Shiga Kogen is well known as one of the largest ski resorts in Japan, as well as having one of the longest ski seasons, which can run until late April or even May at the higher altitudes. While many travelers come to Shiga Kogen for the skiing and winter sports, the spring season has many other things to offer in this vast mountain region. On this page you will find some of the best spots and activities to enjoy in Shiga Kogen in the spring!
Where is Shiga Kogen?
Shiga Kogen sits 45km (1 hour drive) to the east of Nagano City and 280km (<5 hours drive) to the northwest of Tokyo. When people talk of Shiga Kogen, they are speaking of a mountainous area that includes Shiga Kogen Ski Resort and Shiga Kogen Highlands – a UNESCO Biopshere. The areas largely overlap and sit within the even larger Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. Given the size of the area, there are several ways to approach Shiga, however most international visitors will do so from the west, via Nagano Station. As a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, Nagano Station is easy to reach from Tokyo. Once there, express buses will take you onto the Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki (Mountain Station) – the most convenient transport hub in the area – and additional stops. Alternatively, the Nagano Dentetsu (Nagaden) train line will get you as far as Yudanaka Station, from where you can use local bus services or a taxi onto Shiga Kogen.
Best Spring Spots in Shiga Kogen
1/ ANCIENT SAKURA OF UKI / mid-April
The area of Uki in northern Shiga Kogen is known for its "ancient sakura" (cherry blossom) trees, which are up to 850 years old. There are a total of 5 of these massive trees along the main road of the town, easily distinguishable by their branches that hang down gracefully, giving them a majestic appearance while in bloom. In April of each year, the town of Uki holds a festival to celebrate these unique trees, which makes for a perfect combination of local Japanese culture and the stunning views of the blossoms and the mountain scenery. Though the date of the festival changes every year, it is definitely worth attending if you are in Shiga Kogen in April!
2/ BOTANICAL PARK WALKING COURSE / mid-April to late November
The Shinshu University Botanical Park in Shiga Kogen has a lovely walking course that not only circles the picturesque Nagaike pond, but also passes through fields of flowers that bloom at different times of year. This park is accessible by car or bus, and though the entire walking trail is 3.5km long, you are free to explore the paths at your own pace while enjoying the flowers in their full bloom. To access this park by bus, search for the "Shinshu University Natural Education Center" bus station.
3/ SNOW MONKEY PARK / year-round
The Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, famous for its monkeys that love to take baths in the hot spring during in the winter, is open year-round and the monkeys can be seen there nearly every day! The Jigokudani Monkey Park sits in the foothills of Mt Yakebitai of Shiga Kogen, but is only a one-hour bus ride from Nagano Station and definitely worth a visit. These unique monkeys and are not enclosed in the park, but are wild animals who live freely in the mountains. That being said, they are also accustomed to human visitors at the park, making for some great up-close experiences with them.
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
If you are interested in seeing these monkeys and learning more about the culture and history of Nagano, our Snow Monkey Tour may be for you! Operating year round, this tour 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.
Spring Activities in Shiga Kogen
1/ "HANAMI" FLOWER VIEWING
Cherry blossoms (sakura) play an important role in Japanese culture and for the brief time they are in bloom each spring, capture the imagination of the public. As the blossoms come to full bloom, ‘hanami’ (flower viewing) becomes a national past-time with couples, workmates, friends and families gathering in parks and venues around Japan to eat, drink chat and just take in the fleeting beauty of these famed blossoms.
If you are visiting Shiga Kogen, some of the best sakura-viewing locations include the town of Uki as described above, as well as Takanashi Yakataato Park, which is slightly south of Shiga Kogen in the city of Nakano.
Recommended
(Spring Only) 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Cherry Blossoms in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow Monkey
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
Or, if you would like to have a day that combines "hanami" flower viewing with the Snow Monkey Park, our Spring Only Snow Monkeys & Cherry Blossoms Tour may be for you! This tour begins with a visit to Nagano's Jigokudani Monkey Park (where you may just be lucky enough to see newborn baby monkeys!), followed by a delicious Japanese lunch, and an afternoon of cherry blossom-viewing at some of Nagano's best blossom spots.
2/ TREKKING
While some higher altitude hiking and trekking trails will still be snowy in the spring, if you visit Shiga Kogen in late April or May, you can enjoy lower altitude trekking trails that are full of freshly-blooming plant life. In addition to the Shinshu University Botanical Garden walking trail mentioned above, you can also enjoy the Lake Course, for example, which takes you through the marshlands of Shiga Kogen, winding around several of its beautiful ponds and lakes, including Onuma Pond, Shibu Pond, and Shijuhachi marsh.
If you would like more information about hiking and trekking in Shiga Kogen, or if you are interested in booking a custom hiking tour with us, please feel free to contact us here!
3/ SKI LIFTS & GONDOLAS
Many ski lifts in Shiga Kogen stay open year-round, after a brief period of closure at the end of the ski season. For example, the highest mountain in the Shiga Kogen area, Mt. Yokoteyama, has a unique "sky escalator" lift that will take you to the observatory on top of the mountain, in combination with a regular gondola. These lifts operate from late April to late October. From the top of the mountain, you can enjoy light trekking trails, or just relax and enjoy the view at the mountaintop cafe.
How to Get to Shiga Kogen?
If you are traveling from outside of Nagano, the easiest way to get to Shiga Kogen is from Nagano Station. Nagano Station is accessible by shinkansen (Bullet train) from Tokyo and other major cities.
If you are traveling from Tokyo, Osaka, Kanazawa, or a nearby airport, we have detailed information on how to get to Shiga Kogen on our How to Get to Shiga Kogen dedicated page.
Where to Stay in Shiga Kogen?
If you visit Shiga Kogen at the end of the ski season, you will find that the crowds thin out and you get more space to yourself, both in the mountains and in the hotels. Until the end of March, most ski resort hotels are still open for bookings, and some of them even stay open year-round. Our favorite ski resort hotels can be found on our "Where to stay in Shiga Kogen?" dedicated page.
Tours and Charters around Shiga Kogen
Headquartered in nearby Nagano City, Snow Monkey Resorts is ready to service all of your tour-based needs in the area. With a number of options for both group and private tours, as well as private charters, we are sure that we can make your vacation one you will remember forever!
Recommended
[START FROM SHIGA KOGEN] Private Snow Monkey Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyShiga Kogen
- Pick-up:
- Shiga Kogen
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakubaNozawa OnsenShiga KogenMadaraoMyoko
If you are staying in Shiga Kogen in the summer, this private tour will pick you up directly from your accommodation and take you to the Snow Monkey Park as well as historical Zenko-ji temple. With a guide and vehicle set apart for the whole day to tend to only your group, you can go at your own pace and have the guide's undivided attention. You may also store any luggage you have in the vehicle throughout the day, taking the hassle out of getting around.
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, including places as far away as Tokyo.
ICHINOSE/TAKAMAGAHARA (SHIGA KOGEN) → NARITA AIRPORT
- Duration:
- 6-7 Hours
- Spots:
- Tokyo, Shiga Kogen
Booking a private charter can make traveling around Japan simpler and easier, especially for large groups, those traveling with small children, or travelers who don't want the hassle of carrying luggage on trains and other public transportation. Please contact us HERE for more information on pricing and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is there to do in Shiga Kogen in the spring?
A: Shiga Kogen has a very long ski period, so if you arrive in March or even April you can still enjoy the slopes! However, in late April to May and June, there are many other activities to enjoy, such as cherry blossom viewing, trekking, and riding in gondolas/ski lifts, to name just a few!
Q: Is it cold in Shiga Kogen in spring?
A: Yes, Shiga Kogen is at a high altitude, so it stays cold longer! For example, the average high temperature in April is 10 degrees Celsius, and in May 15 degrees Celsius.
Q: Are there cherry blossoms in Shiga Kogen?
A: Yes, cherry blossoms can be viewed in Shiga Kogen in mid-April, including some ancient sakura (cherry blossom) trees that are up to 850 years old!
Q: How can I get to Shiga Kogen?
A: Shiga Kogen is accessible by bus, car, or taxi from Nagano Station. You can get to Nagano station on the shinkansen (bullet train) from most major cities in Japan. We have a dedicated page here with details on how to get to Shiga Kogen.