Had a relatively okay experience at Shiga Kogen this time around. I went on Sunday, 1st March 2026, and you could really feel that awkward transition from winter to spring. The snow conditions were icy in parts, and there was one moment where I genuinely felt like I was about to wipe out badly. Definitely had to stay extra focused on some sections. That said, the staff were amazing as always — super helpful and friendly, which honestly makes a big difference.
The place itself is HUGE. Like, properly massive. The slopes are well connected, though you’ll need to do a bit of hiking here and there to link certain areas. Nothing too crazy, but good to know in advance. The views though… wow. Absolutely stunning. On a clear day, it’s the kind of scenery that makes you stop mid-run just to take it in.
Food options were a bit of a struggle. There aren’t that many, and a lot of restaurants close in the afternoon to prep for dinner. If you don’t time it right, you might end up starving like I did. Also, water at the top is ridiculously expensive and there are no vending machines up there, so definitely bring your own.
For beginners, the Ichinose side has plenty of friendly slopes. There are also lots of intermediate and advanced courses to keep things interesting. Accommodation-wise, most places have seen better days. It would be amazing if they did a proper revamp. Overall, still a solid experience — just go prepared.
I have been to Shiga Kogen quite a few times.
It’s a great ski resort and offers great variety of slopes. This is the biggest ski resorts in Japan. There are also plenty of accommodation choices too. Buy the ski pass online as it offers discount sometimes, and there are plenty of ticket offices around the resort.
This ski resort is genuinely just the best in the world, like I know many people will call me crazy but it just has everything you need and is perfect. Like literally no crowds, cheap accommodation and extremely cheap lift tickets, and you can get there from tokyo airport in like 5 hours. Also the skiing is amazing, with long wide groomers there is also off piste for beginners and experts with untouched powder for days due to the minimal crowds. The views are also spectacular.
Great little isolated spot with lots of runs and no crowds, but bring supplies (or be prepared to do dinner roulette).
A more traditional Japanese experience vs big resorts. It felt like an ideal place for winter “school camp” with bus loads of young Japanese students arriving by the bus load - not that you see them once you’re on the hill (which was odd but welcome).
Dining is super odd - places seem not to open and the listings of opening days and times doesn’t reflect reality. The little corner store has really limited supplies and runs out fast (and opens “around evening” - I wish you luck). It’s best to bring stuff if you can.
There is a bus to Nagano and you’re best to book a return ticket b/c other than a private shuttle for 400,000yen it’s your only way out.
We ate at, what can only be described as, the canteen just above the ticket office and it was, by far, the best food.
For those people booking w the family - we booked a family room (via Agoda) and they stitched us up. The rooms at Grand Shiga Hotel are charged per person (+12 being an “adult”). So we had to do an odd and a bit expensive makeup payment because we paid for the room but not our two kids.
Snow was great, place was near enough all to ourselves and we loved the skiing more than Hakuba (but it’s really isolated- that can’t be over stated).
Shiga Kogen is massive and perfect for snowboarders who like to explore. The interconnected zones let you cruise all day without repeating the same laps. Tons of long groomers for carving and building speed.
Snow quality was legit — light, dry powder that stays soft thanks to the elevation. Even on busy days it didn’t feel tracked out fast. If you’re an intermediate or advanced rider who likes covering serious terrain, this place delivers.
One drawback about the area, but not the ski resort, is that it can be difficult getting around without a car.
