Shiga Kogen history, Shiga Kogen reviews, Shiga Kogen ski Information, Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, Shiga Kogen Ski Area, Shiga Highlands

Shiga Kogen Japan

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Shiga Kogen Japan

Shiga Kogen is one of Japan’s largest and most diverse ski areas, located in the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park in Nagano Prefecture

Metres of snow each year

Ski Trails

hours from Tokyo

hrs

Visitor Rating

Shiga Kogen: Reasons To Visit

Size and Terrain: Shiga Kogen ski area covers a vast area with interconnected ski resorts, offering over 80 kilometers of groomed trails and a variety of terrain suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Made up of 18 ski resorts on one common ticket, the resorts are the largest combined ski area in Japan.

Accessibility: It’s easily accessible from Tokyo and other major cities via train and bus, typically taking around 3-4 hours from Tokyo. Book your shuttle here!

Snow Quality: Known for its abundant snowfall and good quality powder, the Shiga Highlands are a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Facilities: The resort has numerous hotels, lodges, restaurants, and onsen (natural hot springs) available both on and off the slopes, catering to a range of budgets and preferences.

Ski Season: The ski season at Shiga Kogen Ski Resort generally runs from late November to early May, making it one of the longest ski seasons in Japan. Early season openings are assisted by snow making machines if there is not enough natural snow.

Activities: Besides skiing and snowboarding, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and exploring nearby natural attractions like Jigokudani Monkey Park, where wild monkeys bathe in hot springs.

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Shiga Kogen: Winter Activities

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is one of Japan’s largest and most popular ski areas, located in the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park in Nagano Prefecture. It’s renowned for its extensive terrain, excellent snow conditions, and stunning natural beauty. It was the site of the 1998 Winter Olympics Downhill race.

The mountain offers a vast ski area with interconnected slopes spanning multiple peaks and valleys. It boasts over 80 kilometers of trails suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, from gentle beginner runs to challenging expert terrain. It is said to equal the size of ten Disneylands! The area available is so vast that it is nigh impossible to see everything in one day, so it is a good idea to learn about the characteristics of each ski resort and then decide which ones you cannot miss.

Shiga Kogen: Accommodation

Looking for Shiga Kogen accommodation? The resorts offers dozens of pensions, ski lodges and resort hotels. These range from those with the most basic of facilities to luxurious, from Japanese style to faux-European. So there will always be a number of places to stay to suit both your style and budget. A number of hotels cater towards budget conscious travelers, with both Japanese and Western styles available.

See our great range of options here or check the location of just some of your accommodation options on the map below.

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Shiga Kogen: Getting here

Aside from public transport there are several private and group direct transfer options to the mountain. There are also inter-resort transfer options available to Madarao, Myoko Kogen, Hakuba, Nagano and Nozawa Onsen.

Shiga Kogen: Car Rentals

Your nearest rental point is Nagano Station. Click on each provider below to get your best Shiga Kogen rental car option!

Shiga Kogen: Onsen Hot Springs

Natural Hot Springs: The area is home to a number of traditional onsens where you can soak in mineral-rich waters while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains. These onsens are known for their therapeutic properties, believed to aid in relaxation, muscle recovery, and skin health.

Rustic and Authentic Atmosphere: Shiga Kogen’s onsen can offer a more authentic and less commercial experience compared to the some of the famous onsen towns scattered around Japan. Many of the baths are part of traditional inns, providing a peaceful and immersive cultural experience.

Mixed Onsen Options: The area offers both publicly accessible bathhouses and some private baths (kashikiri). Some onsen also feature rotenburo (outdoor baths), where you can bathe in warm waters while surrounded by snow in winter or vibrant greenery in warmer months.

Shiga Kogen: Gallery

shigakogen.info

Shiga Kogen is one of Japan’s largest and most diverse ski areas, located in the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park in Nagano Prefecture

As forecast, it's snowing. Likely 10-20cm to come

Gorgeous sea of clouds this morning in Shiga Kogen

初雪です。Not a lot, but at least the temps a

Looking for some Shiga Kogen Backcountry or ski sc

Fabulous video of #thesnowmonkeys from @jpkrajewsk

We have an extensive new Snow Monkeys guide. Check

It's meant to be the 'Hut above the clouds' in Yok

今日も綺麗です✨ It's a beautiful summer's

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Shiga Kogen: Webcam

Shiga Kogen: History

Historical Background

Ancient Origins: Shiga Kogen’s origins stretch back centuries, with the area being known for its rugged mountainous terrain, dense forests, and high-altitude wetlands. Historically, this region was sparsely populated, primarily used for hunting, gathering, and spiritual retreats by Buddhist monks.

Shiga Highland’s Sacred Status: The area’s natural beauty and remote location have also given it religious significance. The highlands were revered as sacred grounds, associated with mountain worship (Shugendo), a traditional Japanese practice that blends Shinto and Buddhist beliefs.

Development as a Ski Resort Area

Early 20th Century: The rise of skiing in Japan during the early 20th century played a crucial role in the development of these highlands. Influenced by European skiing culture, ski enthusiasts began exploring the region in the 1920s and 1930s. By the mid-20th century, the area’s high-altitude terrain and abundant snowfall made it an ideal location for developing ski resorts.

Post-War Growth (1950s-1980s): After World War II, Japan experienced rapid economic growth, leading to the expansion of domestic tourism. This led to the park becoming a popular winter sports destination, with ski resorts and hotels being developed across the area. The construction of better roads and transportation networks made it more accessible to visitors.

1964 Winter Olympics Influence: While none of the resorts hosted events during the 1964 Winter Olympics in Tokyo, the general promotion of winter sports during this period brought more attention to Japan’s ski resorts, including Shiga Highlands.

1998 Nagano Winter Olympics: Shiga Kogen rose to international prominence during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, when it hosted several alpine skiing events. This exposure helped solidify its reputation as a world-class skiing destination.

Modern Shiga Kogen

Today, it’s known not just for skiing but also for its year-round outdoor activities, including hiking, trekking, and enjoying the area’s hot springs. The region is part of the larger Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, known for its rich biodiversity, alpine flora, and unique ecosystems. In addition to skiing, the area is a popular destination for nature lovers and those looking to explore traditional Japanese onsen culture.

The area’s commitment to preserving its natural environment while promoting eco-friendly tourism has helped maintain its appeal to both domestic and international visitors.

Shiga Kogen: Visitor Reviews

What do people like about the Shiga Highlands?

"Another brilliant trip to these highlands, my refuge from Australian summers. Cannot speak highly enough of this wonderful resort."

shiga Kogen backcountry tours, powder resort guiding

Bill S

Australia

"Amazingly large skiing area with great, fluffy powder snow. Fantastic tree runs and great pistes too. Loads of lifts with friendly staff"

1pixie_12

Muscat, Oman

"Great skiing with many slopes to offer. Very spread out and not crowded at all. Ski in, ski out from many of the hotels"

Will G

Tokyo, Japan

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