CONTENTS
Japan Powder snow, the highest ski slopes in Japan, and lots of them – ski lovers need to check out Japan’s Shiga Kogen Ski Resort.
Shiga Kogen Ski Resort
If you love to ski, you probably know about Japan Powder: some of the lightest and driest snow around, and a joy to ski. But if you're thinking of planning your next ski trip in Hokkaido or Hakuba, then you're missing out on what locals know is the best ski resort in Japan – Shiga Kogen, AKA the Shiga Highlands. Japan's highest ski slopes, and hands-down the best snow quality in Japan, plus a taste of small-town Japanese culture and a glimpse of 1998 Nagano Olympics history, Shiga Kogen is where you should ski this winter, and next.
7148 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano
Official Website (en)
Why Shiga Kogen?
If you're a true fan of skiing, you know that not all slopes are the same. Take a good look at what Shiga Kogen has to offer, you'll quickly see why local skiers will tell you it's a cut above the rest.
Must-Sees & Must-Skis
The Other Charms of Shiga Kogen
Backcountry skiing (off-piste skiing) at Shiga Kogen has to be done through pre-arranged guided tours, but it's worth making a reservation. While Shiga Kogen has trails of all kinds, the unique chance to go off-piste and explore the potential of backcountry skiing inside of Joshin'etsukogen National Park is a unique treat. Japan's pristine, untouched mountainsides are just calling out to be admired.
Once the sun sets, that doesn't mean it has to be the end of the day! If you're ready to keep going, or you just relish the romance of night skiing (or snowboarding), it's a fun way to finish out the evening at Shiga Kogen.
Shiga Kogen is less of a party place and more of a gathering place for winter sports fans, but there are still places to grab a good drink and relax with your travel companions. Pub-goers might enjoy a visit to Teppa Room, which has a variety of local Shiga Kogen beers on tap, and some pretty tasty eats to go with them.
Teppa Room
1163 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun
Official Website (jp) / Official Facebook
And last but not least, the onsen (温泉, hot springs) in the area are popular with both humans… and monkeys! That's right, while you might certainly enjoy an hour soaking away in a local bath like Kumanoyu Onsen, one of the most popular sightseeing attractions in the area is actually the onsen-loving snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park, easily reachable by bus from the ski resort. Watching the little macaques relax in the steaming spring water and lazily groom their fur might be even more relaxing than taking a bath yourself.
Kumanoyu Onsen (熊の湯温泉)
Kumanoyu Hotel, 7148 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano
Official Website (en)
Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Monkey Park (地獄谷野猿公苑)
6845 Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano
Official Website (en)
Planning Your Trip to Shiga Kogen
Access
So, how do you get to this ski resort off in the mountains? Well, thanks to a direct bus from Nagano station, it's pretty easy!
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⇒ Hokuriku Shinkansen (Bullet Train) ⇒
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Nagano Station
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⇒ Direct Bus (West Exit Bus Stop #23) ⇒
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Shiga Kogen Ski Resort!
Lodgings
Thanks to the impressive size and breadth of the Shiga Kogen Ski Resort area, there are plenty of different places to stay. Which hotel you choose might depend on a few different factors – aside from the obvious matter of price point, choosing a hotel close to the slopes you're interested in skiing on your first day (or most often) might be convenient. For those who like a little nightlife, it might even be worth choosing a hotel near Teppa Room or another bar, so you don't have to worry about when the last free shuttle bus might leave.
Fortunately, a brand new system that will make reserving a room at any of the Shiga Kogen hotels is in the works right now, so before long it should be easier than ever to find the perfect room in at the ski resort!
Hotel Grand Phenix is a popular place to stay for a number of reasons – not only is it right off of a trail, but the striking European-style architecture was designed by European designers and put together with materials shipped over from the continent, and the upscale restaurants inside the hotel draw people staying all over the area.
Hotel Grand Phenix
Okushiga-Kogen, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai, Nagano
Official Website (en)
Hotel Shiga Sunvalley is not only right across the street from a ski run that has easier routes for newer skiers (and some more difficult routes), but they also go all out with traditional Japanese-style rooms and multi-course Japanese meals in the dining room.
Hotel Shiga Sunvalley
7148 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano
Official Website (jp)
See You Soon, Shiga Kogen!
Details
NAME:Shiga Kogen Ski Resort (志賀高原スキー場)
MAP
ACCESS:From Nagano Station, take the express bus to Shiga Kogen.
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