Shiga Kogen Ski Holidays
Japan
Located in Nagano Prefecture and famously known as the host venue for multiple 1998 Winter Olympic events, Shiga Kogen ski holidays offer an endless variety of terrain for every level of skier.
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Once-in-a-Lifetime
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Off the Beaten Track
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Powder
With 18 different areas covering 607 hectares, Shiga Kogen is Japan's largest ski resort and you’d need at least three to four days to ski every single run.
Of Shiga Kogen's 18 ski resorts, Yakebitaiyama and Okushigakogen stand out as two of the largest and highest within the region, making them our top bases for exploring the wider resort. We recommend Okushigakogen, in particular for its progressive approach to freeride terrain and incredible off-piste access.
The snow quality in Shiga Kogen is exceptional. The ski season stretches reliably from early December through April, making it the perfect destination for anyone looking to seamlessly combine a world-class ski trip with Japan's famous spring cherry blossom season.
Off the slopes, we highly recommend taking a rest day to visit the nearby Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and the charming, historic streets of Shibu Onsen. Craft beer lovers will also feel right at home, as the resort is the birthplace of the globally renowned Shigakogen Beer.
Shiga Kogen can also easily be combined with one of the other Nagano/Niigata resorts, such as Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen, on our Nagano Ski Safari.
Accommodation in Shiga Kogen
While Shiga Kogen lacks a centralised village base, each of its 18 distinct sectors features large, resort-style hotels right at the bottom of the slopes, offering authentic ski-in, ski-out convenience. Evening entertainment and dining are centred around these properties, giving the resort a delightfully peaceful and relaxed nightlife scene.
The Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel is a flagship property in the Yakebitaiyama, and features several wings across the huge building, with restaurants, shops, ski rental and everything else you need conveniently located on the property.
Our Prices
Every holiday is tailor-made, just for you.
To give you the most choice and best value, we create every holiday from scratch. This means that the quotation you receive is unique, based on your preferred departure dates, group size and holiday preferences.
We save you time and get the most for your money.
We do all the hard work for you, sifting through the prices and promotions for every airline, hotel and resort, exploring all options. We don’t publish all our prices online, just enough to give you an idea of costs.
Shiga Kogen Photo Gallery
FAQs
Frequently asked customer questions about Shiga Kogen ski holidays. Simply click on a question to reveal the answer.
Have a question not answered below? We have first-hand experience of skiing here and we’re happy to help. Call 01273 224060 or send us a message.
Shiga Kogen is located on Japan's main island (Honshu), around 165km northwest of Tokyo. There are regular direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Tokyo Haneda (HND), along with plenty of one-stop layover flights from other UK airports - these can go to either Haneda or Tokyo Narita (NRT).
Direct flights from the UK take 13-14 hours and generally fly overnight, arriving the next day local time.
Tokyo Hadeda Airport (HND) is closest and most convenient transport-wise. Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) is only marginally further away, but is trickier since it’s the other side of Tokyo. Transport links operate from either airport.
Shiga Kogen is located in Nagano Prefecture, about 45km east of Nagano city. From Tokyo Station (reachable by bus from either airport), you can catch the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Nagano, which takes around 90mins. From Nagano Station, we will usually arrange a private transfer up to Shiga Kogen, about an hour away.
Alternatively, direct coach transfers to Shiga Kogen from either Narita or Haneda airports are available, taking around 6 hours. These can offer a simpler option, especially with lots of luggage, and also run at night.
Other options such as private or shared taxis are available too. Your Ski Specialist will talk you through the options and help you decide what’s best for you.
Although there are often some early openings, especially in the highest altitude areas, the full Shiga Kogen opening usually comes in early December.
The Shiga Kogen ski season usually draws to a close in early April, making it one of Japan’s longest seasons. Again, at the high-altitude resorts, spring skiing is often possible through April and even into early May.
Like all of Japan, Shiga Kogen operates on Japan Standard Time (JST). This is either GMT+8 or GMT+9, depending on the time of year (Japan does not use daylight savings like the UK).
Yes - and it would seem a shame to go all that way for only one resort, however big! You’ll be passing through Tokyo of course, and could certainly combine your Shiha Kogen skiing with other resorts on Honshu (main island) like the more traditional Nozawa Onsen, or with a visit to Osaka or Kyoto cities.
Further afield, you could also choose to travel to the second island of Hokkaido - home to world-class resorts such as Niseko and Rusutsu, as well plenty of non-skiing sights and activities.
Our Ski Specialists know Japan both on and off the slopes, so can help you plan your very own ski safari.
Shiga Kogen is very ski-focused, and there’s a wide range of runs suitable for skiers of all abilities, as well as excellent ski schools and some facilities for very young skiers.
There aren’t a huge amount of options for families beyond the skiing, although the Jigokudani Monkey Park - home of the famous snow monkeys - is nearby and well worth a day trip.
Shiga Kogen is well-accustomed to welcoming international guests. Signs will almost always have English translations, and you’ll be able to get by with English for the essentials. As with anywhere in Japan, it’s important to be mindful of local customs and etiquette. Our team has extensive experience in Japan, including having lived there, and we’re on hand to help you navigate the culture with ease.
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Every holiday is tailor-made, just for you. Our ski specialists will look at your enquiry and will be in touch within a day or two. We promise it's worth the wait!