Guide to Shiga Kogen Ski Resort 2025/2026

Looking for an ideal ski resort with easy access from Tokyo? Shiga Kogen in Nagano is one of the best choices for your winter skiing Japan tour - not only for the quick arrival but also with the largest interconnected skiable terrain, a longer ski season, and more reliable snow. Read on this complete guide for more details you want to know about the Shiga Kogen Ski Resort.

About Shiga Kogen Ski Resort

Shiga Kogen was once the skiing and snowboarding venue during the 1998 Winter Olympic Games, also known as Japan's largest and highest ski resort.

It comprises 18 ski fields with tree runs and wide-open spaces, and all these resorts can be accessed with one all-mountain pass. Apart from Kumanoyu and Yokoteyama, you can enjoy this well-interconnected ski field of about 425 hectares.

Information About Shiga Kogen Ski Resort
Size	600 hectares (connected terrain at 425 hectares)
Runs & Resorts	176 runs in 18 Resorts
Season	Late December to early April
Snowfall	10 to 12 meters
Elevation & Vertical	1330 to 2307 meters / 980 meters
Lift	52 chairs & gondolas
Beginner Zones	Happo Bunadaira, Maruike
Tree Zones	Terakoya, Yakebitai, Okushiga Kogen
Family Zones	Maruike, Yakebitai
Night Ski	Ichinose Family, Ichinose Diamond, Takamagahara, Hasuike, Sun Valley, Yakebitai and Kumanoyu
Ski Terrain	30% for beginners 40% for intermediate 30% for advanced

Shiga Kogen Ski Map

Best Time to Ski at Shiga Kogen 2025-2026

January and February are usually the best times to ski at Shiga Kogen, when the powder snow is at its best for an unforgettable skiing or snowboarding experience.

However, thanks to the high fields around 1500 meters, Shiga Kogen enjoys the longest snow season in Nagano (which can also run from mid-November to May in a good year), making plenty of options for your ski safari.

• 2025-2026 Shiga Kogen Ski Season: December 6th, 2025 to May 6th, 2026
• For the best ski quality: January to February
• For the ideal spring skiing: Mid-March to late April
• For fewer crowds & budget-friendly: April

Which is Better, Hakuba or Shiga Kogen

Put simply, Hakuba is more international, and Shiga Kogen maintains the authentic Japanese atmosphere.

If you're looking for a lively party scene, a more vibrant nightlife and steeper, more challenging terrain, then Hakuba Valley is the better choice. However, if you are seeking something quieter, wilder, or a more immersive skiing experience without any transfers, then head to Shiga Kogen.

• For ski terrain, Shiga Kogen (600 hectares & 18 resorts) is three times the size of Hakuba (220 hectares & 10 resorts), and also a little bit higher than Hakuba (1,831m, Happo One) with good powder retention.
• Shiga Kogen is convenient due to its interconnected ski fields, and a shuttle bus service is necessary to transport skiers between the resorts in Hakuba.
• In terms of snow quality, Hakuba typically experiences more snowfall than Shiga Kogen, but over a shorter period. The longer season also makes the snow more reliable in Shiga Kogen.
• As for accommodation, Hakuba has a better range of choices, including high-end and self-contained options, while Shiga Kogen still offers ski-in ski-out accommodations, which can be relatively old-school and dated.
• When getting from Nagano, the distance to Hakuba is a little further than to Shiga Kogen.
• Shiga Kogen is relatively cheaper and quieter than Hakuba Valley.

More Facts about Shiga Kogen Ski Resort

• Very close to the Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, Snow Monkey Park (about 30 minutes by car or 1 hour by bus)
• It is a more local preferred resort and less known by international visitors.
• Sitting within Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, Shiga Kogen has limitations on further development. Compared to the Hakuba neighbor, you may find limited nightlife entertainment and relatively simple accommodations.
• For sidecountry or backcountry skiing in Shiga Kogen, a companion with a registered guide is necessary.

Skiing at Shiga Kogen

How to Get to Shiga Kogen

For a quick escape, Nagano Station with express buses (during April to early December) is always the best base for Shiga Kogen. Or, travel with Odynovo and let the private car driver send you to the ski resort for about an hour's drive.

Tokyo-Nagano-Shiga Kogen

When starting from Tokyo (also the most recommended), take the New Hokuriku Line at Tokyo Station. After about a 1.5-hour ride, you will reach Nagano Station, where you can find the direct bus (1.2h) to Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki at the East Exit. For the JR train option, when arriving at Nagano, head to the Zenkoji Exit first. The Nagano Dentetsu (Nagaden) train line will take you to Yudanaka Station (about 50 minutes), which is also the gateway to Snow Monkey Park. Then board the local buses there to the highland ski resort after half an hour.

Tokyo-Shiga Kogen

You can also take advantage of the Shiga Kogen Shuttle at Narita or Haneda Airport for your direct ski holiday from late December to early March. However, be prepared for the long journey, which is about 5 to 6 hours.

Where to Stay When Skiing in Shiga Kogen

Sun Valley

At the base of the highland, Sun Valley is the first ski field you will get to when arriving at the Shiga Kogen, with several large hotels and the best connection to local and express bus stops - whether deeper into the snowy highland or travel around the nearby snow monkey park or onsen towns.

Maruike & Hasuike

These two ski resorts are better for beginners and family visitors. Apart from more hotel rooms to choose from, Hasuike provides night-skiing, and Maruike offers a children's snow field activity area as well as some short runs ideal for beginners' practice. Most importantly, with a walking distance to the Pulse Gondola, the access to the overall resort.

Takamagahara

Takamagahara is the heart of the central area and is preferred by couples and the younger generation. During the day, you can take advantage of the convenient access to the other 12 slopes for your ski adventure, then back to this area with a hopping beat, lively atmosphere, and the vibrant nightlife of Shiga Kogen.

Okushiga Kogen

Located more inside the highland with better powder snow and a quieter atmosphere, Okushiga Kogen is suitable for ski lovers and advanced skiers looking for their advanced-level ski safari - ski-in and out accommodations, fresh powder without any trace, and the tranquil mountain views only paired with falling snow.

Shibu Onsen & Yudanaka Onsen

If you're not that interested in skiing or just want to try it out, then these two traditional onsen towns outside the ski resort are also good options.

They're not very far from Yudanaka Station, and there are local bus services that can take you to the ski resort in about half an hour. You can have a more relaxing nightlife there with various bars and traditional kaiseki restaurants, and soothing hot springs for a variety of bathing experiences.

Other Winter Activities at Shiga Kogen

Capture Snow Monkey Bathing in Hot Spring

Though these furry creatures at Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (Snow Monkey Park) can be seen all year round, nothing is more exciting than seeing them bathe in the hot spring with their red faces on snowy days. So, be sure to leave time to visit these Instagram superstars during your winter holiday in Shiga Kogen, which is no more than a 30-minute drive away.

Find out the "Snow Monster"

Imagining those giant footprints appearing in the snow field? Well, the "snow monster" in Japan is actually quite "real" - mountain trees sway in the roaring winds and freeze by the heavy snow, making a "monster" illusion after sunset - especially during your night ski in the tree zone. If time is possible, up to one of the tree zones for a special sunset with those "snow monsters"!

Snowshoe Hiking

As a national park, there is no shortage of natural beauty in Shiga Kogen, making slow sightseeing with snowshoes also worthwhile. From the peaceful mountain views to the occasional coming out monkeys and antelopes, and let the hot spring in the snow as your final reward.

Let Odynovo Arrange Your Shiga Kogen Winter Holiday

As mentioned above, Shiga Kogen is quite large. Apart from its excellent powder snow for skiing and snowboarding, it usually takes a few days to visit the whole highland - how about plus one day for the nearby monkey park, 2 nights in the quaint onsen towns along the mountain base, or a few days of city exploration of Nagano? Feel free to contact us for your thoughts and requests about your winter Japan tours!