Shiga Kogen Ski Resort
The largest ski resort in the country
The Shiga Kogen Ski Area (志賀高原, Shiga Kōgen) is a group of over a dozen 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 the nearly 50 lifts, gondolas and ropeways in the area.
Located in the highlands of Nagano Prefecture, Shiga Kogen is divided broadly into two areas that are joined at a central intersection near the Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki bus stop. The southern area leads to the top of the 2305 meter 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 2000 meter high peaks providing an immense area for skiers and snowboarders to explore. The Higashidateyama Resort hosted the slalom and giant slalom events of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
Lift tickets give you access to all of the resorts in Shiga Kogen, and most of the ski areas are connected such that you can easily travel between them on ski or snowboard; however, there is also a free shuttle bus that connects the various resorts during the ski season.
Accommodation is provided by the many hotels located throughout the area, especially around the central intersection. 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.
Shiga Kogen Snow Resorts
Made up of over a dozen 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. Lift ticket prices are lower in the shoulder seasons when not all of the resorts may be open.
Season*
Early December to early May
(December 1, 2024 to May 6, 2025)
(Some resorts may open earlier)
(December 1, 2024 to May 6, 2025)
(Some resorts may open earlier)
Lifts
46 lifts
Tickets
Full day
8000 yen
Half day
6500 yen
Nighter
Varies between resorts
Access
Bus/Train
30 minutes by bus from Yudanaka Station.
Car
25 kilometers from Shinshu Nakano Interchange.
Getting there and around
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 the Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki bus stop (30 minutes, 1100 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
Express buses from Nagano serve various stops in Shiga Kogen. During the ski season, buses depart Nagano Station about once an hour. All buses stop at the Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki bus stop (70 minutes, 2500 yen) from where the majority continue on to Oku Shiga Kogen while a few continue south. In addition, there are free shuttle buses that connect the various ski resorts with each other.
Outside of winter, the express buses between Nagano and Shiga Kogen operate only about once every 2-3 hours. From late April to early November, two round trips per day continue via Mount Shirane all the way to Kusatsu Onsen.
How to get to and around Yamanouchi
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Yamanouchi
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Yudanaka Seifu-soA traditional ryokan with wooden building by Yudanaka Station. Unique onsen - private, open-air, apple, leaf baths etc.View siteSponsored -
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Hotel TsubakinoHotel Tsubakino is an onsen ryokan with traditional setting and modern comfort. Enjoy the majestic views of mountains while bathing in the open-air private onsen. 3 min from Yudanaka Station.View siteSponsored -
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Aburaya TosenA modern style ryokan that offers warm hospitality with luxury comfort. Enjoy the rooftop bar, private onsen baths and beer brewery. 8min walk from Yudanaka Sta.View siteSponsored -
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Wafu-no Yado MasuyaA tasteful, authentic ryokan with over 140 year history. Free shuttle to the Monkey Park. Savor the award winning dinner. 100% natural onsen and Free Wi-Fi.View siteSponsored
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Top rated in Yamanouchi
Budget:
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Yudanaka Onsen YamazakiyaSituated 3 km from Jigokudani Monkey Park, Yudanaka Onsen Yamazakiya offers accommodation in Yamanouchi with access to a hot spring bath. This 3-star ryokan offers free shuttle service and full-day security. The ryokan features rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi. At the ryokan, the units come with a tatami and a flat-screen TV. At the ryokan, every unit is fitted with a shared bathroom with slippers and free toiletries. An Asian breakfast is available at the ryokan. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Ski storage space is available on-site and skiing can be enjoyed within close proximity of Yudanaka Onsen Yamazakiya. Ryuoo Ski Park is 12 km from the accommodation, while Suzaka City Zoo is 24 km from the property. Matsumoto Airport is 104 km away.View on Booking.com -
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SakaeyaLocated in the centre of Shibu hot-spring area and a 5-minute drive from Yudanaka Train Station, Sakaeya offers Japanese-style accommodations. Guests can enjoy the on-site indoor/outdoor public hot-spring bath and wear the provided colourful Japanese Yukata robes. You can watch monkeys bathing in hot-spring water at the Snow Monkey Park, a 10-minute drive away. The air-conditioned rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. Each comes with a satellite TV, a safety deposit box and a fridge. They include a private toilet, while bathrooms are shared. Guests are welcomed with a complimentary sweet snack and green tea upon arrival. Guests can relax at the shared lounge or shop for traditional gifts at the souvenir shop. Photocopying and luggage storage services are offered at the front desk. Free Wi-Fi is available at the public areas. A traditional multi-course is served for dinner and a Japanese set-menu for breakfast. Sakaeya Ryokan is a 10-minute walk from Heiwa Kannon and a 20-minute drive from Shiga Kogen Sun Valley Ski Resort. Zenko-ji Temple and JR Nagano Train Station are a 1-hour drive away.View on Booking.com -
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AIBIYAOffering a barbecue and ski storage space, AIBIYA is located in Yamanouchi in the Nagano Region, 4.1 km from Jigokudani Monkey Park. Each room at this property features air-conditioning and heating, and low beds with individual lights. All rooms have a tatami (woven-straw) floor where guests can unwind and relax. Free WiFi is available throughout the entire property. Ryuoo Ski Park is 6 km from AIBIYA, while Hasuike Pond is 7 km away. A complimentary breakfast is served, consisting of bread, yogurt, seasonal fruits and coffee. Guests will also find a shop featuring local artworks on site.View on Booking.com -
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Yudanaka YasuragiA small 6-room inn with Ryokan meals and cosy interiors, Yasuragi is just a few minutes drive to Jigokudani Monkey Park and an 8-minute walk from Yudanaka Train Station. Hot-spring baths are featured. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and free pick-up service from Yudanaka Station is provided. Yasuragi Inn’s Japanese-style rooms have tatami (woven-straw) floors, futon beds and a flat-screen TV. Each room is air-conditioned. A fridge, an electric kettle and yukata robes are provided. All guests have access to the on-site hot spring public baths, and they can be reserved for private use. (please inquire at the front desk for more information.) Shiga-Kogen Ski Park and North Shiga Ski Park are both a 15-minute drive away. The property offers a free shuttle to nearby locations upon request, including Yudanaka Train Station. Parking is free. There is a convenience store right behind the inn.View on Booking.com -
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SuminoyuLocated in the Shibu hot-spring district, guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths at Suminoyu. Massages can be requested and a footbath is also available for extra relaxation. A free shuttle is offered from Yudanaka Train Station, which is a 10-minute drive away. The air-conditioned rooms have tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. A TV, fridge and an electric kettle with green tea bags are provided in each. Rooms come with a private toilet but bathrooms are shared. Free Wi-Fi is accessible at the lobby and local products can be purchased at the gift shop. Luggage storage is available. Japanese dishes featuring local ingredients are available at the ryokan. Dinner is served in a private dining room. Suminoyu Inn is a 10-minute drive from Snow Monkey Park and a 25-minute drive from Shiga Kogen Ski Resort. Heiwa Kannon is a 15-minute walk away.View on Booking.com -
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Shibu HotelOffering a free-use reservable hot-spring bath, shared indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths, and traditional multi-course dinners with Shinshu beef, Shibu Hotel is 8 minutes from Yudanaka Train Station on the free shuttle. The traditional rooms have Japanese-style futon bedding on a tatami (woven-straw) floor. Yukata robes, green tea and floor-cushion seating allow you to experience Japan’s unique culture. More universal facilities include air conditioning, a mini-fridge and a TV. Each room has a private toilet, and guests bathe at the hot-spring baths. Snow Monkey Park is a 25-minute trip (10-minute drive + 15-minute walk) from the hotel, and the Nakayama Shinpei Memorial Museum is a 20-minute drive. Zenkoji Temple is a 1-hour drive. On-site parking is free. When not luxuriating in the hot-spring baths, you can check out the gift shop. Free Wi-Fi is provided at the lobby. The set-menu Japanese breakfast and dinner are served at the dining room. You must check in by 18:00 to eat dinner at the property. Guests who check in after this time may not be served dinner, and no refund will be given.View on Booking.com -
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Wafu-no-Yado MASUYAOn just a 5-minute drive from Yudanaka Station, Wafu-no-Yado MASUYA features beautiful Japanese-style rooms, hot spring baths and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms boast a private outdoor hot spring bath. Masuya Wafu no Yado is a 15-minute drive from the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, as well as from the Heiwa Kannon (Peace Statue). Zenko-ji Temple is an hour’s drive away. The spacious, bright rooms at Masuya are comfortably furnished with tatami-mat flooring and traditional futon bedding. They come with a seating area, satellite TV and a fridge. Guests at the Wafu no Yado can soak in spacious indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, or take a flower pressing class. Ladies can choose from 50 colourful gowns to use. The Japanese hot spring experience is complete with award-winning multi-course dinners, served in private dining rooms. Delicious local specialities can also be ordered separately.View on Booking.com -
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SenjukakuBoasting open-air hot spring baths, a heated indoor pool and beautiful Japanese gardens, Senjukaku offers traditional Japanese-style accommodation that has a historic charm. Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is a 15-minute drive away. Offering mountain views, all rooms are fitted with traditional tatami (woven-straw) flooring and a low table with seating cushions. In-room amenities include a flat-screen TV and a fridge. The en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Free WiFi is available in all rooms. While staying at Senjukaku Ryokan, guests can unwind at the spacious public bathing area or reserve one of the cosy family baths for private use. There is an art gallery space at the lobby, showcasing Japanese drawings. A gift shop is also available on site. The ryokan serves various seasonal Japanese dishes, prepared with organic vegetables and local beef. The property offers free pick-up shuttles from Yudanaka Station, an 8-minute drive away.View on Booking.com -
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Onyado Hishiya TorazoLocated in the Shibu hot-spring area, Onyado Hishiya Torazo features Japanese-style accommodations. Guests can soak in the indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths and female guests can enjoy wearing colourful Japanese Yukata robes. Yudanaka Train Station is a 10-minute drive away and free Wi-Fi is available in the shared lounge. The air-conditioned rooms feature a TV, a green tea set, and slippers. Some rooms feature a private toilet, while all rooms share the bathrooms. Guests can enjoy making paper crafts at the Origami Gallery or purchase souvenirs at the gift shop. Photocopying and luggage storage services are available. A Japanese multi-course meal is available for dinner. Torazo Onyado Hishiya is a 15-minute drive from Jigokudani Monkey Park, and a 20-minute drive from ski slopes at Shiga Highlands.View on Booking.com -
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Minshuku MiyamaFeaturing a private open-air bath, Minshuku Miyama is located in Yamanouchi. Each accommodation at the 2-star ryokan has mountain views, and guests can enjoy access to a hot spring bath and spa facilities. The ryokan provides rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi. At the ryokan, each unit is fitted with a tatami and a flat-screen TV. At the ryokan, every unit includes a shared bathroom with slippers and free toiletries. An Asian breakfast is available daily at the ryokan. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Guests can also relax in the garden. Jigokudani Monkey Park is 3 km from Minshuku Miyama, while Ryuoo Ski Park is 13 km away. Matsumoto Airport is 105 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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