Wondering how to get to Shiga Kogen? Our Nagano Snow Shuttle bus to Shiga Kogen provides a fast, affordable, and reliable transfer from Tokyo airports and Iiyama Station straight to Japan’s largest ski resort. If you’re searching for the easiest way of getting to Shiga Kogen, our daily shuttle service takes the hassle out of travel so you can head directly to the slopes. Reserve your seat now for a smooth start to your Shiga Kogen adventure!
Shiga Kogen is Japan’s largest ski resort, stretching along a North-South axis from Sun Valley to Okushiga Kogen, with lifts connecting most of the area. Its vast size means traversing from one end to the other can take most of the day. A separate higher area includes the Yokoteyama and Kumanoyu ski areas.
Located in the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, Shiga Kogen sits at around 1,500 meters above sea level, ensuring some of the best snow quality in Japan. The resort offers a reliable ski season from late December to early May, even amid climate change.
Accommodation is mainly larger, ski-in/ski-out hotels, often hosting school groups, so booking long stays can be challenging. However, some hotels now focus more on international visitors.
While the slopes are excellent, après-ski entertainment and dining options are limited, though this is changing as international tourism grows. It is also the most remote resort in Nagano, with a single steep, curvy access road prone to avalanches.
The Ichinose area is the most convenient, with bars and restaurants within walking distance, though the Hasuike area might seem like the center on a map. For a more varied experience, Shiga is best visited as part of a multi-resort trip, ideally for 3 to 4 nights.
Shuttle Buses:
Important: At Hasuike, there’s a major fork in the road, so ensure your bus is heading in the right direction.
No Night Shuttle: There is no night shuttle service, and there are no taxis. Getting around in the evening is by foot or with a ride from your accommodation.
Taxis: Available from Yudanaka, but you must pay for both the trip to Shiga Kogen and the fare for your ride within the area.
Shiga Kogen, being located in a National Park, has very few shops, bars, or restaurants. There is a small convenience store at the Olympic Hotel in Ichinose, but for full supplies, you’ll need to go to Yudanaka (30 minutes away) for 7/11 and Lawson stores, or to Nakano City (40 minutes) for a supermarket (Aeon Mall is the closest).
Tourist information can be found at the Shiga 98 Building near Hasuike, which also has a post office and an ATM with limited hours.
There are no rental car services. For rentals, it’s best to book in advance at Nagano Station (major chains) or Iiyama Station (Eki Rental and Nissan). Always request a 4WD/AWD with snow tires, as these are standard in winter rentals in the area, though a surcharge may apply for rentals at Narita or Haneda airports.
Cash is essential in Shiga Kogen, so plan ahead and carry enough for your entire stay. The only ATM accepting international credit cards is at the Post Office in Hasuike, with limited hours: weekdays from 9:00am to 5:30pm, and Saturdays from 9:00am to 12:30pm. It is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
The nearest 24/7 ATM is outside Yudanaka Station, about 30 minutes by taxi. Additionally, a currency exchange machine is available at the Ichinose Diamond Base Center, open daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm, but it may not accept newly issued banknotes from some countries.
There is small medical clinic at the Ichinose Diamond Ski Area offering basic orthopedic services. For major injuries, an ambulance will transport patients to one of several large hospitals within an hour’s drive.
Ambulances may not know the destination immediately, as they contact hospitals to find the nearest specialist based on the nature of the illness or injury.
There is a police residence in Hasuike, but it operates only during daylight hours. After hours, issues are handled by Nakano Police Station.
The nearest dental practice and pharmacy are in Yudanaka, about 30 minutes away. It’s advisable to bring any necessary medication with you, as finding specific items in Shiga Kogen can be time-consuming.
