Nagaden Shiga Kogen Express Bus Timetable

Nagaden operates a variety of express bus services to some of Nagano’s most popular destinations including Shiga Kogen Ski Resort and surrounding Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. On this page you will find the following information:

Express bus services operate all year round with an increase in services during winter, to cover peak season. The express bus operates to and from Bus Stop No.23 outside the East Exit of Nagano Station. Tickets are bought directly from the driver once on the bus. For full details regarding how to use Nagaden's express bus services, please refer to our 'Nagaden Express Snow Monkey / Shiga Kogen Express Bus' page.

A one-way journey from Nagano Station to Shiga Kogen (or the reverse journey) costs: JPY2,200 to JPY2,500 per adult depending on which part of the resort you are heading to/from, and going all the way to Kusatsu Onsen would cost around JPY 4,200.

Shiga Kogen Express Bus Timetable

From Nagano Station, the bus just over an hour to reach the first stop in Shiga Kogen - Sun Valley - or for services that continue that far, almost two hours to reach Kusatsu Onsen. Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki (Mountain Station) is a stop on all services, making it a convenient point to disembark and board the bus while in Shiga.

The 'Pulse Gondola' will operates from Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki making it the easiest and quickest point to access the resort. The schedules below operate outside of winter with all stated prices the cost of a single adult ticket:

Please feel free to click on the images below to increase their display size.

Shiga Kogen Express Bus Timetable for Spring, Summer, and Fall 2026 UPDATED (April 7th 2026 to December 4th 2026)

Blue text: The service to Okushiga Kogen operates from July 1st to August 31st and from October 1st to December 4th, 2026.

Red text: The service between Zenko-ji Temple Daimon and Nagano Station East Exit, and between Hotaru Onsen and Kusatsu Onsen operates from April 22nd to November 3rd, 2026.

From Nagano to Shiga Kogen

From Shiga Kogen to Nagano

Only two services a day departs from Kusatsu Onsen and runs through Shiga Kogen to Nagano Station.

It is also important to note that there sometimes additional pick-up and drop-off points at roadside stops between Nagano Station and the Snow Monkey Park. These are of little use to international visitors so have not been listed on the schedules above.

Winter (December 6th 2025 to April 6th 2026) Timetable

The bus timetable for Winter 2026/2027 in Shiga Kogen and the Snow Monkey Park is not yet published. The bus schedule for this upcoming season will become published a couple weeks before the season starts, but you can use the times below as a guide, knowing that certain things about the timetables may change.

From Nagano to Shiga Kogen

Please note that the service departing from Nagano Station at 08:15 only runs every Saturday from December 20th 2025 to March 21st 2026 (Including February 11th and March 20th)

From Shiga Kogen to Nagano

Please note that we have taken out all times for services that only run between Nagano Station and the Snow Monkey park, as this page pertains to those trying to go to and from Shiga Kogen. If you wish to see the full list of buses that run between Nagano Station and the Snow Monkey Park, please see the following page below:

Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus Timetable

Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus Timetable

Nagaden operates a variety of express bus services to some of Nagano’s most popular destinations including the Jigokudani Monkey Park and Shiga Kogen Ski Resort. On this page you will find the following informa…

Ticketing & Travel Passes

The Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus is a non-reserved service. You do not need to book in advance; simply line up at the bus stop and board on a first-come, first-served basis. Although there are some ways to purchase a ticket in advance, it does not guarantee a spot on the bus.

Boarding & Fare Payment (Cash, Card, and IC)

For passengers not using a travel pass, the process is simple:

• How to Pay: Payment is made when exiting the bus at your destination.
• Accepted Payment Methods: Cash (outside of weekends and holidays) PayPay, AliPay, Credit Cards (Visa, JCB, Amex, Mastercard), and IC Cards (Suica, PASMO).
• One-Way Fare: Dependent on location JPY 2,200 to JPY 4,200 per adult.
• Note: During peak winter periods, we recommend arriving at Bus Stop No. 23 at least 15–20 minutes before departure to help ensure a seat.
• Where to Board: Bus Stop 23 outside the Eastern Exit of Nagano Station.
• Additional Note for Weekends/Holidays:
• Cash Tip: This bus runs as a cashless bus on weekends and holidays. If you intend to pay with cash, you cannot pay on the bus on weekends/holidays. You must buy a paper ticket at the "Aruyo" ticket office at Nagano Station East Exit beforehand.

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort: Everything You Need to Know

Located 45km east of Nagano City, Shiga Kogen is Japan’s largest and highest ski resort. In spring, it boasts Nagano’s longest ski season, often running until early May.

• Elevation: 1340m to 2307m.
• Accessibility: The Pulse Gondola operating from Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki is the quickest way to access the central resort area.
• For a complete run-down of terrain and facilities, see our ‘Shiga Kogen Ski Resort’ page.

Tours and Charters to/from Shiga Kogen

As one of Nagano's top tour operators, we are proud to provide a number of services including tours and private charters, starting from Shiga Kogen. With so much to do in Central Japan, the easiest way to make the best of your time is to leave the planning to us!

Tours to Shiga Kogen from Nagano Station

Day Tour

Recommended

1-Day Ski Tour Package from Nagano Station

Spots:

NaganoShiga Kogen

Pick-up:

Nagano City

Drop-off:

Nagano City

¥44,000 / 32,000

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If you would like to try skiing for a day, join our 1-Day Ski Tour package to experience Nagano's best slopes! This tour is all-inclusive, with lift passes, rental gear, transportation, and even ski lessons included if you choose.

Day Tour

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

¥23,000

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Or, our 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour combines a morning visit to the resort with lunch and early afternoon trip to the nearby Jigokudani Monkey Park. At the Maruike Snow Activity Park, guests can enjoy sleds and tubes along with snowdrives and snowscoots. Suitable for guests of all ages, the drives and scoots are easy to use and just as much fun for adults as they are adults. Running from December to March, this is one of our most popular tours of the year - a great way to enjoy the best of Shiga Kogen and Nagano in winter!

Charter a Vehicle to Shiga Kogen!

If you just wish to explore on your own from Nagano to the snow monkeys, we offer instantly bookable round-trip or one-way charter services from various locations that allow you to explore the park (tickets included) with our private vehicles and drivers. 

Private Charters

NAGANO STN → ICHINOSE/TAKAMAGAHARA (SHIGA KOGEN)

Duration:

1-2 Hours

Spots:

Nagano, Shiga Kogen

¥53,100~

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Taking about 90 minutes, enjoy a seamless journey from Nagano Station to the Shiga Kogen on our private van or bus.

Private Charters

NAGANO STN → OKUSHIGA (SHIGA KOGEN)

Duration:

1-2 Hours

Spots:

Nagano, Shiga Kogen

¥55,100~

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We can also offer a stop at the Snow Monkey Park so you can make your trip efficient and visit the famous onsen monkeys on your check-in or check-out day from Shiga Kogen!

Private Charters

NAGANO STN → SNOW MONKEY PARK (3HR) → ICHINOSE/TAKAMAGAHARA (SHIGA KOGEN)

Duration:

4-5 Hours

Spots:

Nagano, Snow Monkey, Shiga Kogen

¥65,500~

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Please see our charter page and send us your trip details so we can start planning your journey to the Shiga Kogen. Many starting point options are available such as Nagano Station, Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, and more.

Private Charters

ICHINOSE/TAKAMAGAHARA (SHIGA KOGEN) → NARITA AIRPORT

Duration:

6-7 Hours

Spots:

Tokyo, Shiga Kogen

¥231,600~

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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. Accommodation is dotted across the resort’s expansive 600ha of terrain with the nearby hot spring villages of Kanbayashi Onsen, Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka Onsen offering a great alternative for visitors wanting to enjoy Japan’s ‘onsen’ culture – PLAN & BOOK IN SHIGA NOW!