Shiga Kogen
Shiga Kogen – Nagano Ski Resort
Shiga Kogen first gained international notoriety when it hosted various events at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, including the women’s downhill, slalom, super G and snowboarding events.
Since that time many other skiers and snowboarders have flocked to the Shiga Kogen ski resorts to get a taste of what this area has to offer. Shiga Kogen provides a large variety of ski and snowboard terrain, and quality snow because it’s the highest ski resort in Japan. It’s not called Shiga Heights for nothing (Kogen means heights or highlands).
Shiga Kogen Ski and Snowboard Terrain
Shiga Kogen is made up of 21 different ski resorts that are largely interlinked via the slopes and a comprehensive lift system that can be accessed off the one lift pass. The ability to explore the many villages on skis or a snowboard feels somewhat European.
With 980 metres of vertical, approximately 600 hectares of terrain, and 80+ kilometres of trails, Shiga Kogen is cited to be the largest ski area in Honshu (and possibly Japan), although when compared on an international scale, Shiga Kogen would probably be considered a medium sized resort.
Yakebitaiyama and Okushigakogen are amongst the largest ski areas within Shiga Kogen, whilst some of the other ski areas are so small that you could blink and miss them. A few of the areas are exclusively for two plankers (which could include a snowboarder on a split board!).
The extensive network of approximately 68 lifts includes some gondolas and ropeways, as well as some “romance” (ie double) chairs (romance on the chairs is optional!). Eight of the ski areas have a degree of night skiing.
The Shiga Kogen terrain is varied and includes beginners’ slopes, moguls, and some tree skiing, but powderhounds will have to really put their canine nose to work to sniff out the powder. There’s nothing particularly steep at Shiga Kogen that will make experts go yabba-dabba-doo. Shiga Kogen’s forte is the many kilometres of fresh ‘roys for cruising or schussing. Shiga Kogen is nirvana for intermediates, strong intermediates, and low end advanced riders.
Where is Shiga Kogen?
Shiga Kogen is located in the Joshinetsu National Park in the Nagano Prefecture, about 50km northeast of Nagano and 250km northwest of Tokyo. The town of Yamanouchi sits at the base of the mountain, with a windy road leading up to the ski areas.
From Tokyo, take a 1.5 hour bullet train to Nagano, and then a direct bus to Shiga Kogen which takes about 70 minutes. Alternatively from Nagano you can take a train on the Nagano Dentetsu line to Yudanaka, and then get a bus or taxi to Shiga Kogen.
It’s possible to get around most of the Shiga Kogen ski resorts via the slopes, but a lift pass also provides free access to a shuttle bus system that travels around the area.
Shiga Kogen Accommodation
Shiga Kogen accommodation is spread out around the many villages. Shiga Kogen has a large variety of hotels, many of which are ski-in ski-out or located very close to the slopes. There are hotels to cater to a range of budgets and styles including washitsu with tatami flooring (Japanese style rooms), semi-Japanese rooms, or yōshitsu (Western rooms). Accommodation packages that include breakfast and dinner are common, in part due to the limited number of restaurants available for evening dining.
The Ichinose village is one of the most popular places to stay because it’s centrally located, and has various bars and restaurants. It is the heart of Shiga Kogen après-ski action. Don’t get too excited though – this is not Niseko or Hakuba.
Another popular choice is to stay in the Yakebitaiyama area at the Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel. This hotel provides convenient access to the largest and most modern of the Shiga Kogen ski resorts.
See our
Shiga Kogen accommodation overview for more information.
Activities
One of the benefits of a Shiga Kogen ski holiday is that in addition to the skiing and snowboarding, the region offers various off-slope activities. The Jigokudani snow monkeys are not far away from Shiga Kogen. Here you can see the infamous Japanese snow monkeys playing and keeping warm in the hot springs. The Shiga Kogen area also has plenty of hot springs (onsens) for humans.
The Zenkoji temple and Matsushiro Kaizu castle in nearby Nagano also make for culturally interesting day trips.
The Difference between Shiga Kogen and Hakuba
Many people can’t choose whether to go to Shiga Kogen or
Hakuba on their Japan ski holiday. What’s the difference between the two Nagano ski resorts?
Unlike
Hakuba that has some open areas, Shiga Kogen is entirely below the tree line so the visibility is better and it’s a little more protected from the weather. Shiga Kogen is at a higher elevation than Hakuba so the upper ski areas at Shiga Kogen have slopes not slops. The Hakuba ski resorts are not interconnected (except for two) whilst it’s possible to explore most of the Shiga Kogen areas without getting on a shuttle bus. Another advantage that Shiga Kogen has over Hakuba is that off-piste skiing is a possibility, whereas it’s strictly forbidden at most of the Hakuba areas. However if you want to go backcountry riding or take a backcountry tour, Hakuba is far superior.
Shiga Kogen hasn’t been invaded by Westerners, but if you don’t want to have to use your phrasebook, head to Hakuba. Also if you are looking for an energetic nightlife and a range of restaurants, head to Hakuba.
Other Reasons to Ski or Snowboard at Shiga Kogen
The ski area is large and provides good diversity for all ability levels. Combined with various activities and cute villages, Shiga Kogen is a good all-rounder as a ski holiday destination.
Powderhounds.com have bestowed Shiga Kogen with two
best skiing in Japan awards for the best intermediate terrain as well as the best sightseeing tour for the monkey onsen. Shiga Kogen also scores 5 out of 5 from us for the ski-in ski-out accommodation.