Shiga Kogen
Shiga Kogen
Shiga Kogen, in the Johshinetsu National Park, is one of the largest and highest ski resorts in Japan with a massive 21 interlinked resorts all covered by a single lift pass. Much of the accommodation here is ski-in-ski-out, making this an ideal on mountain snow destination for families, couples and groups alike. Shiga Kogen offers European style skiing with every day presenting a new opportunity to adventure out and explore new terrain.
Difficulty
| Beginner | 30% |
| Intermediate | 40% |
| Advanced | 30% |
At a Glance
Terrain Area
80km+ha
Summit
2,307m
Mt. Vertical
950m
Season
Dec-Apr
Lifts
67
Food & Bars
9
Accommodation
At Shiga Kogen you’ll find a wide range of accommodation from ski-in-ski-out hotels through to more affordable accommodation a little further away from the lifts. If you’re keen to be close to Shiga Kogen’s limited number of restaurants and bars, the best place to book is in Ichinose. Deluxe hotels can be found in Okushigakogen.Skiing & Boarding
With 21 resorts and more than 50 lifts, gondolas and ropeways to navigate, Shiga Kogen can be confusing to get around. Still, once you’ve got the lay of the land, you’ll find an endless number of inter-connecting runs leading you from valley to valley, taking you down wide groomed trails, through trees and into slopeside restaurants. Be prepared to catch a shuttle back to your hotel at the end of the day, because you never know where you might end up! Shiga Kogen is best suited for beginners and intermediate. If you’re more advanced, you’ll definitely enjoy the steep runs and limited tree skiing, however you may want to catch a bus to explore Yokoteyama, Kumanoyu and Shibutoge.Activities
Shiga Kogen is a laid back town that offers few activities other than skiing and boarding, especially when it comes to entertaining young children. Off snow activities are limited, however what there is to do is great fun! For example, it’s possible to try snowmobiling at the Yakebitaiyama ski area and to go snow rafting – this favourite Japanese past-time sees rafts towed behind snowmobiles.Getting There & Around
Getting to Shiga Kogen is relative easy via a direct transfer from Narita airport. Alternatively, take the Shinkansen bullet train to Nagano and the local Nagaden bus – be sure to check the timetable and if you’re staying in Ichinose or beyond make sure you’re on a bus that takes you all the way. It’s easy to ski around Shiga Kogen, however there are no taxis so, if you’re traveling further afield, use the free shuttle. Use this service when you’re skiing as there are so many resorts here that you’re likely to find yourself well away from your own accommodation by the end of the day.How Far
Airport:
Narita Airport to Shiga Kogen 350km
Our staff love...
Fabulous skiing with a massive ski area and minimal crowds! As there is no central village, you really need to pick the right accommodation as you will be staying there most of the time. The best skiing/riding is over at Okushiga Kogen. It has the highest elevation and has some backcountry access points There is an international snow school that has English speaking instructors and backcountry guiding available if needed. My favourite property is Okushiga Kogen Hotel with the very 70’s sunken lounge and fireplace. There are a couple of choices for eating outside of the hotel too. The snow monkeys is a must and easily accessible by a public bus from many properties
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Hotels in Shiga Kogen
Hotel Alpenburg
Charming and picturesque property, with absolute ski-in/ski-out access right from the front door. With stunning alpine scenery and the best of traditional warm Japanese hospitality, this property will certainly leave you with a lasting impression. Onsite indoor pool, spa, indoor and outdoor hot springs, restaurant, bar and coffee lounge, ski and board rentals.
Hotel Grand Phenix Okushiga
Beautiful property positioned perfectly at the base of Oku-Shiga and offers unrivalled services. The interior is a natural mix of quality timbers and stone work complemented with European style furnishings. Spacious lounge area with vaulted ceiling, fireplace and panoramic views. Larger than normal Japanese hotel rooms. Onsite 2 restaurants, pool, onsen, saunas, shops.
Okushiga Kogen Hotel
One of the highest elevated ski resort hotels in Japan, at 1600m the hotel provides direct ski-in/ski-out access. Architecturally designed with breathtaking views over the Shiga National Park. Rooms are modern with Japanese elements. Onsite: 3 restaurants, cocktail lounge, public bath, ski lockers, ski and board rental.
Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel East Wing
Ski-in/ski-out resort hotel at the base of the Yakebitaiyama ski area. There is a total of 690 rooms in three separate wings with spacious rooms in the east wing. There are a variety of restaurants featuring everything from French and Italian cuisine to authentic Japanese and Chinese dishes. Onsite large outdoor hot springs, massage salons, karaoke rooms, convenience stores and day nursery, 6 restaurants and bars, ski and snowboard rentals ski storage.
Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel South Wing
Ski-in/ski-out resort hotel at the base of the Yakebitaiyama ski area. There is a total of 690 rooms in three separate wings with moderate standard lodging in the South wing. There are a variety of restaurants featuring everything from French and Italian cuisine to authentic Japanese and Chinese dishes. Onsite large outdoor hot springs, massage salons, karaoke rooms, convenience stores and day nursery, 6 restaurants and bars, ski and snowboard rentals ski storage.
Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel West Wing
Ski-in/ski-out resort hotel at the base of the Yakebitaiyama ski area. There is a total of 690 rooms in three separate wings with moderate standard lodging in the South wing. There are a variety of restaurants featuring everything from French and Italian cuisine to authentic Japanese and Chinese dishes. Onsite large outdoor hot springs, massage salons, karaoke rooms, convenience stores and day nursery, 6 restaurants and bars, ski and snowboard rentals ski storage.