ACTIVITIES
WINTER IN SHIGA KOGEN
Winter Activities in Shiga Kogen

Winter Activities in Shiga Kogen

As Japan’s largest ski resort, winter in Shiga Kogen is all about enjoying some of Japan’s best skiing and snowboarding. But those aren’t the only activities on offer, with more and more to do each season and some of Nagano’s most popular attractions, including the Jigokudani Monkey Park, within easy reach of the resort. But of course, any discussion of what to do in Shiga Kogen in winter has to begin with:

SKIING

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Let’s start with the obvious! As Japan’s largest ski resort, Shiga Kogen offers skiers an unmatched expanse of interconnected terrain. Once upon a time, Shiga was a ski-only resort and to this day, remains ideally setup for skiers. The length of its season and reliability of its snow make it popular for locals, most of whom ski rather than snowboard. Inevitably such a large resort has terrain and runs suitable for all levels however Shiga is most enjoyable for intermediate to advanced skiers. Shiga Kogen has a strict policy banning backcountry unless accompanied by a guide. The restriction is there for good reason but understandably can be frustrating for advanced skiers who want to dive deep into powder.

SNOWBOARDING

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Until relatively recently, some areas of the resort still banned snowboarders and to this day, have a slightly funny attitude toward anyone not on skis. But that shouldn’t put you off! Shiga Kogen offers some fantastic terrain for snowboarders of all levels but again, is probably best-suited to intermediates. Lack of a large park and strict policy banning backcountry is also likely to frustrate advanced boarders. The expanse of the resort also means there are times boarders are will need to take their board off and walk along cat tracks or short trails linking areas. Again, this is a slight annoyance but nothing more.

SNOWMOBILING

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One of the most enjoyable activities available in Shiga Kogen, snowmobiling can be enjoyed as a single or tandem ride. Led by a certified instructor, snowmobiling is suitable to anyone aged 6 years and over, however children can only ride tandem with an adult. Anyone over the age of 13 years has the option of single or tandem ride. Taking place in the Yakebitai ski fields, snowmobiling is a fast-paced and exhilarating way to experience one of the resorts most picturesque landscapes.

FAMILY ACTIVITY AREAS

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Shiga Kogen offers three family activities areas located in the Yakebitai and Maruike. The fenced-off areas give users access to gentle slopes on which to use gear including sleds, tubes and snowbikes (literally kids bicycles on skis). Adults are permitted to use the activity areas with various devices however skiing and snowboarding are not permitted inside the fenced-off area.

SHIGA KOGEN INTERNATIONAL SKI SCHOOL

Based in the Okushiga ski fields, the Shiga Kogen International Ski School provides both ski and snowboard lessons in English. Other languages may be available depending on the season and day of the week, with both group and private lessons available. All enquires should be directed to the ski school.

SNOWSHOEING

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A great way to experience the winter landscape of Shiga and led by a guide, snowshoeing from Hasuike to Mt Asahi is suitable to anyone of reasonable fitness and can be enjoyed from January until March. Costing JPY5000 per adult and JPY4000 per child (aged 12 and under), guided tours take approximately 5 hours on a circuit that brings you back to where you started.

ONSEN (HOT SPRINGS)

Visitors wanting to relax and unwind an ‘onsen’ (natural hot spring) at the end of their day on the mountain, should consider booking a guesthouse with its own hot spring. Many hotels have a large public bath for use of their guests but only a couple, including Hotel Sunny Shiga located directly across from the Takamagahara ski fields, have real hot springs. Shiga’s onsen can be used by walk-in visitors during the day but is exclusively for the use of hotel guests in the morning and evening.

VISIT THE SNOW MONKEYS OF JIGOKUDANI

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Located in the foothills below Shiga Kogen, the Jigokudani Monkey Park rivals the ski resorts of Nagano as the most popular destination in winter! Though the monkeys are there all year round, the park is at its busiest in winter as visitors from all over the world flock there to witness the truly unusual sight of the monkeys in the snow. Most famous for their unique behaviour of soaking in hot springs, visitors to Shiga Kogen should factor in a visit to the park to see for themselves!

JOIN A GUIDED TOUR

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As Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator, we operate a variety of group tours each winter along with offering private tours and charters, customized to the needs and interests of our guests. Whether you simply require transport to and from Shiga Kogen or want to explore some of the nearby attractions and destinations, we have the local know-how to help you get the most out of your time in Nagano. Our 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen combines a visit to the world-famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani with morning of fun in the deep powder of Shiga Kogen. Guests can enjoy the snow using sleds, tubes, snowdrives and snowscoots before heading to a nearby restaurant for lunch and early afternoon visit to the monkey park. Available from December until March, as the name suggests, this tour is lots of fun!

WINTER ACTIVITES IN SHIGA KOGEN

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30 THINGS TO DO IN SHIGA KOGEN