Another season up here
Nature walks and mountain hiking; Lift and gondola access to viewpoints; Pond and wetland trails.
Before you go: Trekking generally runs mid-May to late October; check trail restrictions and local bear warnings.
Shiga Kogen occupies a high plateau in Nagano Prefecture, above the hot-spring towns of Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen. Its ski areas have separate base fac...
Shiga Kogen occupies a high plateau in Nagano Prefecture, above the hot-spring towns of Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen. Its ski areas have separate base facilities, so a hotel’s sector matters for the first lift, ski school and dinner. Higashitateyama has Olympic terrain, while Hasuike is a practical transport and food stop.
The plateau has several hotel and ski bases. A summit lunch or a visit to the Ichinose beer bar works best when it fits the day’s lifts and bus route. Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen are separate valley outings for visitors interested in hot-spring stays.
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano, then check the express bus to your Shiga Kogen base. A second route uses the Nagano Electric Railway to Yudanaka and a connecting mountain bus. Match the final stop and transfer to your lodging, especially after an international flight.
If driving, confirm winter tires and equipment with the rental agency before pickup. The mountain road and the separate resort parking areas call for extra time in snow.
January and February are typical choices for cold midwinter skiing. Individual areas and connections may open at different times early in the season. Spring operations can continue into May at selected areas, so check the particular sector before choosing a hotel or planning an interlinked route.
The region offers much more than skiing. Here's what else to explore:
Travel to the Kanbayashi side and walk the forest approach to the park. The shorter Shibu logging road is closed in winter. Wildlife sightings and bathing are unpredictable.
Explore this valley hot-spring town or book a ryokan. Confirm guest eligibility for particular bathhouses before visiting.
Plan a visit to Zenko-ji in Nagano city before or after the mountain transfer.
Visit the venues and museums from the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics throughout the area
Another historic hot spring town near the base, offering traditional accommodation and bathing
Groomed Nordic trails wind through the plateau forests, offering alternative skiing experiences
Choose the ski sector first. Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel has three buildings at Yakebitaiyama. Chalet Shiga and Villa Ichinose are in Ichinose, while Shiga Kogen Lodge is in the Kumanoyu area. Staying in Shibu or Yudanaka gives you an onsen-town base below the plateau, and Nagano gives you a city base farther away. Check the first and last bus for your ski sector, and compare meal plans before booking.
Match lunch to the part of the plateau you are skiing. Hasuike has Yamano Cafe for a lighter stop and Karubiya Sam for set meals or noodles. On the Okushiga side, La Stella Alpina serves Italian cooking and Okushiga Kogen Hotel offers distinct French, Japanese and teppanyaki dining rooms.
In Ichinose, try a Shiga Kogen draft beer at Snow King at Chalet Shiga. On the Okushiga side, reserve a hotel dining room or visit the lounge. Check your return transport before choosing a different base for dinner.
Real-time conditions for planning your Shiga Kogen trip
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Approximate planning ranges; allow extra time for winter conditions.
For Shiga Kogen, compare a booked room or rental around Yamanouchi with a designated campsite that accepts your vehicle and winter dates. Choose your base around the daily mountain journey and the power, water and indoor facilities you need.
Compare lodging options ↗Book a designated overnight place for your vehicle and dates. Day parking does not provide permission to camp.