Tokyo to Shiga Kogen
Getting to Shiga Kogen from Tokyo & Osaka
Tokyo to Shiga Kogen, Shiga Kogen Access, Getting to Shiga Kogen, How to get to Shiga Kogen
How to get from Osaka & Tokyo to Shiga Kogen
Shiga Kogen Access Guide
Welcome to the Shiga Kogen Access Guide.
Getting from Tokyo to Shiga Kogen and other major Japanese cities is quite straightforward via bus, train, car or shuttle.
Where is Shiga Kogen?
Shiga Kogen is located in the far north of Nagano Prefecture in central Honshu Island, Japan. The area is easily accessed from both international airports in Tokyo (Narita & Haneda) by shinkansen (bullet train), airport shuttle, taxi, rental car or bus.
How long to get to Shiga Kogen?
The total travel time from Tokyo to Shiga Kogen is usually between 3-4 hours via shinkansen bullet train/bus or around 6 hours via airport shuttle. There are also several options from the international airports in Nagoya and Osaka (Kansai). This usually takes between 6-7 hours.
Shiga Kogen Shuttle Bus
The Shiga Kogen Shuttle Bus is one of the most convenient ways to get to Shiga Kogen from Narita Airport and Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Many flights arrive late and normally you would spend the night in Tokyo. But if you get the ski shuttle bus to take you to Shiga Kogen, then you can be on the slopes in the morning! You can also book intra-resort shuttles to or from the nearby main Nagano ski resorts as well the Myoko ski resorts, and to meet the shinkansen at Nagano Station.
Getting to Shiga Kogen: Public Transport Map
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From Narita, Haneda & Tokyo to Shiga Kogen
Tokyo to Shiga Kogen: Video Explainers
Tokyo to Nagano: Via Shinkansen
Catch the train from Narita Airport or Haneda Airport to Tokyo Station (see here for full instructions).
Follow the green signs for the Hokuriku Shinkansen which usually leave from Platforms 22 or 23 at Tokyo Station (see map here). Take the shinkansen bound for Kanazawa/Tsuruga (faster) or Nagano (slightly slower) and get off at Nagano Station.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You can also alight at Iiyama Station and switch to the local bus to Shiga Kogen that takes around one hour.
If staying overnight in Nagano City you can book hotels here.
The journey usually takes between 1.5 – 2.0 hours (average is just under two hours). The shinkansen service runs frequently until 10.00pm each day. The non-reserved cars are to the rear heading to Kanazawa (usually car nos. 1-3). All cars are non smoking. There are between 2-3 trains per hour. You can reserve your tickets using the Japan Rail online reservation system.
Here’s how you change trains to the shinkansen in Tokyo
Nagano to Shiga Kogen: Via train/bus
These are videos of getting to Shiga Kogen from Nagano Station.
The first video is via Dentetsu Railway/Yudanaka Onsen. Head out the Zenkoji Exit and follow the signs.
Nagano to Shiga Kogen: Via Bus
This second video is getting the bus straight there. Head out the EAST EXIT and go to the bus stop for Shiga Kogen (no. 23). Make sure you know which stop to get off at for your accommodation in Shiga Kogen!
Nagano to Shiga Kogen: Bus Map
Getting to Shiga Kogen from Kyoto and Osaka
There are three main choices for getting to Shiga Kogen from Kyoto and Osaka.
1. From Shin-Osaka or Kyoto station, catch the Tokkaido Shinkansen to Nagoya (usual travel time is 40-55 minutes). Transfer at Nagoya Station to the Chuo Honsen line and catch the Shinano Limited Express bound for Nagano Station (normal transit is 3 hours) that travels through the scenic Kiso Valley. Keep your camera out as there is some beautiful scenery along the way.
2. Take the express train to Tsuruga Station and then change to the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station. This journey goes via the Japan Sea coast and is a more expensive option.
3. A direct overnight highway bus from to Nagano from Kyoto & Osaka is available from Alpico Bus Line.
At Nagano transfer to one of the options above.
Tokyo to Shiga Kogen: Shuttles & Private Transfers
For medium-large groups we can help organise a direct private transfer at reasonable cost from the airport, Tokyo or other resorts to Shiga Kogen (and/or return). Check here for more details. Taxi/charter journeys will usually take 4-5 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions. Comfort stops are included.
Public shuttles from Haneda and Narita Aiports are also available. See here for more details.
Tokyo to Shiga Kogen: Driving to Shiga Kogen
Driving to Shiga Kogen is a straightforward exercise. Follow the diagrammatic as below. Check here for Shiga Kogen rental car prices.
Tokyo to Shiga Kogen: Rental Cars
If you are only intending to stay in Shiga Kogen then there is no need for a rental car as getting around the resort is easy via the shuttle service. However if you want to head off to check out nearby resorts or perhaps some day tours it’s good to have a car. There is a good range of choice to be found in Nagano and all cars come winterised with winter tyres.
Your nearest rental point is Nagano Station. Click on each provider below to get your best Shiga Kogen rental car option!
There are now numerous companies offering Shiga Kogen car rentals in English (as well as support in English), plus some cars can come with English GPS. Click on the options above for the best deals. Most major car rental companies have branches in Nagano but obviously can also only be found in major cities such as Tokyo or Narita. Check the bottom of this page for tips on renting cars in Japan.
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