Please take a look some of the most frequently asked questions.
- What is the climate in Shiga Kogen?
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🌸 During early spring, it can be quite chilly so please bring an overcoat or something just in case.
☔ By the end of the rainy season in June, Shiga Kogen enters its summer season which compared to the rest of Japan, is cool and refreshing.
🌻 While in the summery daytime, temperatures can be quite high, though the air is not humid like in Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka. However, it’s advisable, due to the altitude, to bring a light overcoat, as it can be a bit chilly in the morning and evenings.
🍂 From the end of August to the end of September, Autumn hits quite early for the mountains over 2,000m bringing with it a flush of red and orange leaves. Plants and trees at 1,500m normally hit their autumn phase mid-October.
⛄ In Shiga Kogen, known for its long winters, the temperature during the day is usually around 0°C. The lowest temperature can even drop to -15°C. Jeans are not highly recommended. Gloves and beanie are essential items!
- Are there any gas stations in the area?
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There are no gas stations in the Shiga Kogen area.
The last gas stations can be found at the foot of the area in Shinshu Nakano, so please prepare well before entering the area, and plan accordingly.
**Diesel fuel types can differ between city areas and mountain regions in winter. Please confirm the correct diesel type for your vehicle and make sure to refuel before coming to colder areas.**
The information for the closest gas stations are :- GS Idemitsu Shiga Kogen Kambayashi Gas Station TEL +81-269-33-8585 (7:00-19:00)
- Showa Shell Petrol Shiga Kogen SS TEL +81-269-33-8712 (7:30-19:00)
- Mobil Shiga Kogen Entrance SS TEL +81-269-23-5656 (Open 24 hours)
- About ATMs
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At the Post Office near the Shiga Kogen Sougoukaikan 98 in Hasuike, an ATM can be found where you can withdraw money via cash and credit cards.
This is the only ATM on the mountain but it is only available on weekdays (9:00-17:30) and Saturday morning (9:00-12:30). Some activities, restaurants and shops accept only cash, so please bring enough cash for the weekends.
- When is the hiking season?
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The hiking trails will be accessible from mid-May onward, depending on the remaining snow conditions. (Usually, most trails are still under snow even early May)
From early June to late October, Shiga Kogen Guide Association offer daily trekking tours. Your hiking trip will be even more enjoyable and memorable with a guided tour from a certified guide who knows Shiga Kogen inside and out!
Read more about Shiga Kogen Guide Association
- About Flower Blooming
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You can check when flowers are supposed to be blooming on the Shiga Kogen Visitor Center Website or “The Blooming Season of Alpine Plants“.
- About Road Conditions
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Road conditions are pretty predictable with the roads being busiest in the holiday seasons. This means that in May holidays, Obon (mid-August) holidays and weekends that fall during the Autumn Season will be quite busy.
There is no gas station in the Shiga Kogen area, please fill up before coming up to Shiga Kogen.
In winter, the roads will be frozen, and while we take all possible precautions and measures, it will be necessary to bring chained tyres or so to stop the vehicle from slipping. Please refer this page for more detail. In some cases, snowfall may still be found in May and October.
(The Shiga-Kusatsu Route will be closed in winter from mid-November to mid-April).
- When is the best time to see Autumn Leaves?
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Autumn comes early in Shiga Kogen due to the altitude, and in late September each year the summits of Mt. Shiraneand Mt. Yokote slowly burst out with reds, oranges, and yellows. From there, the lower levels of about 1,500-1,600m start their change in October. By November, the colours will have moved further down and the leaves will start dropping.
The first snowfall can be as early as mid-October, so November can be a mix of autumn leaves and white snow.
Lifts start moving in mid-November so you can enjoy these unique views for yourself.
- Is there a place to buy bento (lunch boxes)for hiking?
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There are no convenience stores or super markets where you can buy bento box in Shiga Kogen.
For those planning to need lunch during your hike, please consult with your accommodation in advance. For day trips and similar activities, we recommend purchasing any necessary items before heading up to Shiga Kogen.
- What should I do in the event of an accident or theft?
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If you should have the misfortune of being victim to a theft, or have an accident, you can contact the police station in Hasuike (+81-269-34-2109) who will advise and help you.
If the policeperson is not present, then you should get in contact with the police station in Yudanaka found at the foot of Shiga Kogen.
During winter, there are many vehicular accidents so please be careful when driving!
- About restaurants and eateries
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During the winter season, there are restaurants and shops around the ski resort. Please note that during the spring ski season after April, the operating hours of restaurants and shops may change to align with the ski resort’s hours. Additionally, some restaurants may not be open during the summer, so we kindly ask that you contact each facility in advance.
- About Public Transport in Shiga Kogen
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Public transportation (route/shuttle bus) in Shiga Kogen is operated by Nagaden Bus Company.
Buses do not run frequently, so please be sure to check the timetable in advance and plan your trip accordingly. The timetable and other information can be found on this page.
No taxi stationed in Shiga Kogen. If you would like to book a taxi, please contact the Nagaden Taxi Sales Office (+81-269-33-3161) in Yudanaka.
- About Parking Spaces
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There are several free parking areas within Shiga Kogen. Please be aware that they may get crowded on weekends and public holidays, so we kindly ask you to park with consideration for other vehicles and facilities. You can find the parking map here.
*In regards to accommodation parking, please inquire with each accommodation.
- About Wild Flower and Vegetable Picking
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Shiga Kogen is located within a national park, sharing its natural environment with local land managers. PLEASE NOTE THAT PICKING ANY PLANTS OR VEGETABLES IS PROHIBITED FOR GUESTS WHO DO NOT HAVE PERMISSION TO ENTER THE MOUNTAINS. It is also expressly forbidden to capture, hunt or take animals from the area. Our natural resources are limited, so please resist the temptation to take more than you need, and enjoy this environment with respect.
