Welcome to Shiga Kogen
A highland resort in central Japan, part of Joshin’etsukogen National Park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Formed by volcanic activity, Shiga Kogen offers diverse landscapes—forests, marshes, ponds, and hot springs—changing beautifully through the seasons.
At elevations of 1300–2300m, you can enjoy:
- Green season: trekking & nature walks
- Winter: world-class powder snow (“Japow”) for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing
Start your visit at the Visitor Center
Get the latest trail conditions, maps, and local insights.
Guided tours available
Join our local guides for hiking (green season) and snowshoe tours (winter).
English-speaking guides are available.
Shiga Kogen Visitor Center
Closed for renovations - Reopening on April 27, 2026
Your first stop in Shiga Kogen
Start here before your adventure
Located in the heart of Shiga Kogen, this is the best place to get ready for exploring the area.
What you can do
- Get maps, weather updates, and bus information
- Learn about local nature, wildlife, and culture
- Join hands-on “Forest Craft” experiences
- And more!
| Good to know |
|
|---|---|
| Location | Shiga Kogen Sougoukaikan 98 7148 Hirao, Yamanouchi, Nagano 381-0401 |
| Contact |
Contact us Or contact us directly by phone Tel: +81 269-34-2133 |
Museum Guide Map
Shiga Kogen Guide Association
Explore deeper with a local guide
We know the trails — and a few secrets too.
What we offer
- Guided trekking tours (green season)
- Snowshoe adventures (winter)
- Nature & cultural experiences with local experts
Why join us
- Discover hidden spots you won’t find alone
- Learn about nature, wildlife, and local stories
- Safe and flexible tours for all levels
- Small groups for a more personal experience
Make your trip more than just sightseeing.
Trekking Tour Guides
Getting Here
Area Map
By Car
- From Tokyo
-
TokyoKanetsu ExpresswayFujioka JCTJoshinetsu ExpresswayShinshu Nakano ICShiga Nakano Toll Road/National Route 292Shiga Kogen
3 hours and 40 minutes
- From Osaka
-
OsakaMeishin ExpresswayNagoyaKomaki JCTChuo ExpresswayOkaya JCTNagano Expressway/Joshinetsu ExpresswayShinshu Nakano ICShiga Nakano Toll Road/National Route 292Shiga Kogen
6 hours
- From Kanazawa, Niigata
-
KanazawaNiigataHokuriku ExpresswayJoshinetsu JCTJoshinetsu ExpresswayShinshu Nakano ICShiga Nakano Toll Road/National Route 292Shiga Kogen
4 hours
Important Notice
- National Route 292, from Shiga Kogen Yokote-yama to Gunma Prefecture, is closed for winter from mid-November to late April.
- From late November to late April, the road surface freezes, so please drive safely by using studded tires and chains.
- There are no gas stations in Shiga Kogen. Please ensure you have enough fuel before coming.
By public transportation.
To JR Nagano Station
- From Tokyo
-
Shinkansen Asama
79 minutes
Hokuriku Shinkansen Hakutaka
80 minutes
- From Nagoya
-
Limited Express "Shinano"
2 hour 53 miutes
- From Shin-Osaka
-
Tokaido Shinkansen and Limited Express "Shinano"
3 houre 54 minutes
- From Osaka
-
Limited Express train "Thunder Bird" and Hokuriku Shinkansen
3 houre 50 minutes
- From Kanazawa
-
Hokuriku Shinkansen
65 minutes
From JR Nagano Station
Direct Bus
70 minutes
Railway/Route Bus
about 90 min to 130 min
*The bus travel time from Yudanaka Sta. to Shiga Kogen Yamaneki Bus Stop remains the same at 37 minutes.
However, the travel time from Nagano Sta. to Yudanaka Sta. varies from 57 to 99 minutes, due to transfer at intermediate stations and three different express trains.
Important Notice
- The bus operating hours vary between summer and winter.
Nagano Dentetsu Line Time Table
Alternative Option
Door to Door service from airports / hotels / other ski resorts nearby