Located deep inside the Joshin’etsu Kogen National Park and surrounded by peaks towering over 2000m, Shiga Kogen is the largest and highest ski area in Japan. The area is said to have the best quality powder snow in Nagano due to the height of its resorts. This vast area of mountain peaks and valleys is where you will find Yokoteyama the highest ski resort in all of Japan, Shibu onsen and Kanbayashi onsen - historic onsen villages known for their ryokans and hot springs.
志賀高原
Shiga Kogen
Located deep inside the Joshin’etsu Kogen National Park and surrounded by peaks towering over 2000m, Shiga Kogen is the largest and highest ski area in Japan.
Updated: Dec 18 2023
Skiing Shiga Kogen
Shiga Kogen is massive!!! What was once 18 independent ski resorts have been combined into one area which can all be skied with 1 ticket. Skiers & boarders will definitely need to spend some time here to explore everything Shiga Kogen has to offer. All resorts except for Yokoteyama and Kumanoyu are connected and traversable. There are also free shuttle buses that run between each resort.
Shiga Kogen Resort
Elevation
2054m
2054m
Vertical Drop
720m
720m
Longest Run
6000m
6000m
Difficulty
| 30% | 40% | 30% |
What to Eat in Shiga Kogen
The Japanese Alps are well known for their buckwheat and “Sansai” mountain vegetables. Make sure you try the freshly made soba here which is said to be the best in Japan.
Sugakawa Soba
Made with buckwheat and a oyamabokuchi - a local mountain plant, Sugakawa Soba is unique to the Yamanouchi area.Oyaki
Look out for these dumplings of wheat and buckwheat dough stuffed with vegetables and sometimes meat. Delicious snack for the colder climate.Shiga Kogen Beer
Local craft beer brewed by Tamamura Honten sake brewery. Find it on the slopes and Teppa room in Yamanouchi during Winter.Where to Eat in Shiga Kogen
The larger ski areas have dining halls and restaurants open till the chairs close. For dinner, most restaurants in Shiga Kogen are attached to ski lodges. If you don’t have transport your options are limited to whats around you, or you can arrange for full board meals with your accommodation.
Tamaya
Sumo themed restaurant in Hrao that specializes in Chanko Nabe - the staple diet of Sumo wrestlers in training. Pack those calories in.Teppa Room
During Winter, Teppa room opens at the Hotel Chalet Shiga. Its a bar serving Shiga Kogen beer on tap. Bar food also available.The Farmhouse
A bar & restaurant situated in a quaint farm house in Kanbayashi Onsen. There is Shiga Kogen beer on tap and pub food on the menu.Japanese Dining GOEN
Modern casual restaurant in Yamanouchi serving a variety of Japanese dishes using local ingredients from highlands and seafood from Niigata.Yokote Summit Hutte
Located at the summit of Yokote ski area, Summit Hutte serves freshly baked german bread and soup. Amazing views from the highest bakery in Japan.Yamanouchi Taishoken
Taishoken chef Kazuo Yamagishi, the creator of Tsukemen was originally from Shiga Kogen. Try the noodles that changed ramen history at this outpost.Where to Stay in Shiga Kogen
There are many accommodation options located throughout Shiga Kogen, with the highest concentration in the central area. These range from large hotel chains, to smaller ski lodges and ryokans. You can also Shibu onsen or Kanbayashi onsen towns for the traditional ryokan experience. Yudanaka city is a bit more happening with more restaurants and shops. You can stay at Yudanaka and hop on a shuttle bus to access the various resorts.
Where to Buy & Rent Ski & Snowboard Gear in Shiga Kogen
Unfortunately, the options for ski & snowboard shops is limited in Shiga Kogen Stock up in Nagano instead. If you intend on renting gear you can do so at the Alpina Rental center at Yama no Eki mountain station. Snowcan also has rental stations in Ichinose, Takamagahara, Kuma no Yu next to the ski resorts. Large hotels will often have their own rental centers.
ski resorts
ski shops
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