Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is one of Japan's largest snow resorts, located amid the rich natural beauty of a national park.

It consists of 18 ski resorts and 51 gondolas and lifts, and is popular with tourists from both Japan and abroad, as it caters to not only serious skiers and snowboarders, but also beginners and families.

Another reason for its popularity is that it is a rare place for a snow resort in Japan where you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding for a long period of time, from late November to early June.

Where is Shiga Kogen Ski Resort?

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is a vast snow resort that spans Nagano and Gunma prefectures.

There are ski resorts of various sizes scattered throughout Joshin'etsu Kogen National Park, and it has the advantage of being easily accessible from the Tokyo metropolitan area by bus, so Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is said to be the perfect choice if you want to enjoy skiing in the Kanto-Koshin'etsu region.

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort was designated as Japan's first international ski resort in 1935, and is also famous for having been used as the venue for the alpine events at the 1998 Nagano Olympics.

In addition to the Nagano Olympics, it has also frequently hosted the Snowboarding World Cup and the Alpine Skiing World Cup, making it one of the most prestigious ski resorts in Japan.

Why Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is so popular

The reasons why Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is so popular are its vast grounds and the excellent quality of the snow.

Many people from overseas, as well as Japanese people, stay at Shiga Kogen for long periods every year, and the popular style is to take your time enjoying the snowy scenery and taking in multiple courses over the course of several days.

There are also plenty of spots to enjoy Japanese culture, such as hot springs and gourmet food, so it's recommended for those who want to enjoy both snow fun and Japanese culture.

Reason for its popularity: It's so big, you can't ski all in one day!

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort consists of 18 ski resorts of various sizes scattered among the mountains at altitudes ranging from 1,304m to 2,307m.

The ski resorts are all connected by lifts, gondolas, and shuttle buses, so the best part is that you can enjoy a variety of ski resorts depending on your skill level and how you want to enjoy it.

Reason for popularity 2: Enjoyable for everyone from beginners to advanced riders!

The vast 2,600-hectare site is home to advanced courses that are used for international competitions, as well as plenty of courses that intermediate players can enjoy.

Additionally, about half of the courses are easy enough for beginners to try, making them popular with families.

Reason for popularity 3: Great snow quality!

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is located at a relatively high altitude compared to other ski resorts in Japan.

The high altitude and clean, clear air combined with the winds from the Sea of Japan bringing down soft, powdery snow means you can enjoy smooth skiing with little friction, making it no exaggeration to say that this is the best in the Kanto, Koshinetsu region.

Reason for popularity #4: Plenty of hot springs!

Shiga Kogen is home to many volcanoes of various sizes, making it a famous hot spring resort since the Edo period.

Many of the hotels scattered throughout the ski resort are equipped with hot spring facilities that use natural hot spring water, making them perfect for warming up your body after a day of skiing.

Also, if you take a bus for about 30 minutes from Shiga Kogen, you can go to Jigokudani Monkey Park, the only place in the world where you can see wild Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs.

If you want to see the snow monkeys, we recommend staying at Shiga Kogen Ski Resort.

Reason for its popularity 5: Delicious gourmet food to eat on the slopes!

In Japan, meals eaten on the slopes are called "gere food," and Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, where each rest house, hotel, and inn offers a wide variety of elaborate menus, is highly popular as a ski resort with delicious food.

Nagano Prefecture, where Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is located, is particularly famous for soba noodles, so be sure to try some delicious Shinshu soba at least once.

We also recommend Shiga Kogen Beer for those who like alcohol.

Nagano Prefecture is also known for its fruit production, so Shiga Kogen Beer, which uses a variety of fruits, has been well-received for its "deep flavor and irresistible, gorgeous aroma!"

Recommended courses at Shiga Kogen Ski Resort

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is broadly divided into four areas.

Among the four areas, we will introduce two courses that we particularly recommend.

Central Area

The most recommended area at Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is the "Central Area."

It consists of 13 ski resorts and has excellent access to other areas.

Snow Land in particular is a great place for people of all ages to enjoy, with play equipment allowing you to have fun playing in the snow to your heart's content, so families with small children should stay in the central area.

The most popular course in the central area is the 6km long run that connects Teragoya Ski Resort to Happobunadaira Ski Resort.

Although the slope is not that steep, you can enjoy low-friction powder snow for 6km, and you'll definitely become addicted to the exhilaration and sense of accomplishment that you can't experience on any other course.

Yokoteyama area

The Yokoteyama area is famous for having the ski lift at the highest altitude in Japan.

It takes about 30 minutes by free shuttle bus from the central area, but because of its high altitude, you can enjoy some of the best powder snow in Shiga Kogen Ski Resort.

One place you should definitely visit in the Yokoteyama area is the Manten View Terrace, located at the summit.

Not only can you see the frost-covered trees that are said to be unique in the Kanto, Koshinetsu, and other areas up close, but on clear days you can also see Mt. Fuji, making it a popular spot not only for skiers and snowboarders, but also for many photographers.

The "Jumbo Course" that connects to the Manten View Terrace is a steep, ungroomed course that can only open if there is a solid snowfall, making it a thrilling course that intermediate and advanced skiers will love.

Access from the airport

The most convenient way to access Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is by express bus.

From Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport), there is one express bus service during the day and one at night, the journey takes about 5 to 8 hours and costs around 10,000 yen.

Night buses operate from Narita International Airport to Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, taking around nine hours and costing around 10,000 yen.

Please note that bus operation status, travel time, fares, etc. may change, so please check the latest information.

summary

Shiga Kogen is a popular snow resort that is a must-visit for anyone wanting to enjoy skiing or snowboarding in Japan.

If you are staying in Japan in the winter, be sure to experience Japanese culture while immersed in the vastness of Japan's nature at Shiga Kogen Ski Resort.