Shiga Kogen

Park
★ 4.9 (3K+ reviews) • 8K+ booked
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.
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7148 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan
Overview
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Shiga Kogen Reviews

4.9 /5
3K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Klook User
5 May
Our guide Tom really made this tour great for us. He was a great guy who was easy and fun to talk to throughout the day and knowledgeable about the history. The snow monkeys were amazing to see and the onsen town was beautiful and nothing like we expected. We even went to see an extra temple or shrine which was also great. Tom even dropped us off at a restaurant he recommended at the end of the day. Would definitely recommend this tour.
Klook User
29 Apr
We had an amazing experience visiting Snow Monkey Park! Our guide, Dai, was very courteous and accommodating throughout the trip. He made everything easy for us and communicated fluently in English, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. His knowledge and friendliness added so much value to our visit.
NG *****
3 Apr
The snow monkeys are very cute and the environment is beautiful, but the drive from Tokyo is very long. It takes 30 minutes to go up the mountain, and the snow has just melted, so the road is difficult to travel, so choosing the time to go is very important.
Andre *****
2 Apr
The guide we had, Mr. Yuki, was very good; he knew a lot and shared his experience and knowledge. Recommended.
Klook User
30 Mar
This is my first snow and snowfall experience, and the snow monkey keep crawling beisde me, good adventure and experience! and the cheapest tour from tokyo to nagano
2+
Klook User
30 Mar
The trip was enjoyable. the driving was safe. The guide, Masa, was very much accommodating and kind.
Klook User
30 Mar
Awesome food & awesome guide that explained a lot while on the drive up! the Snow Monkeys did not disappoint! Be prepared for si icy, muddy trails &:wear hiking boots! I saw a lot of white tennis shoes (but not for long)! The mud will splash a bit too! It was on the back if my legs. Dress appropriately, it's cold 🥶 but so worth it!
2+
Klook User
28 Mar
This was a whole day tour to the Snow Monkeys and everything was included apart from items brought at servo stops. Bus was very comfy and tour guide was great and friendly as! Lunch was also really good and authentic. Walk to the monkeys was not to bad and we were given a good amount of time there. Monkeys were out and were so cute to watch from a distance 🤣❄️🐒
2+

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FAQs about Shiga Kogen

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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.