Nagano is known as one of Japan's best locations for skiing—perhaps even No.1, depending on who you ask! But in fact, Nagano prefecture is one of the largest prefectures in the country, and contains more than 80 individual ski resorts. With all those mountains, it can be hard not only to decide where to plan your skiing/snowboarding trip, but also how to travel between those resorts if you chose to visit several of them. Let this page serve as your road map to Nagano's best skiing!
On this page you will find the following information:
Where Are Nagano’s Ski Resorts?
The ski resorts of Nagano are located in the northern part of Nagano prefecture, some of them on the borders of Toyama prefecture and Niigata prefecture. This region has some of the tallest mountains in Japan, making it perfect for skiing and winter sports! The Nagano ski resorts are spread out in different directions from the central hub of Nagano City, and to get to most of them you will need to pass through Nagano Station. For information about how to get to each ski resort, see our "How to Get to the Nagano Ski Resorts" page.
Here is a rundown of each of the major ski resort destinations in Nagano:
Hakuba
Hakuba is one of the most well-known ski resorts in Japan—located in the Northern Alps of central Japan, it is one of the most idyllic places for skiing, not only for its stunning mountainscapes, but also for its abundance of English-language support in both services and accommodation, making it well-equipped for foreign travelers. The Hakuba Valley is made up of ten distinct ski resorts, each with their own unique qualities. You can find descriptions and information about of all the Hakuba ski resorts here.
Not only famous for its winters, Hakuba is increasingly establishing itself as an all-year-round destination and one of Japan’s best ‘green season’ sports regions. For more information on what Hakuba has to offer, check out our "25 Things to Do Around Hakuba & Where to Stay" page.
Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen is increasingly popular as a ski destination in central Japan–famous not only for its great ski terrain but also for its picturesque traditional village and famous “onsen” (hot spring) public baths. Nozawa’s history as a hot spring town stretches back more than 1000 years, but for international visitors, it is best-known for its fantastic ski resort and lively village offering some of Japan’s best apres-ski.
Outside of winter, Nozawa Onsen is much quieter but developing as an all-year-round destination with some excellent accommodation, dining, outdoor activities, hot springs and a couple of very good breweries enticing you to visit. For more information about Nozawa, Our ’25 Things To Do Around Nozawa & Where To Stay’ page has some great information about what’s on offer all-year-round including accommodation listings.
Shiga Kogen
Shiga Kogen is a vast mountainous area in the north of Nagano Prefecture, which includes the Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, and is also a UNESCO biosphere that is part of the larger Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. It sits 45km (1 hour drive) to the east of Nagano City and 280km (<5 hours drive) to the northwest of Tokyo. Shiga Kogen is famous not only for its ski slopes, but also for its unique and diverse wildlife, beautiful hiking trails, and for having the "highest road in Japan" as part of the scenic Shiga Kusatsu Kogen route (aka Nationlal Route 292). Shiga Kogen also contains Mt. Yakebitai, the mountain that the snow monkeys are famous for living on, as well as the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.
While most people know of Shiga Kogen for skiing, it actually has much to offer year-round. You can find more information about this area on our dedicated page: 30 Things to Do Around Shiga Kogen & Where to Stay.
Myoko Kogen
Myoko Kogen is technically not in Nagano Prefecture, but actually at the southern border of neighboring Niigata Prefecture—though it is accessible from Nagano City, and many people consider it one of the "Nagano" ski resorts! Myoko Kogen is best known for its heavy snowfall and deep layer of powder snow, making it ideal for skiing and snowboarding, but also more dangerous. So if you are an advanced skier looking for a challenge, this is the place for you!
"Myoko Kogen" itself is not a single ski resort, but an area encompassing the resorts of Akakura Onsen, Akakura Kanko, Ikenotaira, Suginhoara and Seki Onsen—offering some of Japan’s deepest snow and best backcountry. For detailed descriptions and information about each of these ski resorts, see our "Myoko Kogen Ski Resorts" page.
How to Travel Between Nagano Ski Resorts
Each of Nagano's ski resorts has so much to offer, with great varieties of ski runs that vary in difficulty and size, as well as family-friendly areas, and restaurants and shops! It's easy to stay in just one ski resort for your whole trip, but exploring other ski resorts nearby can offer even more variety, and the chance to see different parts of Nagano.
Here you will find travel instructions for getting around the different Nagano ski resorts:
Getting to and from Hakuba
For information about getting to Hakuba, please see our "How to Get to Hakuba" page that has directions from all major cities and airports in Japan. If you are coming from Tokyo, check out our dedicated "How to get to Hakuba from Tokyo" page!
1/ HAKUBA → NOZAWA ONSEN
To go from Hakuba to Nozawa Onsen on public transportation, it takes about 2.5 hours and costs about ¥4,500 per adult. First, take the ALPICO Express Bus from Hakuba (pick-up points include Hakuba Happo bus terminal and Hakuba station, among others) towards Nagano Station. This ride takes about 75 minutes, and tickets cost ¥3500 one-way. For more information about the ALPICO bus and how to purchase tickets, please refer to our ‘ALPICO Hakuba Express Bus Timetable’ page.
Once you have arrived in Nagano Station, take the local train "Shinano Tetsudo Kita-Shinano" Line towards Iiyama Station. The train will take about 45 minutes and costs ¥590 one-way. Or, you can take the bullet train "Hokuriku Shinkansen" to Iiyama Station, which will take only 11 minutes and costs ¥2,910 one-way. For more information about the Hokuriku Shinkansen, please see our 'Hokuriku Shinkansen' main page.
From Iiyama Station, take the local bus "Nozawa Onsen Liner" towards the Chuo Bus Terminal in the middle of the Nozawa Onsen village.
If the above route sounds too complicated, or if you are traveling with a large group, small children, or large amounts of luggage—private transportation can be a great alternative! We offer direct transportation from your accommodation in Hakuba to Nozawa Onsen, or vice versa.
2 / HAKUBA → SHIGA KOGEN
To go from Hakuba to Shiga Kogen on public transportation, it takes about 2.5 hours and costs about ¥5,300~¥5,800 per adult. First, take the ALPICO Express Bus from Hakuba (pick-up points include Hakuba Happo bus terminal and Hakuba station, among others) towards Nagano Station. This ride takes about 75 minutes, and tickets cost ¥3500 one-way. For more information about the ALPICO bus and how to purchase tickets, please refer to our ‘ALPICO Hakuba Express Bus Timetable’ page.
From Nagano Station, take the Nagaden Express Bus towards Shiga Kogen. The bus departs from Bus Stop 23, and takes 70 minutes to reach the Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki Bus Station (the main stop for the ski resort) and 90 minutes to reach Okushiga (the most distant area of the resort). The bus costs ¥1,800~¥2,300 per person depending on where you get off, and tickets are bought on the bus - directly from the driver with no reservation required - with numerous services each day during winter.
HAKUBA → ICHINOSE/TAKAMAGAHARA (SHIGA KOGEN)
- Duration:
- 2-3 Hours
- Spots:
- Hakuba, Shiga Kogen
We also offer private direct transportation from Hakuba to Shiga Kogen, for those who are looking for a stress-free and easy way to travel between the ski resorts.
3 / HAKUBA → MYOKO KOGEN
To go from Hakuba to Myoko Kogen on public transportation, it takes about 2.5 hours and costs about ¥4,350 per adult. First, take the ALPICO Express Bus from Hakuba (pick-up points include Hakuba Happo bus terminal and Hakuba station, among others) towards Nagano Station. This ride takes about 75 minutes, and tickets cost ¥3500 one-way. For more information about the ALPICO bus and how to purchase tickets, please refer to our ‘ALPICO Hakuba Express Bus Timetable’ page.
From Nagano Station, take the local train "Shinano Tetsudo Kita-Shinano" Line towards Myoko Kogen Station. The train will take about 50 minutes and costs ¥850 one-way. Once at the station, regular local bus services from Myoko Kogen Station run to and from Akakura village, taking around 15 minutes and costing ¥350. From December until March, the Myoko Kogen Shuttle Bus also runs between each of the Myoko Kogen ski resorts.
Or, we can offer you private transportation between Hakuba and Myoko Kogen! Our private charter services are instantly-bookable online.
Getting to and from Nozawa Onsen
For information about getting to Nozawa Onsen, please see our "How to Get to Nozawa Onsen" page that has directions from all major cities and airports in Japan. If you are coming from Tokyo, check out our dedicated "How to get to Nozawa Onsen from Tokyo" page!
1 / NOZAWA ONSEN → HAKUBA
To go from Nozawa Onsen to Hakuba on public transportation, it takes about 2.5 hours and costs about ¥4,500 per adult. First, take a local bus or taxi from your accommodation in Nozawa Onsen to Iiyama Station. Then, take the local train "Shinano Tetsudo Kita-Shinano" Line towards Nagano Station. This train ride will take about 45 minutes and costs ¥590 one-way.
From Nagano Station, take the ALPICO Express Bus from Bus Stop No.26 on the east side of the station towards Hakuba. It takes approximately 75 minutes to reach the Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal, and tickets cost ¥3500 one-way. For more information about the ALPICO bus and how to purchase tickets, please refer to our ‘ALPICO Hakuba Express Bus Timetable’ page.
We also offer private transportation that can take your group directly from Nozawa Onsen to Hakuba. Please note that our instantly-bookable charter services (like the one above) will be the same price in either direction, so please feel free to book the service either coming or going from Nozawa Onsen to Hakuba!
2 / NOZAWA ONSEN → SHIGA KOGEN
To go from Nozawa Onsen to Shiga Kogen on public transportation, it takes about 3 hours and costs about ¥2,890~¥3,390 per adult. First, take a local bus or taxi from your accommodation in Nozawa Onsen to Iiyama Station. Then, take the local train "Shinano Tetsudo Kita-Shinano" Line towards Nagano Station. This train ride will take about 45 minutes and costs ¥590 one-way.
From Nagano Station, take the Nagaden Express Bus towards Shiga Kogen. The bus departs from Bus Stop 23, and takes 70 minutes to reach the Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki Bus Station (the main stop for the ski resort) and 90 minutes to reach Okushiga (the most distant area of the resort). The bus costs ¥1,800~¥2,300 per person depending on where you get off, and tickets are bought on the bus - directly from the driver with no reservation required - with numerous services each day during winter.
ICHINOSE/TAKAMAGAHARA (SHIGA KOGEN) → NOZAWA ONSEN
- Duration:
- 1-2 Hours
- Spots:
- Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen
Private transportation is also a great option to get from Nozawa Onsen to Shiga Kogen—it actually takes only 1 hour, compared to the 3 hours on public transportation. Please note that our instantly-bookable charter services (like the one above) will be the same price in either direction, so please feel free to book the service either coming or going from Nozawa Onsen to Shiga Kogen!
3 / NOZAWA ONSEN → MYOKO KOGEN
To go from Nozawa Onsen to Myoko Kogen on public transportation, it takes about 2~2.5 hours and costs about ¥2,000~ per adult. First, take a local bus or taxi from your accommodation in Nozawa Onsen to Iiyama Station. Then, take the local train "Shinano Tetsudo Kita-Shinano" Line towards Nagano Station. This train ride will take about 45 minutes and costs ¥590 one-way.
From Nagano Station, take the local train "Shinano Tetsudo Kita-Shinano" Line towards Myoko Kogen Station. The train will take about 50 minutes and costs ¥850 one-way. Once at the station, regular local bus services from Myoko Kogen Station run to and from Akakura village, taking around 15 minutes and costing ¥350. From December until March, the Myoko Kogen Shuttle Bus also runs between each of the Myoko Kogen ski resorts.
Myoko Kogen is actually not very far from Nozawa Onsen (45km), but there is no train running between them, making the route longer than necessary. Because of this, private transportation is a faster and easier option to travel between these ski resorts, taking only 45 min~1 hour! You can book a private charter with us directly from the link above.
Getting to and from Shiga Kogen
For information about getting to Shiga Kogen, please see our "How to Get to Shiga Kogen" page that has directions from all major cities and airports in Japan. If you are coming from Tokyo, check out our dedicated "How to get to Shiga Kogen from Tokyo" page!
1 / SHIGA KOGEN → HAKUBA
To go from Shiga Kogen to Hakuba on public transportation, it takes about 2.5 hours and costs about ¥5,300~¥5,800 per adult. From your nearest bus stop in Shiga Kogen, take the Nagaden Express Bus towards Nagano Station. From Nagano Station, take the ALPICO Express Bus from Bus Stop No.26 on the east side of the station towards Hakuba. It takes approximately 75 minutes to reach the Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal, and tickets cost ¥3500 one-way. For more information about the ALPICO bus and how to purchase tickets, please refer to our ‘ALPICO Hakuba Express Bus Timetable’ page.
HAKUBA → ICHINOSE/TAKAMAGAHARA (SHIGA KOGEN)
- Duration:
- 2-3 Hours
- Spots:
- Hakuba, Shiga Kogen
We also offer private transportation that can take your group directly from Shiga Kogen to Hakuba. Please note that our instantly-bookable charter services (like the one above) will be the same price in either direction, so please feel free to book the service either coming or going from Nozawa Onsen to Hakuba!
2 / SHIGA KOGEN → NOZAWA ONSEN
To go from Shiga Kogen to Nozawa Onsen on public transportation, it takes about 3 hours and costs about ¥2,890~¥3,390 per adult. From your nearest bus stop in Shiga Kogen, take the Nagaden Express Bus towards Nagano Station. Once you have arrived in Nagano Station, take the local train "Shinano Tetsudo Kita-Shinano" Line towards Iiyama Station. The train will take about 45 minutes and costs ¥590 one-way. From Iiyama Station, take a local bus or taxi towards the Nozawa Onsen Village.
ICHINOSE/TAKAMAGAHARA (SHIGA KOGEN) → NOZAWA ONSEN
- Duration:
- 1-2 Hours
- Spots:
- Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen
Private transportation is also a great option to travel from Shiga Kogen to Nozawa Onsen—the two ski resorts are actually very close, only 43km apart! With a private vehicle, it actually takes only 1 hour, compared to the 3 hours on public transportation.
3 / SHIGA KOGEN → MYOKO KOGEN
To go from Shiga Kogen to Nozawa Onsen on public transportation, it takes about 3 hours and costs about ¥3,000~¥3,500 per adult. From your nearest bus stop in Shiga Kogen, take the Nagaden Express Bus towards Nagano Station.
From Nagano Station, take the local train "Shinano Tetsudo Kita-Shinano" Line towards Myoko Kogen Station. The train will take about 50 minutes and costs ¥850 one-way. Once at the station, regular local bus services from Myoko Kogen Station run to and from Akakura village, taking around 15 minutes and costing ¥350.
ICHINOSE/TAKAMAGAHARA (SHIGA KOGEN) → MYOKO
- Duration:
- 1-2 Hours
- Spots:
- Shiga Kogen, Myoko
Private transportation from Shiga Kogen to Myoko Kogen is much faster than taking public transportation—taking only about 1 hour, compared with 3 hours on buses and trains. This is a great stress-free option to travel between the ski resorts!
Getting to and from Myoko Kogen
For information about getting to Myoko Kogen from other parts of Japan, please see our "How to Get to Myoko Kogen" page that has directions from all major cities and airports in the country!
1 / MYOKO KOGEN → HAKUBA
To go from Myoko Kogen to Hakuba on public transportation, it takes about 2.5 hours and costs about ¥4,350 per adult. First, take the local train "Shinano Tetsudo Kita-Shinano" Line from Myoko Kogen Station towards Nagano Station. The train will take about 50 minutes and costs ¥850 one-way.
From Nagano Station, take the ALPICO Express Bus from Bus Stop No.26 on the east side of the station towards Hakuba. It takes approximately 75 minutes to reach the Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal, and tickets cost ¥3500 one-way. For more information about the ALPICO bus and how to purchase tickets, please refer to our ‘ALPICO Hakuba Express Bus Timetable’ page.
We also offer direct transportation from Myoko Kogen to Hakuba, which is a great stress-free option especially if you are travelling in a large group or with luggage. Please note that our instantly-bookable charter services (like the one above) will be the same price in either direction, so please feel free to book the service either coming or going from Myoko Kogen to Hakuba!
2 / MYOKO KOGEN → NOZAWA ONSEN
To go from Myoko Kogen to Nozawa Onsen on public transportation, it takes about 2~2.5 hours and costs about ¥2,000~ per adult. First, take the local train "Shinano Tetsudo Kita-Shinano" Line from Myoko Kogen Station towards Nagano Station. The train will take about 50 minutes and costs ¥850 one-way. Once you have arrived in Nagano Station, take the local train "Shinano Tetsudo Kita-Shinano" Line towards Iiyama Station. The train will take about 45 minutes and costs ¥590 one-way. From Iiyama Station, take a local bus or taxi towards the Nozawa Onsen Village.
Private transportation between Myoko Kogen and Nozawa Onsen is a much faster (and easier!) option than taking the trains and buses. Please note that our instantly-bookable charter services (like the one above) will be the same price in either direction, so please feel free to book the service either coming or going from Myoko Kogen to Nozawa Onsen!
3 / MYOKO KOGEN → SHIGA KOGEN
To go from Myoko Kogen to Shiga Kogen on public transportation, it takes about 3 hours and costs about ¥3,000~¥3,500 per adult. First, take the local train "Shinano Tetsudo Kita-Shinano" Line from Myoko Kogen Station towards Nagano Station. The train will take about 50 minutes and costs ¥850 one-way.
From Nagano Station, take the Nagaden Express Bus towards Shiga Kogen. The bus departs from Bus Stop 23, and takes 70 minutes to reach the Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki Bus Station (the main stop for the ski resort) and 90 minutes to reach Okushiga (the most distant area of the resort). The bus costs ¥1,800~¥2,300 per person depending on where you get off, and tickets are bought on the bus - directly from the driver with no reservation required - with numerous services each day during winter.
ICHINOSE/TAKAMAGAHARA (SHIGA KOGEN) → MYOKO
- Duration:
- 1-2 Hours
- Spots:
- Shiga Kogen, Myoko
We also offer direct transportation from Myoko Kogen to Shiga Kogen, which is a much faster and direct option than public transport. Please note that our instantly-bookable charter services (like the one above) will be the same price in either direction, so please feel free to book the service either coming or going from Myoko Kogen to Shiga Kogen!
Tours & Things to Do Around Nagano Ski Resorts
While most people visit Nagano for its world-class ski resorts, the region offers far more than just winter sports. Nagano is home to some of Japan's most amazing temples and shrines, castles, seasonal festivals, as well as the well-loved Snow Monkey Park, just to name a few!
Here are a few of our recommendations for day-trips in the Nagano area:
Snow Monkey Park
The Jigokudani Monkey Park, known colloquially as the "snow monkey park", is located north of Nagano City and is home to the hot spring-loving Japanese macaque monkeys! These monkeys are free to roam, but they come to the park daily to enjoy the warm natural hot spring bath to escape the cold of Nagano's harsh winters. They are truly a special sight to see!
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
This fun and educational tour brings you to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park to get up close and personal with the famous hot spring loving snow monkeys. You will begin the day with a guided tour of the historic Zenko-ji temple, one of Japan's oldest and most important Buddhist sites. Then you will enjoy a sake tasting experience, and be treated to a tasty Japanese lunch, before finally heading to the snow monkey park. This tour also offers direct pick-up from Hakuba in the winter! Guests coming from other ski resorts can join the tour from Nagano Station.
Recommended
[START FROM NOZAWA/MADARAO] Private Snow Monkey Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow Monkey
- Pick-up:
- Nozawa OnsenMadarao
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakubaNozawa OnsenShiga KogenMadarao
For a more personalized experience, you and your group can book our private tour of the Snow Monkey Park and 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. Our vehicle will pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation in any of the Nagano ski resorts—including Nozawa Onsen, Shiga Kogen, Hakuba, and Myoko!
Togakushi Shrine
Togakushi Shrine, often referred to as the "five shrines", is a compound of shrines north of Nagano City, the most famous part of it being the "okusha" or upper shrine, which sits deep in the forest at the end of a path of 400-year-old ancient cedar trees. The 45-minute walk to the upper shrine is a magical experience that shouldn't be missed while you are visiting Nagano!
For a guided tour of the Togakushi area, this is the perfect option. You'll start with family-friendly snow play—or optional skiing at Togakushi Ski Resort (skiing not included in the tour price)—before heading into the tranquil, sacred forests to explore the area's historic mountain shrines. With convenient pickup available directly from all Nagano ski resorts, this tour offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty, culture, and spiritual heritage of the Nagano region.
NOZAWA ONSEN → TOGAKUSHI (2HR) → NOZAWA ONSEN
- Duration:
- 4-5 Hours
- Spots:
- Nozawa Onsen, Togakushi
Or, if you don't need a guide and wish to explore on your own, we also offer private transportation to Togakushi that will pick you up and drop you off directly from your accommodation in any of the Nagano ski resorts! Please find our full list of charters going to and from Togakushi to see all of the options.
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle is located south of Nagano City, about a 75 minutes by car, and is a must-see when you are visiting Nagano. It is one of only 12 remaining original castles in all of Japan, and one of only 5 that are considered national treasures. Built in the 1590s, just before the start of the Edo period, this castle was built for war, but luckily was never attacked nor burned down, leaving it in great condition. Venturing inside the castle walls will give you a firsthand experience of what it was like to live in the time of the Shogunate. If you're into Japanese history, or just interested in unique historical places, this iconic castle should definitely be on your list of day-trips from the ski resorts.
HAKUBA → MATSUMOTO CASTLE(3HR) → HAKUBA
- Duration:
- 6-7 Hours
- Spots:
- Matsumoto, Hakuba
We offer private transportation that can take you to and from Matsumoto Castle, with pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation in Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, or Nozawa Onsen! Please check out our list of all charters going to and from Matsumoto Castle to find the right option for you!
Tomyo Lantern Festival
The Tomyo Lantern Festival takes place in Nagano city, at Zenko-ji Temple, and commemorates the 1998 Winter Olympics that took place here and brought well-deserved attention to the Nagano area. In celebration of the Olympics and the temple, the festival takes places over one week each February with a series nightly events including the lighting-up of the temple in spectacular colors, as well as decoration of the street leading up to the temple with hand-made "kiri-e" (cut-paper) lanterns.
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Zenkoji Tomyo Lantern Festival
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
If you would like to see this festival as part of a guided tour, we would love for you to join us! This tour combines the Tomyo Lantern Festival with a visit to the Snow Monkey Park, Japanese-style lunch, and guided tour of Zenko-ji temple, making it the perfect option for your day off of skiing. This tour also offers convenient direct pick-up from Hakuba! If you join from another ski resort, please meet us at Nagano Station in the morning.
ICHINOSE/TAKAMAGAHARA → ZENKOJI (2HR) → ICHINOSE/TAKAMAGAHARA (SHIGA KOGEN)
- Duration:
- 5-6 Hours
- Spots:
- Nagano, Shiga Kogen
Or, if you would prefer to see the festival on your own without a guide, we offer private transportation that will take you from your chosen ski resort area to Zenko-ji temple and back, on your day and time of choice! Please see our list of all charters going to and from Zenko-ji temple to find which one matches your travel plans!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I get to the Nagano ski resorts from Tokyo?
A: To get to each Nagano ski resort from Tokyo, you can take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station (or Ueno Station) to Nagano Station, and then a train or bus to your preferred destination. Please find more detailed direction on our "How to Get to Nagano Ski Resorts" page. You can also take a private charter service from Tokyo directly to the ski resorts!
Q: Which is the best ski resort in Nagano?
A: It depends on what you are looking for—Hakuba and Shiga Kogen offer the widest area and variety of ski runs, while Nozawa Onsen offers the traditional Japanese village and hot spring experience, and Myoko Kogen offers the challenging high-level ski terrain. Please see our "Which Resort is Best For You?" page to get more information about each resort to aid in your decision-making!
Q: How long should I stay in Nagano ski resorts?
A: Each ski resort in Nagano is unique and has much to offer, from villages with restaurants and shopping, to "onsen" hot spring towns, to nearby access to local temples and shrines. To get the most from your trip to Nagano, we recommend staying for at least 5 nights.
Q: Do I need to book Shinkansen and bus tickets in advance?
A: It is highly recommended to book Shinkansen tickets in advance because they can sell out in the busy winter season. For the Nagano local trains and buses, you generally don't need an advance reservation.
Q: How to find accommodation in the Nagano ski resorts?
A: There is a variety of accommodation in each ski resort area, from high-end hotels to "ryokan" or Japanese inns—you can find a list of all of our partner hotels here, to see the options that we recommend for your ski trip. Please contact us for a personalized quote!
We hope to see you here in Nagano this winter season! Please feel free to contact us here if you have any questions