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Overview
Shiga Kogen lies in Nagano Prefecture within easy reach of Tokyo. The resort forms the heart of the Joshinetsu National Park with Shiga’s base sitting around 1400m above sea level and then rises a further 1000m above the base making it the highest ski resort area in Japan.
Secluded, beautiful and vast are three superlatives that come to mind when describing Shiga Kogen. It's higher elevation promises colder conditions and dryer powder which rivals Niseko and other resorts in Hokkaido (Japan's Northern Island) meanwhile promising less crowds and a more authentic Japanese experience.
Shiga Kogen is well suited for beginner, intermediate or advanced skiers and snowboarders with plenty of variety of trails over the 600 hectares the resort has to offer. Shiga has 18 interconnected ski areas on the one all mountain pass, making it Asia’s largest resort - with something for everyone. Shiga Kogen was also home to ski and snowboard slalom events during the 1998 Winter Olympic events.
Backcountry gates are now available in the Okushiga Kogen area of Shiga so those that want to experience challenging off piste terrains it can also find it here.
Amongst the 18 ski areas there are 5 main bases Ichinose, Okushiga, Yakebitaiyama, Giant and Sun Valley. Ichinose is the biggest with over 20 hotels as well as bars and restaurants to enjoy, while Yakebitaiyama is the closest to Ichinose and home to the Prince group of hotels, Okushiga is close by as well and offers a great international ski school, while Giant and Sun Valley have around 10 hotels each.
Featured Packages
Save 25%
Deluxe Shiga Kogen
The price is based on no peak. This is applied from 1st March 2025-31st March 2025.
Save 15%
Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel West Wing
Twin share per person rate from 2nd March 2025-15th March 2025. It excludes New year, Saturday, Public holiday.
Featured Accommodations
Adventures & Attractions
Our recommended resort highlights.
Shiga Kogen Family Friendly Activity Area
Located directly in front of the Prince Hotel West Wing, the Yakebitaiyama Family Snow Park is open from mid-December until late-March. Of
Shiga Kogen Restaurants and Bars
Shiga Kogen Ski resort area is not home to a large variety of bars and restaurants so if you are after a different dining experience every night. The o
Snowmobiles in Shiga Kogen
Snow mobiles are often used in Shiga Kogen’s heavy-snow area for patrolling up in the mountains or for rescue purposes. The snow mobile is also used in
Nagano VIP Shuttle Service
Nagano VIP Transfer is a flexible door to door service that can be booked as a shared service or a private charter for small groups and families. Book
Nagano Snow Shuttle
Nagano Snow Shuttle is a convenience daily shuttle bus from Narita or Haneda Airport to all major ski resorts around the Nagano and Niigata ski resort
Snow Monkey
The world-famous wild monkey park is situated in Yamanouchi Town in Nagano Prefecture. There is a daily shuttle that departs Akakura Onsen. The park
Shibu Onsen
The historic village was once frequented by samurai, wandering poets and travellers to rest and recuperate. And who could blame them, with legend sayin
Recent News & Events
- How to Reach Shiga Kogen
- Resorts & City Guide
By Air
The closest airport is Matsumoto, an hour and a half away by train, however Shiga Kogen is most easily accessed via Tokyo or Osaka airports.
By Train
The closest train station to Shiga Kogen is Kudanaka station at the base of the Joshinetsu national park, however this is a local train and not very regular. The more common way to reach Shiga Kogen is by bullet train to Nagano or Iiyama Station and then a linked bus transfer to Shiga Kogen of about 45 minutes to an hour.
By Car
Getting to Shiga Kogen is very easy with out the aid of a car, and as Shiga Kogen is Japans Largest connected resort in Japan there is no need for a car once you are there. If you do plan to hire a car it is best to do so from Nagano Shinkansen Station, from there it is an hours drive to Shiga Kogen.
By Bus
There are multiple direct buses from Osaka and Tokyo daily, as well as direct airport Transfers from both Tokyo airports, (Narita and Haneda) which can all be booked in advance. There is also a regular direct buses from Nagano Shinkansen Station as well and resort transfer buses to Madarao, Hakuba Valley, Myoko Kogen and Nozawa Onsen amongst others.
By Private Transfer
There are also private taxi options from Osaka and Tokyo as well as Matsumoto station or Nagano station.
Below are some PDF tourist maps to help you navigate and enjoy your time in Shiga Kogen.
