There are several transportation options for getting to Shiga Kogen. Let’s take a look at the available access methods:
- Take an express bus directly from Nagano Station to Shiga Kogen
- Travel by train to Yudanaka Station, then take a local bus to Shiga Kogen
- Drive by rental car
The easiest option is to take the direct express bus from Nagano Station to Shiga Kogen once you arrive at Nagano Station by Shinkansen. This page provides information on how to get to Nagano Station, as well as how to travel from Nagano Station to Shiga Kogen, using public transportation.
【Shinkansen/Bullet Train】 Tokyo Station ⇔ Nagano Station ⇔ Tsuruga
You can easily access to Nagano Station via Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo or Tsuruga. 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 / Tsuruga
To Tokyo / Tsuruga
【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 areas in Shiga Kogen.
- Round-trip tickets between Nagano Station and Shiga Kogen are available at the ARUYO Information Center near Bus Stop 23 (East Exit). Return trips are open-dated. (No online sales available)
- If you buy only a one-way ticket, the return can be purchased at the Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki ticket machine or paid on the bus when getting off. Please prepare 1,000 JPY notes or coins—5,000/10,000 JPY notes and 1/5 yen coins are not accepted. Credit cards (VISA, AMEX, JCB) and contactless payment (PayPay, Alipay) are also accepted.
- From May 25 onward, on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, the express bus operates as a cashless-only service. This means that cash payments will not be accepted on the bus.
- SEATS ARE NOT GUARANTEED WITH THE TICKET.
- The luggage space is available on the express bus.
▼ How to Get to the Information Center & the Bus Stop No. 23 from Nagano Station
▼ Express Bus: Nagano ⇔ Shiga Kogen
- Service between Zenkoji and Nagano Station East Exit, and between Nozoki and Kusatsu Onsen (marked in green) operates from 23 April to 3 November.
- Due to volcanic restrictions at Mt. Shirane, service to Kusatsu Onsen is currently suspended until further notice.
- The express bus to Okushiga Kogen (written in red) runs only from 1 July to 31 August, and 1 November to 4 December.
- Some buses (mainly on weekends and holidays) are cashless only. Please purchase your ticket in advance, as cash is not accepted onboard.
【Shuttle/Local Bus】 Yudanaka Station ⇔ Snow Monkey Park ⇔ Shiga Kogen
▼ Yudanaka/Shibu Onsen/Snow Monkey Park → Shiga Kogen
- Blue-box sections indicate ski shuttle buses, free until May 6 (excluding express buses written in red).
- The express bus to Okushiga Kogen (written in blue) runs only from 1 July to 31 August, and 1 November to 4 December.
- Express service between Zenkoji and Nagano Station East Exit, and between Nozoki and Kusatsu Onsen (marked in green) operates from 23 April to 3 November.
- Due to volcanic restrictions at Mt. Shirane, service from Shibutoge to Kusatsu Onsen is currently suspended until further notice.
- Service between Hotaru Onsen and Shibu Toge operates only from 23 April, 10:00 am, to 3 November.
- The blue-shaded schedule operates on weekdays only.
- The temporary Tanohara and Kanmandaki bus stops are in service from 1 June to 3 November.
▼ Shiga Kogen → Snow Monkey Park/Shibu Onsen/Yudanaka
- Blue-box sections indicate ski shuttle buses, free until May 6 (excluding express buses written in red).
- The express bus to Okushiga Kogen (written in blue) runs only from 1 July to 31 August, and 1 November to 4 December.
- Express service between Zenkoji and Nagano Station East Exit, and between Nozoki and Kusatsu Onsen (marked in green) operates from 23 April to 3 November.
- Due to volcanic restrictions at Mt. Shirane, service from Shibutoge to Kusatsu Onsen is currently suspended until further notice.
- Service between Hotaru Onsen and Shibu Toge operates only from 23 April, 10:00 am, to 3 November.
- The blue-shaded schedule operates on weekdays only.
- The temporary Tanohara and Kanmandaki bus stops are in service from 1 June to 3 November.
How To Purchase or Pay The Ticket
▼ Buy Your Ticket in Advance (Highly recommended!)
To avoid crowds and make boarding easier, we recommend buying your ticket in advance. Please note: tickets do not guarantee a seat.
You can buy tickets at:
- The ticket machine at the JR Nagano Station ARUYO Information Center (near the East Exit bus stop)
- Convenience stores
If you buy a round-trip ticket at the ARUYO Information Center, the return ticket can be used on any day (open ticket).
On the day of travel, please bring your ticket and arrive early at the bus stop. (Again, seats are not guaranteed!)
▼ Paying on the Bus
You can also pay when you get off the bus. Cash and contactless payments are accepted.
Notes:
- Accepted credit cards may differ by bus.
- We recommend bringing 1,000 JPY bills and coins.
- Some buses do not accept bills larger than 2,000 JPY and cannot make change.
🚌 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
