Shiga Kogen
Shiga Kogen
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
38 reviews
Excellent
21
Very good
16
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1
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Elener
Perth, Australia60 contributions
Jan 2012
I've skied in Hakuba, Nozawa and Neisko in hokkaido and Shiga Kogen comes out tops for skiing. So many areas to ski that you wouldn't do the same ones with 5 days. Fantastic for beginners and intermediates in terms of the number of slopes. Lots of beautiful, tree lined green runs. Just come been there over the holiday weekend and the longest I waited in a queue was 2 mins. First came to Shiga 4 years ago and there were many more Australians then - very few this trip. Can only think that they are nervous about the earthquake or the heavy advertising for neisko is pulling them away. Perfect ski trip would be couple of days in Tokyo - then 2 hours on train to Nagano and 90min bus journey up to Shiga. Ski for 5 or 6 days - transfer then to Nozawa Onsen via the snow monkeys for another 4 days skiing there. One disadvantage of Shiga is there is no night life though we discovered some live music this weekend which turned into a hilarious karaoke session and we took cards!
Written January 9, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wangy14
Sydney, Australia124 contributions
Not quite sure where to start. We have been to many other places in japan to ski. Shiga was the quietest in terms of atmosphere, seems all jumbled together and has been run down since the Olympics in 1998.
Shuttles run between ski villages but they are not regular, sometimes being 2 hours between pick ups. Free from about 8-5 pm then it is user pays. Adds up if you want to go outside your little village to eat.
We ate at Villa Ichinose most nights. Cheap and good food. Don't order pork colon thinking it is pork belly , it's what it says.
Best but not big shop is in Villa Ichinose. Only place we found fresh milk.
Went to Starbucks at highest peak. Only way there is by bus. We didn't think it was worth it as you spend 1/2 hr each way on shortest bus trip, really slow double chair then 2 more chairs before you get to the top.
Skiing was really nice, but give yourselves several days to get the feel of the place. So many interconnected villages, go over and under roads, traversing etc. can take a bit to get around but once you work it out it is a great place to ski or board.
Best lunch on mountain was at the top if the really old small yellow gondola. Boards stuck out, they are so small. Go upstairs and the view is spectacular. Viewing platform.
Very few tree runs allowed but they can be found off chair 17 and z few other runs near Prince west hotel. Have to check out what is unroped when going up lifts. Ski patrol were about in force when we were there.
Would I go back? Probably not. We are not big night owls but a but of atmosphere with more than us walking around would be nice. Very deserted, old and empty. Even fairy lights on hotels would make it look appealing. A lot of the hotels looked closed.
I would stay either at Prince West again or in Ichinose if I went back.
Shuttles run between ski villages but they are not regular, sometimes being 2 hours between pick ups. Free from about 8-5 pm then it is user pays. Adds up if you want to go outside your little village to eat.
We ate at Villa Ichinose most nights. Cheap and good food. Don't order pork colon thinking it is pork belly , it's what it says.
Best but not big shop is in Villa Ichinose. Only place we found fresh milk.
Went to Starbucks at highest peak. Only way there is by bus. We didn't think it was worth it as you spend 1/2 hr each way on shortest bus trip, really slow double chair then 2 more chairs before you get to the top.
Skiing was really nice, but give yourselves several days to get the feel of the place. So many interconnected villages, go over and under roads, traversing etc. can take a bit to get around but once you work it out it is a great place to ski or board.
Best lunch on mountain was at the top if the really old small yellow gondola. Boards stuck out, they are so small. Go upstairs and the view is spectacular. Viewing platform.
Very few tree runs allowed but they can be found off chair 17 and z few other runs near Prince west hotel. Have to check out what is unroped when going up lifts. Ski patrol were about in force when we were there.
Would I go back? Probably not. We are not big night owls but a but of atmosphere with more than us walking around would be nice. Very deserted, old and empty. Even fairy lights on hotels would make it look appealing. A lot of the hotels looked closed.
I would stay either at Prince West again or in Ichinose if I went back.
Written February 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
makinwaves05
New South Wales, Australia24 contributions
Feb 2013 • Friends
This is our first time skiing in Japan and we loved the experience. The ShigaKogen area is picturesque with beautiful views from so many places. We enjoyed the challenge of travelling from one ski area to the next and travelled for the 8 days we were there. It was fun moving between the different areas, but once mastered some of the flat areas, magic carpets etc that had to be negotiiated to travel the region on skis became tedious. Also, the only areas with an individual ski map were Yakebitai and Ichinose, leaving us with the big map to negotiate the rest of the areas. not a big issue and definitely added to the fun when trying to decipher whether the runs were up or down. The shuttle bus was also very useful and necessary to get to some of the areas. A further comment would be the "steeps" aren't very steep and there is no off piste skiing unless you are happy to risk the fact that if rescuing is required, you will bear the cost of the rescue.
adding to the wonderful experience was eating out at the local towns or ski slopes and trying the local cuisine. Thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the Japanese people and culture, they are very thoughtful, respectful and always happy to assist. Yes we did have language barriers, but their English was much better than our Japanese! Thank goodness for picture menus.
Would happily recommend the area to all skiers. We skiied the 21 areas pretty well in the 8 days we had, so will not go back in the near future, but loved the place and the experience.
adding to the wonderful experience was eating out at the local towns or ski slopes and trying the local cuisine. Thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the Japanese people and culture, they are very thoughtful, respectful and always happy to assist. Yes we did have language barriers, but their English was much better than our Japanese! Thank goodness for picture menus.
Would happily recommend the area to all skiers. We skiied the 21 areas pretty well in the 8 days we had, so will not go back in the near future, but loved the place and the experience.
Written February 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drg003
Canberra, Australia103 contributions
Feb 2015 • Solo
In late-February to late-March I had 3 great powder days (>30cm). Runs are quite varied, ranging from intermediate steeps to moguls to cat trails to tree runs. I recommend the Ichinose area and Yakebitaiyama Gondola #1 if you want longer runs.
Unfortunately, runs were quite short. Even though the mountain is largely interlinked, traversing across consisted of riding for 25% and riding chairs for the rest of the time. Several lifts were quite dated and slow. Colder temperatures during spring means more snow but also means freeze-thaw conditions causing brick hard icy conditions on some days.
Resort facilities were dated but functional. A good shuttle bus that runs frequently and accommodates skiers. Restaurants were moderately priced and provided adequate variety (but don't expect an exquisite dining experience on the mountain).
I stayed at Sunvalley - night life was literally non existent except for the small bar next door. Other services shut at 6-7pm! Also, lack of convenience stores nearby means no bread, milk etc... only biscuits, instant noodles, Japanese drinks and icecreams within hotels.
Japanese culture was immersive and while my primary purpose was snowboarding, the culture was a very important aspect of my travel and I was forced to learn phrases in another language and truly learn to respect the Japanese people and the culture - a wonderful way to get away from home in Australia for a memorable trip.
Overall, I would definitely visit again but it would only be a max of 10 days in a trip that included other resorts.
Unfortunately, runs were quite short. Even though the mountain is largely interlinked, traversing across consisted of riding for 25% and riding chairs for the rest of the time. Several lifts were quite dated and slow. Colder temperatures during spring means more snow but also means freeze-thaw conditions causing brick hard icy conditions on some days.
Resort facilities were dated but functional. A good shuttle bus that runs frequently and accommodates skiers. Restaurants were moderately priced and provided adequate variety (but don't expect an exquisite dining experience on the mountain).
I stayed at Sunvalley - night life was literally non existent except for the small bar next door. Other services shut at 6-7pm! Also, lack of convenience stores nearby means no bread, milk etc... only biscuits, instant noodles, Japanese drinks and icecreams within hotels.
Japanese culture was immersive and while my primary purpose was snowboarding, the culture was a very important aspect of my travel and I was forced to learn phrases in another language and truly learn to respect the Japanese people and the culture - a wonderful way to get away from home in Australia for a memorable trip.
Overall, I would definitely visit again but it would only be a max of 10 days in a trip that included other resorts.
Written March 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rigseismic67
Jindabyne, Australia231 contributions
Mar 2014
Stayed a week here and skied all runs.
Some have bans on snowboards.
Nil nightlife. And I mean nil nightlife. Hardly even a shop in the area.
Some have bans on snowboards.
Nil nightlife. And I mean nil nightlife. Hardly even a shop in the area.
Written March 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J J
Singapore97 contributions
Dec 2012 • Couples
Largest ski resort in Japan. Well interconnected mountains. Lots of pistes and off pistes. Great scenery. Convenient chairs. Fantastic snow. Wonderful people. Best place to go in Japan's main island Honshu for a start.
Needs a trying 6-hour transfer from Narita airport. And accommodation at either Prince West & East Wings are very cramped, dated & uncomfortable.
Needs a trying 6-hour transfer from Narita airport. And accommodation at either Prince West & East Wings are very cramped, dated & uncomfortable.
Written April 22, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rhonda J
Perth, Australia75 contributions
Beautiful place to ski. So many runs never had to wait longer than 2mins for a lift. Plenty of snow even in December. Only problem was no ATM nearby, & most places didn't take cards for transactions either. Nearest ATM is about a half hr trip down the mountain on the shuttle bus which was free. The shuttle bus runs between all the areas which you have access to with the one lift pass. Excellent value!
Written January 3, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ender23
Singapore6 contributions
If you looking for size and great views, Shiga Kogen is the one to head for. There're so many ski fields linked together that we could not finish exploring all of it over the course of 4 days!!! However, that's basically all there is to do as there're nothing much else other than ski, or snowboard.
Our snow experience at Shiga Kogen would not have been as wonderful had it not been for Chu Hotel's excellent service. The staff was extremely helpful in sorting the equipment out for us, helping us to navigate the somewhat complicated lift usage point system (in Japanese) and offering tips on saving on lift tickets and transport around the area. They speak good English too.
The hotel is also conveniently located in front of Lift #28 which can link you to the entire western side of the resort if you study the map carefully. It's literally ski-in and out.
B/F and dinner are extravagant affairs and we often had leftovers. The hotel is located in the Ichinose Family Ski Area and is only 5 mins walk from the bus-stop for Nagaden Bus from Nagano.
Perhaps the room is a bit under-furnished. But it's one of the lower-end value stay in the Ichinose area.
Our snow experience at Shiga Kogen would not have been as wonderful had it not been for Chu Hotel's excellent service. The staff was extremely helpful in sorting the equipment out for us, helping us to navigate the somewhat complicated lift usage point system (in Japanese) and offering tips on saving on lift tickets and transport around the area. They speak good English too.
The hotel is also conveniently located in front of Lift #28 which can link you to the entire western side of the resort if you study the map carefully. It's literally ski-in and out.
B/F and dinner are extravagant affairs and we often had leftovers. The hotel is located in the Ichinose Family Ski Area and is only 5 mins walk from the bus-stop for Nagaden Bus from Nagano.
Perhaps the room is a bit under-furnished. But it's one of the lower-end value stay in the Ichinose area.
Written February 7, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luigi
Nashville, TN40 contributions
Loved Shiga Kogen. I went for my birthday and the slopes were beautiful. It was my third time there and it's so good that it's the only place I've skied in Japan. My family and I love going there. Especially to Villa Alpen. The captain and staff is great, delicious food, and quick access to the slopes. It is located in Sun Valley.
Written March 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vanessa Y
Tokyo, Japan810 contributions
Oct 2012 • Couples
Most people think of going to Shiga Kogen in winter ... but it's definitely worth the trip in Autumn! Nowhere near the crowds that gather at Nikko and Kyoto. The autumn colours are brilliant! You will definitely need a few days to fully enjoy the area. Going by car, at your own leisure is best!
Written October 24, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I will be in Shiga Kogen in December for 5-6 days and Japan for 15 days in total will I need snow boots for walking around when not skiing?
Written October 20, 2018
Hi I was wondering if there were any terrain parks in the shiga kogen area. E.g. Jumps, rails halfpipes
Written October 19, 2018
Yes, Yakebitaiyama Ski area on the Okushigakogen side
Written January 17, 2019
Hi All
We are looking for recommendations on particular runs/areas to ski/snowboard whilst at Shiga. We have fours day in the snow. Any suggested itineraries?
Written October 14, 2018
What is the best place to stay? Prefer transportation to the slopes.
Written October 10, 2017
Hello. Wanted to know will there be snow in Nagano and it's skii areas like liyami and yuzawu in Dec 2017 Christmas time? Thankyou
Written September 25, 2017
Hi, I would recommend checking snowjapan website which includes historical snowfall
Written October 6, 2017
Does Shiga Kogen have better view/ scenery than Hakuba? Thanks.
Written June 14, 2017
How long it takes to travel to ski resort from Tokyo airport?! and how much?
Written July 20, 2015
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