmelt.
Ryuoo Ski Park ended its 2025-2026 season on 5 April 2026. The big resort has a vertical drop of more than 1,000 metres and a run of about 6,000 metres.
Family-Friendly Resorts
Best resorts for families with young kids and beginners.