Located in the mountainous Gifu Prefecture, Hirugano Kogen is one of Central Japan’s most family-friendly ski resorts. Known for its gentle slopes, beginner-focused terrain, and dedicated snow play facilities, the resort is especially well suited to families, children, and first-time skiers.
Unlike some larger resorts in the region, Hirugano Kogen is not designed around steep terrain or advanced-level slopes. Instead, its strength lies in making skiing, snowboarding, and snow play feel approachable. With beginner courses, intermediate slopes, rental services, ski and snowboard schools, and a dedicated snow play area, it is a convenient choice for visitors looking for a relaxed introduction to winter sports in Japan.
About Hirugano Kogen Ski Resort
Hirugano Kogen Ski Resort is located in northern Gifu Prefecture. Surrounded by open highland scenery, the resort offers a gentler and more family-focused experience than many of the larger ski areas nearby.
The resort’s course layout is particularly suitable for beginners. Hirugano Kogen includes several beginner courses, including wide slopes and shorter practice areas that are useful for visitors learning to ski or snowboard. Intermediate skiers also have access to courses such as ‘Queen Slope’ and ‘King Slope’, which offer a step up once visitors are comfortable turning and controlling speed.
For families travelling with young children, Hirugano Kogen is especially convenient. ‘Hirugamo Kids Land’ provides a dedicated snow play area separate from the main ski slopes, allowing children to enjoy sledding and snow play without needing to ski or snowboard.
Why Choose Hirugano Kogen Ski Resort?
Hirugano Kogen Ski Resort is a strong choice for families and beginners looking for an easy introduction to snow sports.
The resort’s gentle terrain makes it less intimidating than many larger ski areas, while ski schools and rental services allow visitors to enjoy the snow without bringing their own equipment. For first-time skiers and snowboarders, Hirugano Kogen is a practical and comfortable place to start.
Families are another major focus of the resort. Hirugamo Kids Land includes a long sledding course, snow play areas, and a snow escalator, making it a fun option for children who are not yet ready to use the ski lifts.
For visitors staying in Nagoya, Gifu, Takayama, or other parts of Central Japan, Hirugano Kogen is also accessible by car, bus, or private transport, making it a convenient winter day trip or short family outing.
Resort Highlights
- Family-friendly ski resort
- Beginner-focused terrain suitable for first-time skiers and snowboarders
- Several beginner courses and two intermediate courses
- Hirugamo Kids Land, a dedicated snow play area featuring sledding and a snow escalator
- Ski and snowboard schools available on-site
- Rental equipment available, including skis, snowboards, clothing, helmets, sleds, and snow boots
- Accessible from Nagoya, Gifu, Takayama, and other destinations across Central Japan
Terrain & Ability Levels
For Beginners
Hirugano Kogen is particularly well suited to visitors learning to ski or snowboard. The resort has multiple beginner courses, including the Heart Slope, Diamond Slope, Clover Slope, Spade Slope, and the Forest Course.
The Heart Slope is especially suitable for families and visitors starting skiing or snowboarding for the first time, while Diamond Slope and Clover Slope provide gentle terrain for practising turns and building confidence.
For first-time visitors to Japan’s ski resorts, Hirugano Kogen offers an approachable environment with rental equipment, lessons, and family facilities all available within the resort.
For Intermediate Skiers & Snowboarders
Intermediate skiers and snowboarders can enjoy Queen Slope and King Slope, which provide more challenging terrain once visitors are comfortable on the beginner slopes. Hirugano Kogen is not a large-scale ski area, but intermediate riders looking for a relaxed day on the snow will find enough variety to continue improving while staying within an easy-to-navigate resort.
For Advanced Riders
Hirugano Kogen is not primarily aimed at advanced skiers or snowboarders. The resort’s official course layout focuses on beginner and intermediate terrain, so experienced riders looking for steep slopes, long descents, or technical terrain may prefer one of the larger ski resorts nearby.
That said, advanced skiers travelling with families, children, or first-time visitors may still appreciate Hirugano Kogen’s relaxed atmosphere and convenient facilities.
Getting to Hirugano Kogen Ski Resort
Hirugano Kogen Ski Resort is located near Takayama, in northern Gifu Prefecture, and can be reached by car, bus, or private transport.
By car, the resort is close to the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway, making it convenient for visitors travelling from Nagoya, Gifu, Takayama, and the wider Chubu region.
Highway bus and shuttle options are also available during the winter season, including routes from Nagoya, Gifu, and Takayama. However, public transport can involve fixed schedules and additional transfers, so visitors travelling with children, winter luggage, or ski equipment may find private transport more comfortable.
More Than Just Skiing
Hirugamo Kids Land
Hirugamo Kids Land is one of the main reasons families choose Hirugano Kogen Ski Resort. The area is separated from the main ski slopes and includes space for sledding, snow play, and other winter activities.
The snow escalator is especially useful for children and families, allowing visitors to return to the top of the sledding area without repeatedly walking uphill.
Ski & Snowboard Lessons
Hirugano Kogen offers ski and snowboard schools, including lessons for children, juniors, and adults. This makes the resort a practical choice for visitors trying skiing or snowboarding for the first time, as well as families wanting lessons for children.
Rental Equipment
Rental equipment is available at the resort, including ski sets, snowboard sets, clothing, helmets, sleds, and snow boots. This is useful for international visitors who want to enjoy a day on the snow without travelling with bulky winter sports equipment.
Resort Facilities
The resort includes restaurants, outdoor food stands, lounge areas, rest spaces, rental services, schools, and other visitor amenities. These facilities support Hirugano Kogen’s role as a relaxed and family-friendly ski destination.
Private Transport
We also offer private tours and transport in and around the Nagoya area, and other regional destinations. Whether you are travelling between destinations, arriving from the airport, or looking to create a personalised itinerary, our team can arrange private transport or a custom tour with an English-speaking guide.
Our drivers and vehicles are fully licensed and certified, allowing us to provide safe, reliable transport to destinations across the region. All vehicles are regularly maintained to a high standard, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free journey wherever your travels take you.
With convenient door-to-door service, we can collect you from your accommodation, station, or airport and transport you directly to your next destination. This flexibility makes private transport an excellent option for travellers wishing to maximise their time, visit multiple locations in a single day, or reach destinations that can be difficult to access using public transport alone.
For more information, please view our standard charter rates or contact us directly to discuss a custom itinerary. We would be delighted to help you make the most of your time in Central Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hirugano Kogen Ski Resort suitable for beginners?
Yes. Hirugano Kogen Ski Resort is especially suitable for beginners, with several beginner courses, gentle slopes, rental equipment, and ski and snowboard schools available at the resort.
Is Hirugano Kogen Ski Resort good for families?
Yes. Hirugano Kogen is one of the most family-friendly ski resorts in the region. Hirugamo Kids Land offers sledding, snow play, and a snow escalator, making it a good choice for families with young children.
Are there intermediate courses at Hirugano Kogen Ski Resort?
Yes. The resort includes intermediate courses such as the ‘Queen Slope’ and ‘King Slope’, providing a step up for skiers and snowboarders who are comfortable on beginner terrain.
Is Hirugano Kogen Ski Resort suitable for advanced skiers?
Hirugano Kogen is mainly focused on beginner and intermediate terrain. Advanced skiers looking for steep or highly technical courses may prefer one of the larger ski resorts nearby.
Can I rent equipment at Hirugano Kogen Ski Resort?
Yes. Rental equipment is available, including skis, snowboards, clothing, helmets, sleds, and snow boots.
