For those of you traveling to Shiga Kogen by public transportation, we’ve summarized the available options on this page.
The fastest and easiest way is to take the shinkansen to JR Nagano Station, then catch the express bus bound for Shiga Kogen from there.
We’ve also provided a quick guide for taking the express bus, as well as maps of bus stops in various locations, so feel free to use them to plan your trip!
- Shinkansen/Bullet Train: Tokyo or Kanazawa – Nagano
- Night Bus “Snow Story”: Tokyo Station – Shiga Kogen
- Daytime Express Bus: Nagano Station – Shiga Kogen
- Express Bus: A Quick Guide for Express Bus Travel
- Express Bus “Weekend Shiga”: Nagano Station – Shiga Kogen
- Shuttle Bus/Route Bus: Yudanaka Station – Shiga Kogen
- How To Purchase or Pay The Ticket
- Bus Stop Maps
【Shinkansen/Bullet Train】 Tokyo Station ⇔ Nagano Station ⇔ Kanazawa
You can easily access to Nagano Station via Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo or Kanazawa. As the gateway to Shiga Kogen, Nagano Station offers useful tourist information and various shops. Gather any necessary information or items before visiting Shiga Kogen!
From Tokyo / Kanazawa
To Tokyo / Kanazawa
Please check the accurate timetable via the link below, or use any route‑search service.
【Night Bus “Snow Story”】 Nagano Station ⇔ Shiga Kogen
After arriving at Tokyo Station from Narita or Haneda Airport—or from anywhere else in Japan—you can take a direct overnight bus to Shiga Kogen!
The Snow Story, featuring comfortable 3-row independent seats, departs at midnight and operates daily during the 2025–26 season is a good option if you travel from Tokyo!
【Daytime Express Bus】 Nagano Station ⇔ Shiga Kogen
The express bus is the most convenient and fastest way to get from Nagano Station to Shiga Kogen.
Head to Bus Stop No. 23 on the east exit of Nagano Station and board the express bus bound for Shiga Kogen. In approximately 70 minutes, you’ll reach at the heart of Shiga Kogen, which is “Yamanoeki Bus Stop”. From there, you can easily transfer by shuttle buses to various ski areas in Shiga Kogen.
- The ticket for the express bus FROM NAGANO STA. TO SHIGA KOGEN can be purchased at The “ARUYO” Information center (at bus stop No. 23).
- The ticket for the express bus FROM SHIGA KOGEN TO NAGANO STA. can be purchased at the Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki ticketing machine.
- Alternatively, payment inside the bus (when getting off) is also available. However, please prepare 1,000 JPY notes and coins. The following notes and coins are not accepted: 5,000 and 10,000 JPY notes, and 1 and 5 yen coins. Credit cards (VISA, AMEX, JCB), contacless payment (Paypay, ALIPAY) is also available.
- SEATS ARE NOT GUARANTEED WITH THE TICKET. IT IS ADVISABLE TO ARRIVE AT THE BUS STOP EARLY, REGARDLESS OF WHETHERE YOU ARE HEADING TO SHIGA KOGEN OR NAGANO STATION.
- The luggage space is available on the express bus.
How to Get to the Bus Stop No. 23 from Nagano Station
Express Bus Timetable – Nagano Station to Shiga Kogen
Express Bus Timetable – Shiga Kogen to Nagano Station
- The ▲ blue-marked services operate only on Saturdays from 20 December 2025 to 21 March 2026, and additionally on Wednesday, 11 February and Friday, 20 March.
- The ★ yellow-marked services (Weekend Shiga) operate only on Fridays from 9 January to 13 March 2026, and on Thursday, 19 March. After departing from Nagano Station East Exit, the bus is for drop-off only. (Reservations open on Monday, 1 December 2025.)
- The Hokuriku Shinkansen timetable is provided for reference. Please allow at least 20 minutes for transfers.
- The listed times are approximate passing times and may vary due to road conditions.
【Express Bus “Weekend Shiga”】 Nagano Station → Shiga Kogen
If you’re coming to Shiga Kogen over the weekend, the “Weekend Shiga” express bus is a great option! The “Weekend Shiga” operates on only Friday nights, departing from Nagano Station East exit, bound for Shiga Kogen.
This is a reservation-only basis express bus. Make sure to book in advance to secure your spot!
Operating Period: 9 January – 13 March 2026
Schedule: Every Friday and 19 March / Departing at 21:00 from Nagano station (East exit)
Note: Require a reservation in advance and make payment 5 days prior to the day you take the bus. Online purchase will be available here from 1 December 2025. (Japanese only)
【Shuttle Bus/Route Bus】 Yudanaka Station ⇔ Snow Monkey Park Bus stop ⇔ Shiga Kogen
In Shiga Kogen ski resort, shuttle bus service and route bus service assure you to go around conveniently between ski areas.
The shuttle buses highlighted in the blue frame on the schedule are available for free use. (from 08:30 -17:30 daily)
Timetable – Nagano / Yudanaka to Shiga Kogen
Timetable – Shiga Kogen to Yudanaka / Nagano
*These timetables for winter 2024-2025 apply until 6 April 2026.
- The areas and time periods within the blue frame indicate free shuttle bus service. (Available until Wednesday, 6 May 2026)
- Text shown in green represents the Kambayashi Line (from Shinshu-Nakano Station to Yudanaka Station to Snow Monkey Park Bus Stop).
- Blue-shaded times operate on weekdays only, and service is suspended during the following periods: Wednesday, 24 December 2025 – Wednesday, 7 January 2026, and Thursday, 19 March – Monday, 6 April 2026.
- In the Nagaden (Nagano Dentetsu) timetable, red text indicates limited express trains, while blue background indicates local trains (transfer required en route).
- The following contactless payments are accepted: VISA, JCB, AMEX, PayPay, and Alipay.
Bus Fare Information
See bus fare between Yudanaka Station and Shiga Kogen here.
How To Purchase or Pay The Ticket
We strongly recommend purchasing your ticket in advance to avoid congestion and ensure smooth boarding and alighting. Please note that the ticket does not guarantee a seat.
To purchase your ticket in advance, use the ticket machine at the JR Nagano Station ticket counter or a convenience store. On the day of your ride, please bring your ticket and arrive early at the bus stop. (Again, note that your seat is not guaranteed)
🏪 How to purchase the ticket at convenience stores
🚉 How to purchase the ticket at JR Nagano Station
Alternatively, you can pay inside the bus when you get off. Cash or contactless payments are accepted. Please note that the credit cards available for use may vary depending on the bus, so please refer to the link below.
*You may need to bring 1,000 JPY banknotes and coins to board a bus for bus fare payment. Some buses may not accept banknotes larger than 2,000 JPY nor can you exchange these banknotes for coins on the bus.
🚌 How to pay for the EXPRESS bus
🚌 How to pay for the ROUTE bus
Bus Stop Maps
Nagano Station
Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki Bus stop
Yudanaka Station
Shibu Onsen Bus Stop
Snow Monkey Park Bus Stop
