Above the Clouds: Finding Stillness in Shiga Kogen Resort

Tucked into the northern Nagano mountains, Shiga Kogen Resort isn’t just a ski resort. It’s one of Japan’s highest plateaus and a protected part of Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. In winter, it transforms into one of the country’s largest interconnected ski areas that once hosted events for the 1998 Winter Olympics. But even after the snow melts, Shiga Kogen continues to call.

What sets this region apart is its altitude. Most of the area sits above 1,500 meters, with peaks climbing beyond 2,300m. That elevation brings extended ski seasons, cool summers, and a rare sensation of floating in the clouds. The crisp air, rolling mists, and abundant alpine flora and wildlife give Shiga Kogen a unique character that you won’t find anywhere else in Japan.

The Nearby Snow Monkey Park

On the way up or down the mountain, many travelers stop in Yudanaka or the nostalgic hot spring town of Shibu Onsen. Ideal spots for a relaxing soak or a visit to the Snow Monkey Park in nearby Jigokudani, just a short detour off the main road.

For those chasing powder, the winter experience is hard to beat. Shiga Kogen offers quality snow and a quieter, more expansive experience than some of Japan’s more commercial resorts. Popular among locals and seasoned skiers, Shiga boasts dozens of lifts and a wide range of terrain. It’s possible to ski or board from one slope to another for hours without repeating a run.

But Shiga Kogen isn’t just for winter sports. It is equally captivating in the warmer months, too. Hiking trails wind through highland forests and past peaceful ponds, volcanic crater lakes, and panoramic ridge-lines. The Shibu Pass area is especially breathtaking and on a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji far in the distance.

Shiga Kogen isn’t just a destination. It’s a relaxed, scenic journey into the heart of Japan’s highlands. So whether you come for the snow, the solitude, or the skies, the stillness you find here stays with you long after you leave.