Shiga Kogen is an absolutely beautiful ski resort, especially when covered in soft, powdery snow. The scenery is breathtaking, and the vast expanse of the resort makes it a fantastic place for skiing and snowboarding. There are plenty of ski lifts to get you up the mountains, and I was pleasantly surprised that the lift lines weren’t long, even on a busy day.
One of the best parts about Shiga Kogen is the convenience—there are plenty of spots to grab food and drinks, as well as rest areas to take a break and warm up. Maps are also posted throughout the resort, which makes it easy to navigate and find your way.
The only downside is that the mountains aren’t as seamlessly connected as I’d hoped. After some runs, you may need to stop, unbuckle, and traverse to another area, which can break up the flow of skiing or snowboarding.
Overall, though, Shiga Kogen is an amazing place to experience Japan’s winter beauty, with great snow, plenty of lifts, and all the amenities you’d need for a fantastic day on the slopes.
Good amount of ski slopes and good snow across the whole mountain range/resorts, but very crowded still and some lifts are very slow. Also very annoying that most of the ski slopes aren't connected even though the map makes it seem that way. Yokoteyma had an amazing view though, best I've ever seen. However, snowboard/ski wise, not enough variety in the runs across the resorts to get 5/5.
Fantastic ski area. 3 major ski areas are interconnected, central Shiga kogen ski area, Yakebitaiyama area and Okushhiga. If you do not know the way back, go to the base and catch a free bus back. Excellent natural snow conditions. Varied runs from each ski area. There is lunch available for purchase in almost every resort.
People may hate me but I have very mixed feelings about the ski resort. The snow can be great in Japan so that is the one big reason to go. But the resort can be difficult to navigate, it is really a collection of a bunch of small resorts, so you have a lot of traverses and areas were you have to walk. Manny runs are short and lifts are generally very old. If you are not staying up at the resort the transportation to Nagano water a lot of time and can be frustrating. On mountain good was not exceptional, much better food in the cities
The closest major city to Shiga Kogen is Nagano City. Located in the Nagano Prefecture, Nagano City serves as a convenient access point for visitors heading to Shiga Kogen, one of Japan's most renowned ski resorts.
The longest run in Shiga Kogen is approximately 6 kilometers (about 3.7 miles) long. This expansive ski resort boasts a variety of runs catering to different skill levels, but the 6 km run stands out for those seeking a lengthy and enjoyable descent.
Choosing between Hakuba and Shiga Kogen depends on your preferences. Hakuba offers a more international vibe with a variety of slopes and is known for its vibrant nightlife and dining options. Shiga Kogen, on the other hand, is Japan's largest ski resort, offering a vast array of interconnected slopes and a more serene atmosphere. While Hakuba appeals to those seeking a lively resort experience, Shiga Kogen is ideal for skiers and snowboarders looking for extensive terrain and a quieter environment.
To get from Nagano to Shiga Kogen, you can take a bus, which is the most direct and convenient option. The Nagaden Bus operates between Nagano Station and Shiga Kogen, and the journey takes approximately 70 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive or take a taxi, but the bus service is specifically tailored for skiers and snowboarders heading to the resort.
Shiga Kogen is the largest ski resort in Japan, encompassing an expansive area that includes 19 interconnected ski areas. It boasts around 800 hectares (about 2,000 acres) of skiable terrain, with over 50 lifts and gondolas facilitating access to a wide variety of runs. This vast size allows for a diverse range of slopes suitable for all skill levels, making it a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
