NAGANO JAPAN

December 21, 2020

Say Goodbye to 2020 and ‘Hello’21!’: There’s Plenty of Great Deals in Nagano this Winter!

Winter is off to a great start here in Nagano! The snow has been falling and the resorts are already looking fantastic, with great powder and very quiet ski runs offering an enticing reason to vi...

October 20, 2020

#GOTOTRAVEL: Shiga Kogen – Everything You Need To Know About Japan’s Largest Ski Resort & ‘Go To Travel’ Deals for Winter 2020/21!

Just over an hour from Nagano Station, Shiga Kogen is Japan’s largest and highest ski resort offering over 600 hectares of terrain spread across eighteen ski areas. Covered by an all-mountain pas...

September 24, 2020

#SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: Nagano in Autumn – Enjoy the Autumn Leaves of Shiga Kogen & Kita-Shiga Kogen, Yamanouchi

Autumn is a time of true beauty in Japan. The high temperatures of summer have dissipated yet the days remain pleasantly warm while the evenings are cool and crisp. As we move further into autumn...

September 16, 2020

#SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: Nagano in Autumn – ‘Koyo’ Season Will Soon Be Here!

Over the past week, the temperature has certainly begun to drop here in Nagano. The days remain pleasant and warm but the heat and humidity of summer have gone, and nights are starting to feel cr...

September 10, 2020

Go Slow & Discover Yamanouchi – Snow Monkeys, Ski Resorts & A Whole Lot More!

Visitors to Nagano will almost certainly of heard of the Jigokudani Monkey Park and its now famous, hot-spring loving monkeys! One of Nagano’s most popular destinations, the monkeys c...

August 11, 2020

Enjoy Nagano in Summer – Open Spaces, Cool Evenings & Lots to Do!

If you are living in Nagano or headed this way over the next few weeks, it’s a great time to enjoy some of the many attractions and activities on offer in and around the city. Nagano isn’t immune...

July 16, 2020

#TRAVELTOMORROW: Kusatsu Onsen – One of Japan’s Most Famous Hot Spring Towns

Lying nearby Karuizawa, Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan’s most famous ‘onsen’ (hot spring) towns. For many if not most Japanese, the town is instantly recognisable due to its immense ‘yubatake’, an...

July 13, 2020

#TRAVELTOMORROW: Eat, Shop, Play – Visit Karuizawa

Nestled high in the mountains between Tokyo and Nagano, Karuizuawa is a small resort town that attracts visitors at all times of year. Notably cooler than Tokyo in summer, beautiful in spring and...

July 9, 2020

#TRAVELTOMORROW: Clean Green & Healthy – Discover the Spirit of the 1998 Olympics

In our recent blog article ‘Clean Green & Healthy – Get Outdoors & Get Back to Nature!’, we promoted Central Japan’s outdoor destinations as great options when planning your future travel...

July 3, 2020

#TRAVELTOMORROW: Clean Green & Healthy – Discover Central Japan

When researching and planning a visit to Japan, understanding the regions and which areas are nearby others, can be a little confusing – particularly for first-time visitors. While some n...

May 19, 2020

#TRAVELTOMORROW: Introducing Hotel Sunny Shiga – Perfectly Positioned when Exploring Japan’s Largest Ski Resort

Located across from the Takamagahara ski fields, Hotel Sunny Shiga is ideally positioned for guests wanting easy access to all areas of Shiga Kogen. Known for its spacious and bright rooms, friendly...

April 22, 2020

Snow Monkey Resorts Winter Tours & Charters

From all of us at Snow Monkey Resorts, we would like to give a big shout out to all of our guests who joined us in Nagano during winter 2019/20! Thanks to you we were able to have a successful winte...

April 13, 2020

#SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: Accommodation & Ski Packages in Nagano for Winter 2020/21

As Nagano’s No.1-rated tour operator, we always have one eye on winter. Having just emerged from the last one, and even though we’re looking to the warmer days of spring and summer, we already ha...

January 27, 2020

Snow Report January 2020: Where’s the Best Snow in Nagano this Winter?

It’s no secret that the snowfall in Nagano this winter is much less than usual. Unusually warm weather patterns have led to higher than normal temperatures and as a result, lower snowfall. Many ski ...

October 1, 2019

Where to Stay in Shiga Kogen: Ichinose, Okushiga or Sun Valley?

Shiga Kogen, the largest and highest ski resort in Japan, accommodates 18 interconnected ski areas, each located at an altitude of 1,500 to 2,300 meters. Shiga Kogen is nestled in the north-eastern al...

July 18, 2019

RECOMMENDED PLACES TO SEE AUTUMN LEAVES IN NAGANO

With its beautiful mountains, forested valleys, and vast highlands, there couldn’t be a better place to see the fall colors than in Nagano. There are fantastic spots all over the prefecture, but i...

July 14, 2019

COMBINING SNOW MONKEY RESORTS SKI PACKAGES & PRIVATE CHARTERS: RECOMMENDED MULTI-RESORT SKI TOURS IN NAGANO!

As recently featured, Shiga Kogen is not just Nagano’s but also Japan’s largest and highest ski resort. With 79 ski runs serviced by 51 chairlifts and gondolas, Shiga offers the largest expanse of...

July 7, 2019

Get More Out of Your Winter Adventure in Japan: Private Charters to, from & Between any Nagano Ski Resort!

As host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano is home to around 80 independent ski resortsand blessed with some of the best powder in the world. Whether you are visiting Nagano for the first time o...

June 4, 2019

SNOW MONKEY RESORTS WINTER TOURS & CHARTERS! START PLANNING YOUR NAGANO SKI & SNOWBOARD ADVENTURE FOR WINTER 2019/20!

Winter is never far away – or at least never out of mind – here in Nagano. With the past winter having come late but then refusing to call it quits, and ultimately blessing us with a massive amoun...

May 31, 2019

RECOMMENDED TRAILS IN NAGANO PART 1: MOUNTAIN TRAILS

Here in Nagano during the the month of May, the rice fields are filled with water in preparation for planting. The flooded fields create a mirror-like surface, reflecting the majestic snow-capped ...

March 10, 2019

NAGANO SKI RESORTS INFO – WHICH ARE THE HIGHEST SKI RESORTS IN JAPAN?

Japan's winters are legendary. A combination of big mountains and some of the world's deepest, driest powder make Japan a favorite destination for skiers and snowboarders from around the world. With t...

December 15, 2018

Fun in the Nagano Snow? Join our Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour!

With the snow now falling in Nagano we are gearing up for another big winter and with that, we are happy to offer our popular 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour from December t...

December 7, 2018

HOTARU-TEI: JAPANESE DINING & LUNCH IN A 160-YEAR-OLD MANSION

Newly opened Japanese restaurant Hotaru-tei in the Kanbayashi Onsen area is the place to go if you're looking for a local food experience in a traditional setting. The restaurant, located only 10 minu...

October 28, 2018

Shiga Kogen’s Central Area: a Resort Within a Resort!

As Japan’s largest ski resort, Shiga Kogen offers an expansive area of terrain to explore and some of the most beautiful powder landscapes to carve and slash your way through each winter. At an impr...

October 22, 2018

Shiga Kogen: Explore Japan’s Largest Mountain Resort on ‘Ski Safari’

Maruike & Sunvalley [Yellow Zone] These two ski areas are the first that you'll come to when ascending the mountain road that leads to the resort (approximately 30-35 minutes drive from Yudana...

October 19, 2018

COMBINE THE SNOW MONKEYS WITH AUTUMN LEAVES IN SHIGA KOGEN AND LUXURY RYOKAN VISIT

Viewing autumn leaves, called koyo in Japanese, is after cherry blossom-viewing the most beloved seasonal activity for the Japanese. If you're planning on visiting the Snow Monkey Park in fall, we rec...

October 11, 2018

Shiga Kogen: Nagano’s Biggest & Best Ski Resort!

With around 80 ski resorts, Nagano spoils winter visitors with choice! Among those resorts, Shiga Kogen is not only Nagano's biggest area of interconnected ski fields, but it also tops in the list as ...

October 8, 2018

SHIGA KOGEN: BIGGER, HIGHER, BETTER!

With winter fast approaching it's time to get serious and decide where you're headed! The big question for many people coming to Japan is which region best fits their needs - Nagano or Hokkaido? Both ...

October 6, 2018

SHIGA KOGEN: SKIING IN NAGANO VS HOKKAIDO

Unless you're flush with cash and time and can afford to be here for an extended period during winter, skiers and snowboarders headed to Japan are faced with one big decision before they even get here...

September 12, 2018

Shiga Kogen Travel Tips: Hotel Mount Shiga

Nestled within an expansive mountain range known for its beauty and deep powder snow, Shiga Kogen is Japan’s largest ski resort and one of the host venues for the 1998 Winter Olympics. The resort offe...

July 30, 2018

Shiga Kogen: 79 Courses, 51 Chairlifts/Gondolas & 18 Ski Areas Covered by 1 Common Ticket

There are many reasons to choose Japan for your winter sports holiday. Numerous resorts, reliable snow conditions including world-class powder, friendly locals, great food, all the cultural trimm...

July 25, 2018

SHIGA KOGEN: THE BEST POWDER IN NAGANO!

When planning your ski or snowboard trip to Japan there are lots of things to take into consideration for choosing your destination of choice. Of all the questions you might ask when choosing a resort...

July 14, 2018

SHIGA KOGEN: A PERFECT DESTINATION FOR NATURE LOVERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shiga Kogen is situated in a broader mountain range known as Joshinetsu Kogen National Park; a vast area that spans Nagano, Gunma, and Niigata prefectures. The region has long been known for its beaut...

July 10, 2018

SHIGA KOGEN: INTRODUCING THE HIGASHITATEYAMA SKI AREA & GONDOLA

Conveniently located in the central area of Shiga Kogen, the Higashitateyama Ski Area offers visitors some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the region. As the host venue for the 1998 Winter Olym...

June 11, 2018

BACKCOUNTRY SKIING RULES IN SHIGA KOGEN

Backcountry skiing is one of the great attractions at any resort for advanced skiers. Bursting through pristine snow and the beauty of the forest is an adrenaline rush that gets you hooked. However, b...

May 27, 2018

SKI SEASON JAPAN 2018/19: JAPAN’S LARGEST SKI RESORT – SHIGA KOGEN

While the sun is shining here in Yamanouchi and we head towards another hot summer, we can’t help but turn our minds to the coming winter and another highly anticipated snow season in Japan... and we ...

March 15, 2018

SHIGA KOGEN POWDER REPORT: ICHINOSE FAMILY TREE RUN

Another favorite area in Shiga Kogen for lovers of tree runs is a course which runs from the top of Ichinose Family Area down to bottom. It's a little hard to find the course on the map so here is how...

March 11, 2018

Recommended Nagano Ski Resorts

Nagano Prefecture is home to the majority of Japan’s highest mountain peaks and an abundance of snow. Just ask the locals, they’ll tell you the snow here is world class! As host o...

March 3, 2018

SHIGA KOGEN POWDER REPORT – TERAKOYA TREE RUN

This winter season (2017/2018) in Shiga Kogen brought a lot of powder snow and many fantastic days of skiing and snowboarding.  The early and massive snowfall experienced in December created a good ba...

February 20, 2018

1998 Nagano Olympics Pt.2: Ski Resorts 1998

With the recent completion of the XXIII Olympic Winter Games and upcoming XII Paralympic Winter Games in Pyongyang, South Korea, there is understandable interest in celebrating the 20th anniversary ...

February 1, 2018

INTRODUCING SHIGA KOGEN’S ICHINOSE VILLAGE

If you're thinking of heading to Shiga Kogen for your ski/snowboard trip you have multiple accommodation areas to choose from. As Japan's largest resort, Shiga is expansive therefore it's important to...

December 14, 2017

SHIGA KOGEN SNOW UPDATE: DECEMBER 15TH 2017

It's been snowing steadily in the Snow Monkey area and even more up in the mountains of Shiga Kogen. The slopes are slowly all opening up, with the higher altitude slopes already fully open. The ar...

December 3, 2017

SHIGA KOGEN SNOW UPDATE: December 3rd 2017

The season has turned, it`s now December, and the long-awaited snow season has arrived to the area! We would like to keep you posted about the current snow situation of Shiga Kogen - the largest and h...

November 10, 2017

SHIGA KOGEN: BEST VIEWS YOU CAN WITNESS IN SKI SAFARI

Shiga Kogen, with its high altitude, has a few spots where you can really see some spectacular views. The massive amount of snow in winter only adds more beauty to the mountainous scenery. If you want...

October 31, 2017

SHIGA KOGEN: INFO ABOUT SKIING/SNOWBOARDING

As the largest ski resort in Japan, Shiga Kogen lies in the north of Nagano, a region known for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics. Comprised of 18 ski areas, the resort has varying terrain and slopes...

October 26, 2017

SHIGA KOGEN: SKI & SNOWBOARD RENTAL

If you didn't bring any snow gear with you to Japan, no worries! Like most of the ski resorts in the world, Shiga Kogen also has a plenty of items to rent/sell for visitors. But the question would b...

October 10, 2017

SHIGA KOGEN: FIRST SNOW FESTIVAL

When the first snow starts falling from the sky in November, the ski slopes of Shiga Kogen start their preparations for the winter season. Skiing in the largest ski resorts of Japan is possible very e...

September 23, 2017

SHIGA KOGEN: START & END OF SKI/SNOWBOARD SEASON

The temperature is quickly dropping day by day here in Yamanouchi and we already start feeling an approach of winter! Many of you might be planning to visit Japan for winter sports, so this blog is to...

August 14, 2017

SHIGA KOGEN: LAKE HIKING COURSE

Shiga Kogen has a great number of hiking courses, all different. The most popular one would be the Lake Course, or the Ike-Meguri in Japanese. This blog is to explain the hiking course step-by-step so...

June 3, 2017

SHIGA KOGEN: WHAT TO DO IN SUMMER

The Shiga Kogen Highlands are most know know as the region that holds the largest ski resorts of all of Japan. Loads of people come to enjoy skiing and snowboarding down the mountains. In summer howev...

May 7, 2017

SUMMER ACTIVITIES IN THE SNOW MONKEY AREA

Even though this region is called the Snow Monkey area, we have more than six months without snow. Our Spring, Summer, and Autumn all have their own attractions. In this article we will expand on the ...

March 25, 2017

SHIGA KOGEN: SKIING IN SPRING

Skiing season in Japan usually ends around the end of March, when the temperature starts rising and the snow starts melting. However, the Shiga Kogen Highlands hold to a different schedule. The...

March 7, 2017

SKI AREAS OF SHIGA KOGEN: YOKOTEYAMA AREA (3/3)

Shiga Kogen is the biggest ski resort in Japan with a total of 18 ski areas, 52 working ski lifts and countless slopes. Due to its size it is difficult to look at Shiga as a whole, so we have simplifi...

SKI AREAS OF SHIGA KOGEN: OKUSHIGA & YAKEBITAI AREA (2/3)

Shiga Kogen is the biggest ski resort in Japan boasting a total of 19 ski areas, 52 working ski lifts and countless slopes. Due to its size it is difficult to look at Shiga as a whole, so we have divi...

March 5, 2017

SKI AREAS OF SHIGA KOGEN: CENTRAL AREA (1/3)

Shiga Kogen is the biggest ski resort in Japan with a total of 19 ski areas, 52 working ski lifts and countless slopes. Due to its size it is difficult to look at Shiga as a whole. To make it easier f...

December 17, 2016

THE REASON WHY SHIGA KOGEN’S SNOW QUALITY IS SO GOOD

When it comes to skiing and snowboarding, people regularly refer to "powder snow" and will do anything to find it! Powder is the most coveted type of snow when you want to bomb down a mountain with th...

SHIGA KOGEN SKI RESORTS – INTRODUCTION

Do you love to ski or snowboard? Then Shiga Kogen (or Shiga) is where you need to go. The fact that the Highlands were the stage for the 1998 Winter Olympics is already testament to the quality of sno...