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The Shiga Kogen Ski Area is a group of 21 ski resorts that have joined together to create the largest combined ski area in Japan. Shiga Kogen is so large that it would take at least two days to cover it all, yet a single lift ticket gives you access to all 71 lifts, gondolas and ropeways in the area.
Located in the highlands of Nagano Prefecture, Shiga Kogen is divided into two areas that are joined at Hasuike. The southern area leads to the top of the 2305 m tall Mount Yokote and has ski runs and hot springs along the way to the summit.
The northern area leads to Oku Shiga Kogen and is flanked by a number of 2000 m high peaks providing an immense area for skiers and snowboarders to explore. The northern area's Higashidateyama Resort hosted the slalom and giant slalom events of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
Lift tickets cost 4800 yen (plus a 1000 yen deposit that is refunded when you return your IC card lift pass) and give you access to all of the resorts in Shiga Kogen. Most of the ski areas are connected such that you can easily travel between them on ski or snowboard; however, there is also a shuttle bus that serves the resorts from December to early May (free for lift ticket holders).
Accommodation is provided by the many hotels located throughout the area, especially around Hasuike. Shiga Kogen does not have much of a town, so after ski activities usually take place at the hotel. Entertainment can also be found at the nearby hot spring resort towns of Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka Onsen or the Jigokudani Monkey Park, whose wild monkeys bathe in natural hot springs.
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Shiga Kogen Snow Resorts
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Description
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Made up of 21 ski resorts, Shiga Kogen is the largest combined ski area in Japan. Enough long runs and varied terrain to keep you busy for at least two days.
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Season
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Late December to mid May
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Lifts
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71 Lifts
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Tickets
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full day
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8-5
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4800 yen
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Rentals
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ski
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Local
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half day
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8-1, 12-5
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3800 yen
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board
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Local
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nighter
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5-9
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2000 yen
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clothes
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Local
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Access
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bus/train
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30 minutes by bus from Yudanaka Station
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car
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25 kilometers from Shinshu Nakano Interchange
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How to get there
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By local bus from Yudanaka Station:
There is approximately one bus per hour from Yudanaka Station to Shiga Kogen, stopping at Shibu Onsen shortly after leaving Yudanaka. In Shiga Kogen, all buses stop at Hasuike (30 minutes, 760 yen) to make a connection with a bus bound for southern Shiga Kogen and before continuing on to Oku Shiga Kogen.
By express bus from Nagano Station:
The Nagaden Bus Shiga Kogen Express serves various stops in Shiga Kogen. During the ski season, buses depart about once an hour from platform 3 of the Nagano Station East Exit. All buses stop at Hasuike (70 min, 1600 yen, 1 bus per hour) from where the majority continue on to Oku Shiga Kogen while a few continue south. In addition, there are shuttle buses serving the northern and southern resorts from Hasuike.
How to get to and around Yamanouchi
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Travel Community
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Popularity of Shiga Kogen Resort:
Users who have been to Yamanouchi: 34
Users who have been to Shiga Kogen Resort: 131st of 4 most visited sights in Yamanouchi.
437th of 557 most visited sights nationwide.
Ratings for Shiga Kogen Resort:
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japan-guide.com Rating:
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outstanding
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User Rating (by 6 users):
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90/100
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highly recommended
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Hotel and Ryokan
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Kokuya Hotel
Rooms with open air hot bath on balcony! 3min from Yudanaka st. - free pick up, shuttle to Monkey park, English speaking staff.
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Yudanaka Seifu-so
A traditional ryokan with wooden building by Yudanaka Station. Unique onsen - private, open-air, apple, leaf baths etc.
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Shimaya Ryokan
An affordable ryokan providing free shuttle to Jigokudani Monkey Park. Enjoy 100% natural hot spring of Yudanaka Onsen.
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Hotel Shiga Sunvalley
1min to Ski slopes. Trekking courses nearby. Easy access to Monkey Park. Internet in lobby. Onsen, sauna and jacuzzi.
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Hotel Shirakaba-so
3 min to the gate of Shiga Kogen ski resort. Free internet, private bath and outdoor bath. 45 min to the Monkey Park.
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Shibu Hotel
A friendly ryokan with natural onsen in Shibu Onsen. You can stroll to the Monkey Park. Free shuttle also available.
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Wafu-no Yado Masuya
Free shuttle to Monkey Park. The dinner won Best 100 hotel award. Tasteful en-suite Japanese rooms. 100% natural onsen.
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Japanese Links
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Shiga Kogen
Official website of the Shiga Kogen Tourism Association.
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