Shiga Kogen

★ 4.9 (3K+ reviews) • 13K+ booked
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Shiga Kogen Reviews

4.9 /5
3K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Nelson ******
8 Mar
The Nagano Snow Monkeys tour was a great experience and very well organized. The guide made everything easy to understand and the transportation was smooth. Seeing the snow monkeys up close in their natural environment was incredible and something really unique to Japan. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Nagano.
1+
Micaela ***
8 Mar
it was a fabulous day to be able to see the snow monkeys! they are so cute and fun to watch. although it was hectic to find a meet up location early in the morning , overall it was an amazing day and we also had a delicious lunch.
1+
Jacqueline ***
5 Mar
Fantastic afternoon tour. The monkeys did not disappoint, we were there for the afternoon. feeding time so we were very fortunate to see so many of them running around and through the crowds without hesitation. Our guide Rosella was brilliant! She was organised, accommodating and so funny! Her knowledge of the local areas and the monkey park was substantial - no question went unanswered. would absolutely recommend you take this tour with Rosella.
2+
Ma **************
4 Mar
It was a very good tour. the beef sukiyaki meal was delicious. it was snowing during the hike so it was fun. we had little time with snow monkey due to hiking but still worth it. the snow dome was fun too.
1+
Klook User
3 Mar
Had a brilliant trip. Our guide was excellent, everything ran really smoothly and the monkeys were very cool to see. The food was also really tasty! However it is a LOT of driving. But worth it in my opinion :)
1+
LU *********
2 Mar
Awesome trip! You can visit two famous Nagano attractions in one day! Otherwise, it would take two days to complete! Also, the tour guide is very friendly and chatty, making the whole trip feel relaxed and comfortable!
Shalee *******
2 Mar
this was a fantastic trio of villages to visit, especially in winter. Gokayama is quiet and otherworldly! The paper washi making was super fun, our guide and driver were consistent and reliable, the car itself was comfy, and the scenery between places was absolutely breathtaking. definitely worth paying the money to get to experience the immense beauty of this region without the hassle of driving or getting around via other methods.
2+
VIKTORIIA *********
2 Mar
Our guide was humorous and had a lot of interesting information. The whole day flew by very quickly. The road to the park was very scenic! The monkeys were cute.
2+

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FAQs about Shiga Kogen

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What to know about Shiga Kogen

Located in the picturesque Nagano Prefecture highlands, Shiga Kogen is a group of 18 ski resorts where you can enjoy the biggest ski playground in Japan. With one lift pass, you can access all 48 lifts, gondolas, and ropeways across 18 resorts. Shiga Kogen is split into two main areas, meeting at a lively hub near the Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki bus stop. Head south for a scenic climb up Mount Yokote at 2305 meters, where ski slopes and relaxing hot springs dot the route to the peak. Now, the northern area leads you to Oku Shiga Kogen, surrounded by towering 2000-meter peaks, offering a vast expanse for snow enthusiasts to play around. Also, the Higashidateyama Resort was the exciting stage for the slalom and giant slalom events during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
7148 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan

Must-Visit Attractions in Shiga Kogen

Shibu Onsen

Explore the cobblestone lanes of Shibu Onsen, a nostalgic hot spring town where you can sample nine different public bathhouses and stroll around in Yukata, enjoying the rich history and soothing waters.

Yudanaka Onsen

Yudanaka Onsen, a historic hot spring resort, has a more modern feel compared to its traditional neighbor, Shibu Onsen. As you climb from the town's lower area near Yudanaka train station, the atmosphere shifts to a quaint, traditional setting. It's a charming mix of old and new just waiting to be discovered!

Jigokudani Yaen-Koen

Witness about 300 wild monkeys peacefully bathing in open-air baths at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, a unique park where you can observe these playful creatures up close in their natural habitat.

Tamamura Sake Brewery

Visit the historic Tamamura Sake Brewery, established in 1805, and taste the exceptional sake crafted in the foothills of the Shiga Kogen highlands, experiencing the local flavors and traditions.

Tips for Your Shiga Kogen Visit

When is the best time to visit Shiga Kogen?

The ideal time to visit Shiga Kogen Shimotakai County depends on what you enjoy. If you're into skiing and snowboarding, the winter months are perfect for the ski season. For those who love hiking and scenic landscapes, spring and autumn offer mild weather and stunning views.

How to get to Shiga Kogen?

From Tokyo, hop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen for a quick one-hour and 45-minute ride to Nagano City. You can catch the Shiga Kogen Express Bus from Ono Station's East Exit for a smooth 70-minute trip directly to the ski resort. Another option is to transfer to the Nagano Dentetsu Line at Nagano Station, head to Yudanaka Station, and then take the Choden Bus for a 30-minute ride to Shiga Kogen Ski Resort.

If you're flying into Narita or Haneda Airport, the Nagano Snow Shuttle can take you to the Shiga Kogen Ski Area in about six hours. This convenient service also connects Shiga Kogen Ski Area with Nozawa Onsen and Hakuba.

Where to stay in Shiga Kogen?

Shiga Kogen is Japan's largest ski resort with 18 interconnected Shiga Kogen ski resorts. For your Shiga Kogen accommodation, it's recommended to stay in the main resort, Yakebitaiyama, with a sprawling hill covered in "Platinum Snow" and offers different ski trails suitable for all skill levels. Located at the foot of Yakebitaiyama is the Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel---East, South, and West---ready to welcome you after a day of exhilarating skiing adventures with its traditional Japanese style rooms.