Shiga Kogen Hotels
There are 100 plus Shiga Kogen hotels spread across the many villages, and one of the huge advantages of a Shiga Kogen ski holiday is that much of the accommodation is conveniently ski-in ski-out or very close to it.
The many hotels cater to a range of budgets and preferences. Many of the hotels offer Japanese style rooms where you sleep on futons on the tatami mat floor. Japanese rooms may or may not have an ensuite bathroom. Western style hotels are reasonably common at Shiga Kogen (many with a European flavour) that have western style rooms with comfortable beds and fluffy pillows. Some hotels have a choice of Japanese, Western, or semi-Japanese rooms.
All hotels offer the option of accommodation packages that include meals (breakfast and dinner). You may want to have dinner included in your accommodation package because Shiga Kogen restaurants are very limited, as are evening transport options.
There are various hotels where at least a degree of English is spoken by some of the staff, although as a general rule, English is not widely spoken in Shiga Kogen.
Shiga Kogen doesn’t have any backpacker type accommodation, and like most (non-westernised) Japanese ski resorts, self-contained accommodation is close to non-existent.
Where to Stay in Shiga Kogen?
Making a decision about which village to stay in can be a little tricky. Each of the villages has pros and cons, and your decision may depend on where you mainly want to ski, whether you want a fraction of nightlife (keep your expectations low!), want to speak a little bit of English, or need easy access to ski school. For orientation to the village locations, check out the
Shiga Kogen map.
Okushiga Kogen Accommodation
The
Okushiga Kogen village is very good if you’re after a quiet relaxed holiday or want very easy access to group ski and snowboard lessons in English with the
Shiga International Ski School. The ski area is particularly great for those wanting to explore off-piste. Okushigakogen is the furthermost ski area of northeast Shiga Kogen, so access to the other ski areas takes more time.
The ski-in ski-out
Okushiga Kogen Hotel caters incredibly well to international guests with multi-lingual staff who can assist with organising activities and other queries. Hotel rooms offer western beds and range from single rooms to suites for up to 4 guests. The Okushiga Kogen Hotel has a delightful après ski bar and upscale restaurants with French or Japanese cuisine. The hotel also has an onsen and ski and snowboard rentals. See more information on
Okushiga Kogen Hotel packages here.
The nearby European style
Hotel Grand Phenix offers ski in access. Most of the hotel rooms are western style (for 1 to 4 guests) and there are also twin Japanese tatami rooms available. In addition to a Chinese/Japanese restaurant, the hotel has a beautiful Italian restaurant and a bar. Other hotel facilities include a large indoor swimming pool, onsen, saunas, ski rentals, and a ski shop.
Ichinose AccommodationThe Ichinose village is centrally located so it’s easy to access various ski areas. Ichinose is good for nervous beginners because the green terrain is mellower than at some of the other areas. This village has the most restaurants, izakayas and bars, but don’t get too excited as this is just relative to some of the other villages that have zip nightlife. Ichinose also has good access to facilities such as ski hire and ski school (private lessons only).
Diamond Shiga ($$) is well located with just a one minute walk to the slopes. It’s a very Japanese hotel and has simple rooms with either Japanese or western beds, and private or shared bathrooms (onsen on-site).
Hotel Japan Shiga ($$-$$$) is only 100 metres from the slopes and offers traditional Japanese rooms with futon beds on the tatami floor, with a private toilet (shared bathing in onsen). The hotel also has western twin rooms with a private toilet (shared bathing in the onsen) or full bathroom.
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Chalet Shiga
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$$-$$$ |
| 1 min walk to both Diamond & Family ski resorts. Western style twin & triple rooms with tatami area & private bath. Restaurant, bar, free wifi in lobby, public baths (onsen) & sauna. Breakfast included in rates.. |
See more properties for
direct online bookings here >>
Yakebitaiyama Accommodation
Yakebitaiyama is the largest ski area. This area also has the most modern facilities such as lift infrastructure, and well developed services such as child care. Little tackers might not notice that the green runs are steeper than a typical novice run, but adult beginners may prefer to learn over at Ichinose or Okushiga Kogen.
The
Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel has three different buildings at the base area of Yakebitaiyama, so all three “wings” are fully ski-in ski-out. Another great drawcard for the Prince are the many facilities and services that include a bathhouse, multiple restaurants, a bar, ski and snowboard rental, beauty salon, ski school (private lessons in English), and assistance with sightseeing tours. The
Prince Hotel caters for budgets from moderate up to deluxe.
See more properties for
direct online bookings here >>
Takamagahara & Mammoth Ski Resort Hotels
Takamagahara and Mammoth are really centrally located, offering easy access via the slopes or shuttle buses to all of Shiga Kogen. Another advantage is that Takamagahara has a child care facility.
The
Shiga Park Hotel has a range of rooms, most of them Japanese style, and has meals that are well suited to a western palate. The hotel also has natural hot springs and a sauna, and ski and snowboard rentals.
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Hotel Takimoto
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$$-$$$ |
| 1 min walk to Mammoth Ski Resort. Twin western rooms with ensuite or Japanese tatami rooms with shared facilities. Restaurant, hot springs (onsen), free wifi in rooms... |
Giant Hotels
Hotel Shiga Aspen ($$) at the base of Giant ski area is ski-in ski-out and has an onsen on-site.
This ryokan has traditional Japanese rooms where you sleep on futons on the floor, some with private bathroom, and western rooms with private bathroom.
Sun Valley & Maruike Ski Resort Hotels
There is not a lot to do in this area outside of skiing however if ski-in/ski-out is your preference, the
Hotel Shiga Sunvalley is a very nice hotel located right on the slopes.
Nearby
Hotel Shirakabaso is located adjacent to the main bus terminal in the middle of all of the ski areas so this is a great location for easy access to all Shiga Kogen has to offer.
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Hotel Shiga Sunvalley
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$$$ |
| Ski-in/ski-out. Western style twin rooms with TV, fridge & ensuites. Restaurant plus superb hot springs (onsen) & sauna. Free wifi in lobby, ski rentals and karaoke room.. |
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Shiga Kanko Hotel
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$$$ |
| 1 min walk to Sunvalley Ski Resort. Twin western rooms or Japanese quad rooms all with ensuites, TV & free wired internet. Restaurant, hot springs, ski equipment rentals.. |
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Hotel Shirakabaso
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$$$ |
| 100m to slopes; right next to the main bust terminal with easy access to all Shiga Kogen ski areas. Western & Japanese style twin rooms (some with ensuites). Outdoor hot springs, sauna, restaurant & free wifi.. |
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Villa Alpen Hotel
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$$$ |
| Next to Hasuike ski area & lifts. Western rooms with tatami living area, private toilet and shared bathrooms. Japanese bathhouse, restaurant, bar, communal lounge with fireplace, coin-launderette, free wifi & free parking.. |
See more properties for
direct online bookings here >>
Yokoteyama and Kumanoyu HotelsThe isolation at this end of Shiga Kogen can be an advantage and disadvantage. You’ll need to catch a bus to get to the main ski areas of Shiga Kogen but if you just want to ski at Yokoteyama, Shibutoge and Kumanoyu, you’ll find these high elevation ski areas rather deserted. And the stench of sulphur is indicative that this area is renowned for its onsens! English isn’t widely spoken at many of the hotels, but you’ll know that you’ll have found the real Japan.
The
Shiga Palace Hotel has some staff that can speak English, whilst also providing a Japanese experience. The hotel is located a couple of minutes walk from the quiet Kumanoyu ski area, offering inexpensive Japanese or western style accommodation with private toilet. The hotel has an onsite onsen, restaurant, and ski equipment rentals.
Yudanaka Hotels
The town of
Yudanaka is located at the base of the mountain, 14km by road from Sun Valley, one of the lower Shiga ski areas. Staying in Yudanaka in one of the ryokans (Japanese inns) provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, and unlike staying on-mountain, Yudanaka offers the chance to wander around in the evening to explore the many restaurants and bars.
Yudanaka Hotels
If you don’t have your own wheels, there are hourly buses between Yudanaka and the Shiga Kogen ski areas. If you do have a car, staying in Yudanaka provides the distinct advantage of also providing easy access to other nearby ski areas such as
Kijimadaira and
Ryuoo Ski Park.
Shibu Onsen
The
Shibu Onsen village is located adjacent to the town of Yudanaka. This cute historic onsen village features traditional ryokans that line narrow cobblestone streets and laneways. Here you may see people clomping up and down the street dressed in yukata and wooden thongs on the way to and from the public onsens. It’s worth visiting Shibu Onsen just to wander the streets and take in the traditional Japanese architecture, have a foot bath or onsen, or visit one of the little temples. And staying in one of the ryokans is a truly traditional Japanese experience.