Shiga Kogen Has More to Offer Than Just Skiing and Snowboarding!
Even if you’re not hitting the slopes, Shiga Kogen has plenty to enjoy — from scenic viewpoints and mountaintop restaurants to peaceful snow-covered forests.
Walking through ski areas without proper gear (like skis or snowboards) is extremely dangerous and strictly prohibited. Also, hiking trails are buried under deep snow during winter and are not accessible.
If you’d like to explore the snowy landscape on foot, we recommend joining a snowshoe tour with Shiga Kogen Guide Association, where local guides will safely lead you to hidden winter spots. (Details for the 2025–26 season will be released in October)
This page also introduces other winter activities in addition to scenic spots and snowshoe tours, so be sure to take a look!
The Magnificent Scenery at Mt. Higashidate
All the gondolas in Shiga Kogen are open to those without skis or snowboards, and they take you to the summit, where a majestic view awaits you!
Accessing Mt. Higashidate Panorama Terrace: Two Routes
1. Yamanoeki to Mt. Higashidate (with 3 gondolas)
After getting off the bus at the Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki Bus Stop (the central bus terminal) or parking your car in the lot in front of Yamanoeki, you can make your way to the summit of Mt. Higashidate by transferring between three gondolas.
Please note that you will need to walk through sloped ski areas to transfer between gondolas. We recommend wearing sneakers or hiking shoes for safety.
- GONDOLAS
- Shiga Kogen Resort Gondola -> Bunadaira Gondola –> Higashitateyama Gondola
- TICKET PRICE
- ￥3,000/round trip
2. Hoppo Onsen to Mt. Higashidate (with one gondola)
Get off the bus at the Happo Onsen Bus Stop (or park your car in the nearby parking lot) and take a single gondola ride to reach the summit of Mt. Higashidate.
Please note: From the bus stop and parking lot, it’s about a 2-minute walk downhill to the Higashidateyama Gondola station (and uphill on the way back).
- GONDOLA
- Higashitateyama Gondola
- TICKET PRICE
- ￥2,000/round trip
Once you arrive at the summit, pop into THE ROOFTOP DINING to enjoy the fine meals with the open view! 🍷🍴
Other Gondolas to the Mountaintops
Following gondolas and lift are also available, allowing you to reach the summit and enjoy the view!
🚠 Kumanoyu No.3 Quad
🚠 Okushiga Kogen Gondola
🚠 Yakebitaiyama 1st and 2nd Gondolas
Those ski areas also have kids area/snow park. Please check here for more information.
Snowshoe Guided Tours & Snowshoe Rentals
Shiga Kogen official guides provide snowshoe tour and a snowshoe rental service.
The winter forests of Shiga Kogen offer a completely different experience from the summer hiking trails. With the quiet, snow-covered woods, you’re sure to be amazed by activities you didn’t expect to find!
They offer spring snowshoe tours until early May this year. Why not take a leisurely stroll through the forest, filled with the atmosphere of spring?
Let’s Have Fun at the Kids Snow Park!
Not only skiing and snowboarding, but there’s also a snow park in Shiga Kogen where kids can play. These are the perfect places for first snow experience and play with snow, sledding, snow scoot etc.
Must See: Snow Monkey Park
At the Snow Monkey Park, you’ll witness wild monkeys soaking in the hot springs, relishing the warmth of the water. This unique sight can only be seen here, at the Snow Monkey Park! Don’t miss the chance to capture this incredibly photogenic moment.
Onsen hopping in Yudanaka, Shibu and Kambayashi Onsen Villages
Yudanaka, Shibu, and Kambayashi are traditional onsen resorts located at the base of Shiga Kogen, just a 30-minute direct bus ride away!
Why not unwind and warm up at a foot bath located at the corner of a small hot spring village, soothing your travel fatigue?
Yudanaka Area
Kaedenoyu is a public hot spring located at Yudanaka Station. You can enjoy their open-air foot bath while waiting for your train or bus. (and it’s free!) Okomin items are also available for purchase.
Kaedenoyu
- HOURS
- 10:00 – 21:00 / Open Daily
*Open-air foot bath opens until 22:30
- FEE
- ￥500/adult, ￥300/child
- CONTACT
- TEL: 0269-33-2133
Shibu Area
Nine small onsens at Shibu are only for the guests who lodge this area, but Oyu, one of these onses is available for visitors. Please visit Shibu Onsen visitor center for more details.
Shibu Onsen Visitor Center
- HOURS
- MON, WED, FRI: 13:00 – 17:00 / TUE, THU, SAT, SUN: 10:00 – 17:00
*Golden Week (massive holidays in May), Obon (mid-summer holidays), New Year holidays 10:00 – 17:00 (daily)
- FEE
- ￥800/adult, ￥500/child
- WEBSITE
- https://shibuonsen.net/en/
- CONTACT
- TEL: 0269-33-2921
Kambayashi Area
Wakuwakunoyu is located midway between the Snow Monkey Park and Shibu Onsen Village, and it is open to the public.
Wakuwakunoyu
- HOURS
- 10:00 – 19:30 / Closed on Wednesdays
- FEE
- ￥500/person
- CONTACT
- TEL: 0269-33-2260
