Accommodation
Shiga Kogen Hotels
There are 100 plus Shiga Kogen hotels spread across the many villages, and one of the huge advantages of a ski holiday in Shiga Kogen is that much of the accommodation is conveniently ski-in ski-out or very close to it.
The many hotels cater to a range of budgets and preferences. Many of the hotels offer Japanese style rooms where you sleep on futons on the Tatami mat floor. Japanese rooms may or may not have an ensuite bathroom. Western style hotels are reasonably common at Shiga Kogen (many with a European flavour) that have western style rooms with comfortable beds and fluffy pillows. Some hotels have a choice of Japanese, Western, or semi-Japanese rooms.
All hotels offer the option of accommodation packages that include meals (breakfast and dinner). You may want to have dinner included in your accommodation package because
Shiga Kogen restaurants are very limited, as are evening transport options.
There are various hotels where at least a degree of English is spoken by some of the staff, although as a general rule, English is not widely spoken in Shiga Kogen.
Other Shiga Kogen Accommodation
Shiga Kogen has various pensions which are more basic than the hotels and generally have limited facilities. These are good for the more budget oriented traveller, with tariffs starting at about ¥6,000 per person with breakfast, whilst typical prices are about ¥8,000 to ¥9,000 inclusive of two meals (convert here). Even these simple bed and breakfast type pensions may be ski-in ski-out or very close to the slopes.
Shiga Kogen doesn’t have any backpacker type accommodation, and like most Japanese ski resorts, self-contained accommodation is close to non-existent.
Where to Stay in Shiga Kogen?
Making a decision about which village to stay in can be a little tricky. Each of the villages have pros and cons, and your decision may depend on where you mainly want to ski, whether you want a little bit of nightlife, want to speak a little bit of English, or are travelling with a family. For orientation to the village locations, check out the Shiga Kogen tourism
village map.
Ichinose Accommodation
The Ichinose village is a popular place to stay because it has various factors going for it. The village is somewhat centrally located so it’s easy to access various ski areas. Ichinose is good for nervous beginners because the green terrain is mellower than at some of the other areas. This village has the most restaurants, izakayas and bars, but don’t get too excited as this is just relative to some of the other villages that have zip nightlife. Ichinose also has good access to facilities such as ski hire and ski school, but not child care.
The
Hotel Sunroute Shiga Kogen is popular with westerners because the staff speak reasonably good English. Another drawcard is the hot springs. This western style hotel is a 3 minute walk to the lifts. Accommodation packages are about ¥11,500 per person twin share per night.
Villa Ichinose is also popular, particularly for travellers looking for simple inexpensive accommodation. This villa pension is a 4-5 minute walk to the closest lifts, and has a friendly vibe.
Yakebitaiyama Accommodation
Yakebitaiyama is the largest ski area. This area also has the most modern facilities such as lift infrastructure, and well developed services such as child care. Little tackers might not notice that the green runs are steeper than a typical novice run, but adult beginners may prefer to learn over at Ichinose.
The
Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel has three different buildings at the base area of Yakebitaiyama, so all three “wings” are fully ski-in ski-out. Another great drawcard for the Prince are the many facilities and services that include a bathhouse, multiple restaurants, a bar, ski and snowboard rental, beauty salon, childcare, ski school, an evening shuttle bus to Ichinose, and assistance with sightseeing tours. The
Prince Hotel caters for budgets from moderate up to deluxe.
Okushiga Kogen Accommodation
This is a good village if you’re after a quiet relaxed holiday. The ski area is particularly great for intermediates, but Okushigakogen is for skiers only, so it’s not a good place to stay if you have snowboarders in the group. The other potential limitation is that Okushigakogen is the furthermost ski area of northeast Shiga Kogen, so access to the other ski areas takes more time.
The Okushiga Kogen Hotel is a good western style hotel with reasonable rates, nice restaurants and public baths.
Bersarooms Chalet offers well priced accommodation. In addition to standard rooms for 2-3 guests, they also have a suite with a kitchen, dining and living area that can accommodate up to 6 guests.
Takamagahara Ski Resort Hotels
Takamagahara is really centrally located, offering easy access via the slopes or shuttle buses to all of Shiga Kogen. Another advantage is that Takamagahara has a child care facility.
The Shiga Park Hotel has a range of rooms, most of them Japanese style, and has meals that are well suited to a western palate. The hotel also has natural hot springs and a sauna.
Yokoteyama and Kumanoyu Hotels
Yokoteyama has a few accommodations at the base and one up at the top of the ski area. Kumanoyu has various big hotels and is a large hub of Shiga Kogen. The stench of sulphur is indicative of the many hotels that have their own onsens!
Disadvantages of staying in this area include: negligible English spoken; snowboarding prohibited; and access to the main parts of Shiga Kogen by shuttle bus only.
Shiga Kogen Accommodation - Yakebitaiyama
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Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel
Absolute ski-in / ski-out. Good size rooms with views looking up the ski runs & big comfy western style beds. Restaurant and bar and lots of other facilities and services.
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