Hidden in the northern end of Shiga Kogen lies the serene area of Okushiga. Away from the main ski areas and the hustle and bustle of the crowds, you can enjoy peace and tranquility with just you, your skis or snowboard beneath your feet, and the mountain. Featuring a well-balanced mix of runs from beginners to experts, Okushiga Kogen is ideal for families or couples seeking a secluded ski getaway.
Overview of Okushiga Kogen Area
Okushiga Kogen ski area is located at the northernmost part of the entire Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, right next to Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort. Both resorts are connected, sharing one of the same mountain peaks. Okushiga is equipped with 5 lifts and 1 gondola, servicing 11 runs with a total ridable length of 9.4 km. You can access other ski resorts via a free shuttle bus service or by taking the connecting run to Yakebitaiyama, and from there to the central area.
One of the major selling points that differentiates Okushiga Ski Resort from the rest of Shiga Kogen is its abundance of very wide tracks. Although the total skiable course distance may seem short, many of Okushiga's runs are quite broad, giving the impression that the runs are much longer. The wide trails offer beginners more margin for error and ample space to practice. This also creates ideal conditions for medium and long-turn enthusiasts. Carving down these hills at a high angle to feel the G-force or stacking up and accelerate down the mountain is always an exhilarating experience. Overall, the runs at Okushiga Ski Resort are suitable for everyone in a group with different skill levels to enjoy.
The ski resort also offers some ungroomed runs, notably the "Kumaotoshi Course." Experience off-piste action and enjoy the high-quality powder after a heavy snow day.
To cap it all off, the ski area is equipped with one of the few serious terrain parks in Shiga Kogen. Located on the east side of Okushiga Ski Resort, "Free Line Park" is a paradise for freestyle enthusiasts. Packed with a variety of features including rails, boxes, and jumps, it’s the perfect place to stomp your signature tricks and impress your friends and family.
The official stats are: 11 ski runs – beginner 49% / intermediate 40% / advanced 11% – serviced by 5 lifts and 1 gondola.
Season Dates, Operating Times, Lift & Ticket Information
Okushiga ski area typically open from late-December or early-January. Exact dates vary between seasons depending on snow conditions however you can expect the entire resort to be fully operational by January, and the snow should be very good to excellent by early April. Resorts connected to Okushiga Kogen have different opening and closing times, so make sure to also checkout our full Shiga Kogen Ski Resort page. Lifts typically operate from 08:30 to 16:15 on weekdays and 8:00 to 16:15 on weekends (time may vary depending on the weather and snow condition). Night skiing is NOT available at Okushiga ski area. For more Night-skiing, please refer to our page for the Central Area and Yakebitaiyama Ski Area.
As always, lift and gondola operation is subject to daily weather conditions and operation may be suspended due to high winds and heavy snowfall including white-out. The safety of skiers and snowboarders is always the paramount concern and please be aware of the local weather conditions, which can change quickly in alpine areas.
The price of the Okushiga Ski Resort lift pass has not yet been released. Please refer to the 2025-26 season pricing for your reference:
Adult: 4 hours pass- ¥5,800/ 1 day pass- ¥6,700
Teens: 4 hours pass- ¥4,700/ 1 day pass- ¥5,400
Child: 4 hours pass- ¥2,900/ 1 day pass- ¥3,300
Visitors to Shiga Kogen’s Okushiga ski area have the option of an all-mountain pass – covering all 18 ski areas of the Central resorts and, in addition, Yakebitaiyama and Okushiga Ski Resorts along with Kumanoyu, Yokoteyama and Shibutouge ski fields. To get the most out your time in Shiga (and the minimal price difference), we recommend the all-mountain pass:
Shiga Kogen All-Mountain Pass (2025-26 pricing) :
Rental & Ski School
Full set rental is available in the reception building at the foot of the mountain. A wide range of brands and gear for beginner to advanced riders are available for your selection.
Rentals are also available on a hotel-by-hotel basis. Please consult your hotel at Okushiga for more details.
Foreign language ski and snowboard lessons are available in English through the International Ski School operating out of Okushiga. The ski school is at the second floor of the reception building; this is where you will be meeting your instructor for group lessons.
Private lessons can be conducted anywhere in the resort, including the Okushiga ski fields, with the instructors collecting you from your accommodation and conducting your lesson on suitable nearby ski runs. Some hotels with foreign/English-speaking staff may be able to offer lessons however this service would need to be confirmed directly with your hotel.
Accommodation in Okushiga Kogen Area
The top recommended accommodation for staying at Okushiga Kogen is Hotel Grand Phenix Okushiga. This luxurious ski-in/ski-out European-style mountain hotel is equipped with a variety of facilities, including indoor and outdoor baths, a sauna, and three restaurants serving different styles of cuisine (reservation required). The hotel is ideal for families and friends celebrating a special occasion.
There are also a few other hotels and several chalet style accommodations near the slope for your selection as well.
Book With Us! Accommodation & Ski Packages in Shiga Kogen
Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are a registered travel agent, tour and charter operator offering a full-suite of winter services including ski/snowboard packages, accommodation, lift passes, private charters and a range of tours including both group and private options covering Shiga Kogen.
SHIGA KOGEN ACCOMMODATION & SKI PACKAGES
Accommodation is dotted across the resort’s expansive 600 hectares of terrain, and ski-in ski-out hotels can be found in any area of Shiga Kogen. Also, the nearby hot spring villages of Kanbayashi Onsen, Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka Onsen offer a great alternative for visitors wanting to enjoy Japan’s legendary ‘onsen’ culture.
To learn more about where to stay in Shiga Kogen, see our dedicated page here: Where To Stay In & Around Shiga Kogen
We can offer all-inclusive ski packages including accommodation, lift passes, rental gear, ski lessons, and transportation to and from the ski resorts – contact us to plan your trip to Shiga Kogen!
Recommended
1-Day Ski Tour Package from Nagano Station
- Spots:
- NaganoShiga Kogen
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
If you only have one day to try skiing during your trip in Japan, consider joining our 1-Day Ski Tour Package! This tour often visits Shiga Kogen, so you can enjoy the slopes for a day and discover the best of what the resort has to offer. Even better, it is all-inclusive, with ski/snowboard gear, clothing, and transportation all taken care of.
Getting To & Around Shiga Kogen in Winter
Located approximately 45KM (1 hour drive) to the east of Nagano City and 280KM (<5 hours drive) to the northwest of Tokyo, most visitors head to Shiga Kogen via Nagano Station. As a stop on the Hokuriku Shinaknsen running from Tokyo to Kanazawa, Nagano Station is a convenient point from where to head to Shiga using the Nagaden Snow Monkey/Shiga Kogen Express Bus.
For the express bus timetable to and from the resort, see our ‘Nagaden Shiga Kogen Express Bus Timetable’ page. For details on how to reach Shiga from Nagano and beyond, see our ‘How to Get to Shiga Kogen – Nagano Ski Resorts Info’ page.
Located in the Hasuike area, Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki (Mountain Station) is the resort’s primary transport hub. Express and local bus services stop at the mountain station, with the new ‘Pulse’ Gondola providing immediate access to the Giant ski area. The resort’s shuttle bus also operates from the mountain station, making it a great point from which to start and end your time in Shiga Kogen.
Tours & Charters Around Shiga Kogen
Headquartered in nearby Nagano City, Snow Monkey Resort is ready to service all of your tour based needs in the area. With a number of options for both group and private tours, we are sure that we can make your vacation one you will remember forever!
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyShiga Kogen
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityYudanaka/Shibu
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityYudanaka/Shibu
With the Snow Monkey Park and Shiga Kogen being so close together, it makes perfect sense to combine the two for a day trip, and with this tour that's just what we've done! Starting with a trip to a snow field in Shiga Kogen for a chance to have fun with some snow based activites (sleddding and more!), the group will then head on to the Monkey Park to watch as these furry primates relax in the hot spring water. With lunch and transport included, this tour is a complete day of activities for you and your group to try.
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
Operating year round, this tour will bring you to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, right in the foothills of Shiga Kogen. In the morning, your group will start with a guided tour of Nagano City's historic Zenkoji Temple including a Sake tasting, with lunch afterwards closer to the monkey park. Once you have finished eating, everyone will be off to the Snow Monkey Park to see what all of the fuss is about! Although there is no snow in the seasons outside of winter, the monkeys will still be in the park, and in Spring and Summer you can even see the cute newborn baby monkeys.
Recommended
[START FROM SHIGA KOGEN] Private Snow Monkey Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyShiga Kogen
- Pick-up:
- Shiga Kogen
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakubaNozawa OnsenShiga KogenMadaraoMyoko
Want to explore iconic Nagano destinations, including the famous snow monkeys and Zenkoji, at a pace that suits your busy tour schedule? Join our all-inclusive private Snow Monkey Tour! Starting from any ski resort in Shiga Kogen, this tour includes a morning visit to the snow monkeys, a fantastic lunch at a local restaurant, and an afternoon visit to Zenko-ji Temple—one of the most influential Buddhist temples in Japan. To top it all off, we also provide drop-off service anywhere in Nagano City or to any of Nagano’s five main ski resorts. Not only do you get a full-day tour, but you also receive private transfer back to Nagano or your next ski destination! Bring your luggage on board and enjoy the best of Nagano without having to worry about complicated logistics.
If you are not in need of a guide and would like to make your own schedule, we also offer private charter services. With well trained and safe drivers, we are ready to bring you to and from the Shiga Kogen area from any point of your choice, for example Nagano Station, or even places as far away as Tokyo.
NAGANO STN → OKUSHIGA (SHIGA KOGEN)
- Duration:
- 1-2 Hours
- Spots:
- Nagano, Shiga Kogen
Discover all of your options for transportation here: Charters From/To Shiga Kogen
You can even hire a guide to come along and make it your own private, personalized tour! Please contact us HERE for more information on pricing and availability.