Shiga Kogen Guide: 18 Ski Areas on One Ticket, Where to Stay and How to Get There

David

Shiga Kogen is Nagano's largest linked ski area: 18 ski areas and 45 lifts and gondolas on one shared ticket, which costs ¥9,500 for an adult day at the window in 2026-27 (Shiga Kogen). The shared ticket season runs from 5 December 2026 to 5 May 2027, and lifts generally run from 8:30 to 16:30. From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Nagano (1 hour 19 minutes at best), then a bus of about 70 minutes.

How big is Shiga Kogen?

Big enough that where you stay decides how much you ski. The 18 areas are spread along a high plateau in northern Nagano, linked by lifts, connector runs and buses. The top lifts climb above 2,000 m, which is higher than most resorts on Honshu. That keeps the snow colder and the season long, and it is why Shiga Kogen often stays open into May.

Sources: Shiga Kogen ticket page, Tabiris.

Getting from one end of the linked area to the other on skis takes a good part of a morning, with flat connector trails and lift queues on the way. If you are on the far side when the lifts stop, the way back is a bus or a taxi.

Where should you stay in Shiga Kogen?

Pick the area first, then the hotel. A hotel that says "Shiga Kogen" could be at any of the 18 areas.

• Ichinose and Takamagahara (the middle). The most central base, with the widest choice of hotels and a few restaurants. Good for a first visit because you can reach both ends. See Ichinose Family.
• Hasuike and Giant (the south-centre). Where the express bus from Nagano arrives, and close to the road down to Yudanaka and the snow monkeys.
• Yakebitaiyama and Okushiga (the north end). Quieter, with large hotels beside the lifts and long groomed runs. Further from the rest of the area. See Yakebitaiyama and Okushiga.
• Yokoteyama and Kumanoyu (the high east side). The highest terrain, near the Shibu Pass road. Good for snow quality, more remote for everything else. See Yokoteyama.
• Sun Valley and Maruike (the entrance). First areas you reach from below. Convenient by car, but you spend more time getting to the rest.

Is there nightlife in Shiga Kogen?

Very little. There is no village street like Hakuba or Nozawa. Most guests eat dinner in their hotel, use the hotel bath and go to bed early. That suits families and people who came to ski as much as possible. If you want bars and restaurants within walking distance, Hakuba or Nozawa Onsen will suit you better; our Nagano ski resorts guide compares the three.

How do you get around inside Shiga Kogen?

On skis where the links are good, and by bus where they are not. Buses run between the main areas, and they help most on the slow links, such as between the Giant and Hasuike side and the Yakebitaiyama side. The official site directs visitors to Google Maps for bus times. Ask your hotel whether your lift ticket covers the in-resort bus, since the rules have changed over the years.

How do you get to Shiga Kogen from Tokyo?

Source: Shiga Kogen access. Drivers come up Route 292, and the road over to Kusatsu is closed in winter. If you drive, read our winter tyres guide.

The Jigokudani snow monkey park is on the way between Yudanaka and Shiga Kogen, so many people stop there on the arrival or departure day.

FAQ

Is Shiga Kogen good for beginners?

Yes. Many areas have wide, gentle runs next to the hotels, and you can stay at one area and only use its lifts. Buy the shared ticket only if you plan to travel around.

When is the best time to ski Shiga Kogen?

January and February have the coldest, driest snow. Because the area is high, it is also one of the better choices for spring skiing in March and April.

Can I check the weather before going up?

Yes. Conditions at the top of Yokoteyama and down at Sun Valley can be very different, so check our Shiga Kogen live cameras and the Shiga Kogen page.