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.
This page also introduces other winter activities in addition to scenic spots and snowshoe tours, so be sure to take a look!
A Stunning View from the Top of 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!
▼ Access to Mt. Higashidate Panorama Terrace
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.
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).
▼ Click to view on the digital map
- GONDOLA
- Higashitateyama Gondola
- TICKET PRICE
- ￥2,000/round trip
- TICKET PURCHASE
- Available at Higashitateyama Gondola Station
*Online purchase is not available.
*Credit Card and electric payments accepted.
*Acceptable with a Shiga Kogen All-Mountain Pass or a Central Area Pass.
Once you arrive at the summit, pop into THE ROOFTOP DINING to enjoy the fine meals with the open view! 🍷🍴
More Mountain Gondola Rides
Following gondolas and lift are also available, allowing you to reach the summit and enjoy the view!
All stations lead directly to ski slopes, so please plan accordingly and be considerate of other skiers.
🚠 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
The 2026–2027 Snowshoe Guided Tours will be operated by Canyons Shiga Kogen, the official partner of the Shiga Kogen Guide Association.
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. See the tour details and secure your spot by clicking the banner below!
Winter 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.
E-Snow Bike Experience
Experience a new way to explore the snowy ski area with an E-Snow Bike at Yakebitaiyama Ski Area!
Enjoy riding through the winter wonderland and discover the excitement of this unique snow activity.
Whether you’re looking for something different from skiing or snowboarding, it’s a fun way to make your winter visit to Shiga Kogen even more memorable.
The Famous Snow Monkeys
At the Wild Snow Monkey Park, you’ll witness wild Japanese macaques soaking in the hot springs, relishing the warmth of the water. This unique sight can only be seen here, at the Wild Snow Monkey Park! Don’t miss the chance to capture this incredibly photogenic moment.
Note:
- Advance tickets are highly recommended. The park is expected to be very busy during the winter season. Please note that entry may not be possible without a pre-purchased ticket.
- Express buses from Nagano Station to Shiga Kogen do not stop at the Snow Monkey Park bus stop. For express bus services to the park, please check the details here.
- ARUYO Information Center at Nagano Station offers package tickets combining express bus fares and Snow Monkey Park admission. Find out more here.
Onsen Hopping Around Shiga Kogen
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 Wild 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
