[2025 Yamanouchi ] Travel Guide for Shiga Kogen Ski (Updated Feb)

The highest ski resort in Japan, Shiga Kogen, offers a unique skiing experience at Yokoteyama & Shibutoge. On January 8th, I spent a day skiing in this area, which includes Yokoteyama, Shibutoge, and Kuma-no-Yu ski resorts. These resorts are not directly connected to other Shiga Kogen ski areas, but the all-mountain ski pass covers this region, making it convenient for skiers. Compared to two years ago, the visibility at the observation deck remains challenging, but the snow quality has significantly improved, making it feel like a completely different place. Heavy snowfall on the night of the 7th and throughout the 8th resulted in powdery conditions on the slopes, making it irresistible to ski all day in the Yokoteyama area. The snow was so perfect that I skipped visiting Kuma-no-Yu and enjoyed the best skiing day of the season. The snow quality at Shiga Kogen is exceptional, rivaling the best powder in Hokkaido. I was initially skeptical when a friendly local boasted about the snow here, but experiencing the 'Shiga powder' firsthand was truly impressive. The dry and fine snow is among the best I've encountered on Honshu Island. Yokoteyama had only the main routes open (under lifts 1, 2, and 3), but this didn't affect the skiing experience. The red and black runs were in excellent condition, allowing for thrilling skiing until the lifts closed at 3:30 PM. However, the slow speed of the old lifts was frustrating, taking about 30 minutes to reach the top. It's advisable to ski down to lift 2 and avoid going further down. The connection between lifts 2 and 3 is also not very friendly. The Shibutoge area offers two wide and straight runs, which are enjoyable but hampered by the slow chairlifts, making it less appealing. The resort was surprisingly empty, with fewer than 20 skiers seen throughout the day, resulting in no waiting lines at all. In summary, Yokoteyama & Shibutoge offer a serene skiing experience, perfect for those who enjoy having the slopes to themselves. Despite the slow lifts, the overall experience is worth it. If you have a day to spare, it's definitely worth exploring the charm of Yokoteyama. #Skiing #Snowboarding #JapanSkiResorts #ShigaKogen #Yokoteyama #Shibutoge #Nagano

Shiga Kogen is Japan's largest ski area, featuring 18 ski resorts, over 50 lifts, and hundreds of trails. This guide will help you navigate the unique features of each resort. Shiga Kogen is divided into three main areas: Central Area, Yakebitaiyama and Okushiga, and Kumanoyu, Yokoteyama, and Shibutoge. 1. Okushiga Kogen Ski Resort Located deep within Shiga Kogen, Okushiga Kogen Ski Resort is less crowded and offers diverse skiing terrain. Resort Information: - Address: Okushiga Kogen, Yamanouchi Town, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture - Open Dates: Mid-December to early May - Hours: Weekdays 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM - Lift Ticket: Approximately 4,700 JPY for a day pass - Longest Run: 2,200 meters - Dining: The Western restaurant "La Stella Alpina" at Hotel Grand Phenix Okushiga is famous for its braised beef tongue, pasta, and omelets. The hotel's lounge offers delightful cakes and coffee for afternoon tea. Accommodation: - Okushiga Kogen Hotel and Hotel Grand Phenix Okushiga are excellent choices for ski-in/ski-out convenience, both located near the lifts. 2. Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort Favored by intermediate and advanced skiers, Yakebitaiyama is one of the largest resorts in Shiga Kogen, known for its excellent snow conditions and varied terrain. It was also a venue for the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. Resort Information: - Address: Yakebitaiyama, Shiga Kogen, Yamanouchi Town, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture - Open Dates: Early December to early May - Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM - Lift Ticket: 6,000 JPY for a day pass - Longest Run: 2,800 meters Accommodation: - Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel is a large, well-equipped ski hotel offering ski-in/ski-out access. It consists of three separate wings: West, South, and East. The East Wing offers more luxurious rooms at a higher price, while the South and West Wings are more economical. The West Wing features family rooms and a large bath. Overall, the South Wing is recommended for its balance of price and amenities.

On my recent trip to Nagano, Japan, I chose several ski resorts in Shiga Kogen, and from a scenic perspective, Ryuoo is my top recommendation. Ryuoo, also known as Ryuoo Ski Park, reaches a height of 1,930 meters. I recommend starting at the Skyland area at the summit, which features three ski trails: A, B, and C. I skied all of them. The Skyland area at the summit is less crowded, has great snow, and offers the best views in Shiga Kogen, being above the sea of clouds. The most famous trail, the Kiotoshi Route, is named for its 39-degree steep slope, where even logs roll down the mountain. With a super long cable car that holds 150 people, a 6-kilometer ski trail, and magnificent snow scenery, you can truly enjoy skiing here. The resort boasts the world's first scenic cable car and the Sora Terrace café at the summit. I was lucky to see the sea of clouds during my visit, making the trip worthwhile even without skiing. Nearby is Shibu Onsen, the inspiration for the bathhouse in 'Spirited Away,' where you can stay if you decide to ski at Ryuoo. It is recommended to rent a car or drive to Ryuoo Ski Park, as the only other option is the ski resort shuttle bus. 🚌: Take the Nagano Electric Railway from Nagano Station for 50 minutes to Yudanaka Station, where you will find the Ryuoo Ski Park shuttle bus stop. The bus runs every hour, so remember the return time. It's about a 20-minute ride to Ryuoo Ski Park. 💰: A full-day ski pass is 5,200 yen, and after 1 PM, you can buy a half-day pass for 4,200 yen, which includes unlimited cable car rides. If you're not skiing, you can purchase a scenic ticket for 4,000 yen for adults and 2,000 yen for children, which includes a round-trip snow vehicle ride from the entrance to the cable car station and a round-trip cable car ride to the Sora Terrace café. 💰 Ski equipment and lift pass: Full-day pass is 9,600 yen, half-day pass is 7,600 yen, including rental of ski wear and snowboard. 🎿 At the foot of the mountain, there is a children's playground and a beginner's area where free snowboards are provided for children to play. Note that the beginner's area is only open until 2 PM. Address: 11700 Yomase, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture. Open period: Daytime: December 4, 2021 – April 3, 2022; Nighttime: December 25, 2021 – March 20, 2022. Business hours: Daytime: Weekdays 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Nighttime: Weekdays 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Saturdays 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Tips: Japan's only Dimito flagship store is located in the Ryuoo ski equipment hall. #NaganoSkiing #NiigataSkiing #RyuooSkiing #ShigaKogen #ShigaKogenSkiResort #Japan #JapanTravel #JapanSkiing #Skiing #Snowboarding #Ski

Over the years, I've visited numerous ski resorts in Japan, and I'm excited to share my experiences with fellow ski enthusiasts. This post focuses on Shiga Kogen, the venue for the 1998 Winter Olympics snowboarding and slalom events. Shiga Kogen boasts 18 ski resorts and 48 lifts, with a total ski run length of 80 kilometers, making it the longest in Japan. I've included ski maps, lift ticket prices, and bus schedules in the last three images. 1⃣ Ski Resort Highlights Popular Ski Resorts: 🎿 Ichinose Family: Ideal for families and beginner to intermediate skiers, offering a relaxed vacation atmosphere. 🎿 Yakebitaiyama: A former Olympic venue with advanced facilities, suitable for skiers of all levels. 🎿 Okushiga Kogen: Known for excellent snow quality and scenic views, perfect for beginner to intermediate skiers. 🎿 Takamagahara: Features several intermediate slopes, great for skill improvement. 🎿 Yokoteyama: Home to the highest lift station at 2,307 meters, with the longest ski season. 2⃣ Transportation Options Hokuriku Shinkansen 🚅: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from Tokyo to Nagano City. Shiga Kogen Express Bus 🚌: Direct from the east exit of Nagano Station to the ski resort in about 70 minutes. Nagano Electric Railway 🚆 + Shiga Kogen Bus 🚌: From Nagano Station to Yudanaka Station, then transfer to a bus. 3⃣ Accommodation Choices In Shiga Kogen, there are various accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets: Recommended Hotels: 🏨 Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel: Located at Ichinose Family, offering ski-in/ski-out facilities, ideal for ski enthusiasts. 🏨 Yakebitaiyama Shiga Kogen Hotel: Situated at Yakebitaiyama, featuring hot spring facilities for a luxurious experience. 🏨 Shiga Kogen Hotel Grand Phenix: Offers Italian-style decor and international cuisine, along with hot springs and an indoor pool. 4⃣ Non-Ski Activities 🛀 Snow Monkey Park 🐒: A unique experience watching monkeys bathe in hot springs. Hot Springs ♨: Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka Onsen are great places to relax. Walking Exploration 🚶‍♂: Visit Kanbayashi Onsen and the park to connect with nature. Photos were taken before the pandemic. Feel free to share your latest pictures and travel updates about Shiga Kogen in the comments section! #Skiing #Snowboarding #SkiResort #Japan #Nagano #ShigaKogen #TravelTips

The central area of Shiga Kogen Ski Resort in Nagano offers a complex network of trails, creating a diverse skiing experience. It's best enjoyed with a relaxed attitude, akin to a leisurely city stroll, exploring the 13 ski areas at your own pace. Some routes require removing your skis to cross roads or climb hills, while others involve mingling with groups of students at the lifts, evoking nostalgia for youthful days. There are also secluded spots like Nishidateyama, Higashidateyama, Happo Bunadaira, and Sun Valley, perfect for a private retreat. The site of Japan's first ski lift (Maruike Ski Area A Course) invites you to reminisce about the past. The central area offers various modes of travel, including skiing, walking, open chairlifts, high-speed windproof chairlifts, old-fashioned small gondolas, and new triple gondolas. For me, it's not just a ski resort but a small snow world, diverse and waiting to be explored. Snow conditions are excellent, with frequent snowfall, a significant improvement from two years ago. This season, Japan is blessed with great snow, so feel free to dive in! The central area boasts numerous unique trails, ideal for those who enjoy experiential skiing. Some personal favorites include the winding forest path in Higashidateyama, which feels like entering a snowy fairy tale, and the solitary wide slope at Happo Bunadaira, a picturesque spot. The long, fast descent from the top of Nishidateyama 1 and 2 lifts is often deserted. The short but cozy trail at Tanne no Mori Okoshiyo, and the challenging A+Shirokuma course at Sun Valley, which remains in excellent condition throughout the day, are also noteworthy. The large slope at Ichinose Diamond is perfect for powder skiing this season, though it's a bit short. Overall, the central area offers a dense array of trail options, ensuring most visitors will find their preferred way to enjoy skiing. Recently, it seems to be a peak period for school group activities in Japan. Areas like Ichinose Yama no Kami, Ichinose Family, Terakoya, Tanne no Mori Okoshiyo, Takamagahara Mammoth, Hasuike, and Maruike are bustling with students. While lift queues are manageable, with guides often allowing tourists to queue ahead, some trails become crowded, resembling an obstacle course, which might be challenging for beginners. In summary, my previous visit was guided by a local expert, leaving me a bit overwhelmed. This time, I leisurely explored the central area's diverse scenery, growing to like, even love, this region. #SkiResort #Skiing #SkiingInJapan #Nagano #ShigaKogen #ShigaKogenCentralArea

The first stop for skiing in Japan is Shiga Kogen. On the first day, we visited Burnt Ridge Mountain, where the weather was sunny with heavy snow. The dry powder on the slopes made for great photos along the sides of the trails. On the second day, we explored Yokote Mountain and Oku-Shiga. It was another sunny day, perfect for capturing the snow monsters at the top of Yokote Mountain. The scenery while skiing down the slopes was breathtaking. Oku-Shiga also offered untouched trails outside the main paths. Looking forward to the rest of the trip! #JapanSkiing #SkiingBeforePhotos #ShigaKogen #JustWantToSki #SeeYouAtThePeakOfTheSeason

#skiseason This vast ski area in Nagano Prefecture comprises 18 interconnected resorts, all accessible with a single lift pass. As one of Japan’s largest ski areas, Shiga Kogen offers varied terrain, with slopes for beginners and intermediates as well as challenging advanced runs. The region’s cold climate ensures high-quality snow throughout the season, and the availability of un-groomed trails appeals to skiers looking for off-piste adventures. Shiga Kogen is also close to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where visitors can see Japan's famous hot-spring-bathing monkeys, adding a unique sightseeing option to their ski trip.

The summit of Shiga Kogen Maeyama is a beautiful mountain with an elevation of 2,214 meters, and is a scenic spot where you can enjoy nature in every season. Especially in summer, the lush greenery and alpine plants bloom, attracting many visitors. The view from there is wonderful, and you can see the panoramic view of the Northern Alps and Shiga Kogen, so it attracts many climbers and tourists. The hiking trails are well maintained, and there are routes that are relatively easy even for beginners to climb. Along the way, you can enjoy clear spring water and beautiful forests, and climbing while feeling the breath of nature is soothing to the soul. In addition, the leaves turn beautiful red in autumn, making you want to visit in various seasons. #ShigaKogen #0円旅秋

Nagano has always been a holiday destination in central Japan, whether it's for summer retreats or winter snow viewing. It is the region with the longest life expectancy in Japan and one of the happiest areas. Joe Hisaishi and Makoto Shinkai were both born here. In the city of Nagano, the Zenko-ji Temple has a history of 1,400 years and possesses the oldest Buddha statue in Japan. The Shiga Kogen Plateau in the east has many ski resorts, and the scenery of the snow-capped mountains is also quite spectacular, evoking memories of the "Eternal Snow Mountain" map for players of the game "Dungeon Fighter Online". At the Jigokudani Monkey Park on the mountainside, there are natural outdoor hot springs and monkeys bathing here, which is a very rare and interesting sight to see.