Shiga Kogen is a ski area in Nagano with 8 webcams, 83 runs, 47 lifts and 854 m vertical.
An adult day ticket costs ¥9,500.
Shiga Kogen snow report: live webcams, snow depth, new snowfall and a 7-day forecast for one of Japan’s highest ski areas, plus lifts, runs and access.
2026-27 season: opening Sat, December 5, planned closing Wed, May 5 (source: resort site, checked October 27). Dates of the all-mountain lift ticket. Single areas such as Yokoteyama can start earlier on their own tickets.
Cameras are expected to come back online when the season starts (opening: Sat, December 5). Some cameras stream all year: press play to try one.
The longest run is about 4 km. An adult day ticket is around ¥9,500 (check the resort for current prices).
A YouTube live stream and still images from the resort's cameras show the slopes. Snow depth and the 7-day snowfall and temperature forecast for Shiga Kogen come from Open-Meteo forecast models for its part of Nagano.
Free shuttle connects all 18 resorts. Source: Shiga Kogen Tourism Association
Road Conditions & Access
Tyres: Winter tyres required. Chain restrictions are enforced on the Joshinetsu and Nagano expressways in heavy snow.
Driving: The last 10-20 km up to the ski villages is usually mountain road that ices up in the morning.
Live closures: Nagano prefectural road information and NEXCO Central publish restrictions.
Things to do nearby
Ski-in/ski-out stays
Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel: Large resort hotel with direct access to Yakebitaiyama ski area. Used as a venue for the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
Hotel Ichinose: Hotel on the Ichinose Family slope, ten seconds from the snow, known for its buffet and open-kitchen steak corner.
Dining & Activities
Hasuike Restaurant: Mountain restaurant near main base. Standard Japanese lunch fare.
Izakaya After: At Shiga Prince Hotel South Building. Izakaya menu with yakitori and hot pots. A good introduction to Japanese dining.
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park: World-famous park with 200 wild macaques bathing in hot springs. 20-30 min from Shiga Kogen. A common stop on Nagano ski holidays.
Shiga Kogen Snowshoeing Tours: 5-hour circuit tour from Hasuike to Mt. Asahi. Walk through untouched snow with local guides. January to March.
1998 Olympics Heritage Sites: Commemorative hall in Hasuike and top of Higashitateyama Gondola. Olympic memorabilia. First Olympics to include snowboarding as medaled sport.
Shiga Kogen is Japan's largest ski area with 18 interconnected resorts, 80+ courses, and over 50 lifts. One lift pass gives access to the entire area, making it ideal for those who want variety and exploration.
What is the snow like at Shiga Kogen?
Shiga Kogen has excellent snow quality due to its high elevation (up to 2,307m, Japan's highest ski area). The powder is light and the season is long, typically running from November to May.
Is Shiga Kogen good for intermediates?
Yes, Shiga Kogen is excellent for intermediate skiers with its vast network of groomed cruising runs. You can ski for days exploring different areas without repeating the same runs.
How do I get around the Shiga Kogen ski area?
Free shuttle buses connect all 18 resorts within Shiga Kogen. You can also ski between most areas using interconnected lifts and runs. It's easy to spend a whole day exploring different zones.
Where should I stay in Shiga Kogen?
Popular bases include Ichinose, Takamagahara, and Yokoteyama areas. Each offers different terrain access and accommodation styles. The area has traditional Japanese hotels, modern lodges, and ski-in/ski-out options.