Japan offers many renowned winter destinations — Hakuba in Nagano and Niseko in Hokkaido, to name a few.
So why choose Shiga Kogen? Let us show you what makes it truly special.
One of the Largest Ski Areas in Japan
Spanning over 400 hectares, Shiga Kogen ranks among the largest interconnected ski areas in Japan. As a proud venue of the 1998 Nagano Olympics, it offers an unmatched range of terrain.
WHAT WE ARE FAMOUS FOR…
- Vast terrain — 18 ski resorts linked by lifts, gondolas, and shuttles
- Diverse slopes — from gentle beginner runs to challenging expert and forest trails
- Single-pass convenience — one lift ticket covers the entire area
- A slice of Olympic history — ride on the very slopes from Nagano 1998
5 AREAS IN THE SHIGA KOGEN SKI RESORT
Each area provides limited area lift pass if you want to focus on practice in one area. If you are ready for the adventure of riding on every ski resort, we recommend you to get a whole mountain lift pass.
- Okushiga Kogen Ski Area
- Yakebitaiyama Ski Are
- Central Area – Sun Valley, Maruike, Hasuike, Giant, Hoppo Bunadaira, Higashitateyama, Nishitateyama, Terakoya, Takamagahara Mammoth, Tannenomori Okojo, Ichinose Family, Ichinose Diamond, Ichinose Yamanokami
- Kumanoyu Ski Area
- Yokoteyama and Shibutoge Ski Resort
DIGITAL MAP: SHIGA KOGEN NAVIGATOR
To help you enjoy your stay comfortably and efficiently, we offer a digital map called NAVIGATOR.
This tool allows you to:
- Check real-time lift operations
- View shuttle bus schedules
- Confirm restaurant and shop opening hours
- Search recommended routes between ski resorts
TRAVELING BETWEEN SKI REOSRTS
In Shiga Kogen, you can travel between many ski resorts on skis using lifts and gondolas — no need to remove your gear.
For example:
- Okushiga Kogen ⇔ Yakebitaiyama ⇔ Central Area
- Kumanoyu ⇔ Yokoteyama/Shibutoge
We have compiled detailed information about inter-resort travel, including lift connections and useful tips.
Powder Snow Experience
There’s nothing quite like riding through deep, dry powder. At Shiga Kogen, this inland climate creates consistently top-tier powder snow — giving you that unforgettable sensation of floating on air.
The Highest Altitude
The highest point in Shiga Kogen is the summit of Mt. Yokote, reaching an impressive 2,307 meters above sea level.
Thanks to its high elevation and favorable climate, Shiga Kogen boasts one of the longest ski seasons in Japan.
Snow typically begins to fall as early as late November, with the season extending well into mid-May – particularly in the Yokoteyama and Shibutoge areas, home to the highest-altitude ski slopes in the country.
Ski-in & Ski-out
Most of hotels in Shiga Kogen are located very close to ski resorts so you can ski-in ski-out!
Enjoy ultimate convenience — most accommodations in Shiga Kogen are ski-in, ski-out. Step off the bus, cross the street, and you’re already on the lift (parking is also free!).
Nature
Because Shiga Kogen is a part of Joshin’etsu Kogen National Park, you will encounter the wonderful primitive nature. Skiing surrounded by panoramic scenery will be an amazing experience.
Not only skiing or snowboarding but also snowshoe tour would be great opportunity to go deep into the snow covered primitive forests and cultivate your knowledge of wild nature.
Unlike most of ski resorts in Japan, there is no music in ski resorts here. With every glide, feel the sound of snow dancing, the rhythm of your breath, and the expansive silence around you. Experience it all.
Shiga Kogen is the ideal destination for those seeking an immersive skiing and snowboarding experience.
