Transportation Overview

Shiga Kogen can be reached by bus or taxi, and some of the way by train. The bullet train stations of Nagano and iiyama have direct buses on schedule heading up to Shiga Kogen ski resort. Depending on your budget, group size, and preference, you may choose bus, train or taxi travel. Details for each method can be found below.

Train Travel to Shiga Kogen

Trains are a convenient way to get close to Shiga Kogen, but no matter where you travel from, you will need to pair train travel with a bus ride up the windy hill to the ski resort. After all, Shiga Kogen is Japan's highest altitude ski resort at over 2,100m! Buses to Shiga Kogen run from Nagano Station (1:30hr bus ride) and Iiyama Station (1:15hr bus ride), both of which are serviced by the Hokuriku Bullet Train Line. Beware the bus from Iiyama to Shiga Kogen is not run as regularly as from Nagano station, make sure to check bus departure times in advance.

From Tokyo: You can choose to take the train to Nagano Station, convenient for those travelling from Tokyo or Nagoya, then from here a bus direct up to the Shiga Kogen ski resort which takes another 1.5 hours.
From Osaka or Kyoto: Take the Thunderbird limited express train to Kanazawa station and transfer to Hokuriku Line bullet train, a one and a half hour ride will get you to Iiyama station.
From Nagoya: Take the limited express Shinano train to Nagano Station.

Search Japan's train schedules here: HyperDia

Japan Rail Pass: For travellers visiting cities either side of the ski resort stay, a Japan Rail Pass is a fantastic investment, allowing unlimited train travel on most Japan Rail trains, for periods of 7, 14 or 21 days to suit your travel schedule.

Private Transfer to Shiga Kogen

Private jumbo taxis, regular size taxis, microbuses and other vehicles can be arranged to meet the needs of your group. For larger groups, a pre-booked private transfer is the most simple and hassle-free option.

Enjoy total peace of mind with door to door service. Your group will be met by the driver holding a name card with your confirmed booking name, then shown to your vehicle. Ride right to the door of your accommodation, with comfort breaks scheduled on longer journeys.

Please kindly note prices may be subject to change without notice.

Ski Japan Holidays can arrange a variety of routes depending on your requirements, please feel free to discuss with us your needs.

To receive a quote from Ski Japan Holidays, please fill out the following form.

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Airport Shuttle Bus to Shiga Kogen

The Nagano Snow Shuttle is a direct service running from Tokyo's Narita and Haneda Airports directly through to the ski resort offering transportation in both directions. There are two scheduled comfort stops where you can pick up drinks and snacks, as well as use restroom facilities. The bright purple buses are easily identifiable as are the staff who also wear purple uniforms, which make your flight to bus transfer a breeze. Nagano Snow Shuttle provides the most comprehensive airport to resort, and inter-resort services at great value. Check out the schedules and do not hesitate to inquire about how we can help to streamline transfers during your Japan Ski Holiday.

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Inter-resort Shuttles to Shiga Kogen

Shuttle buses between the region’s most popular ski resorts are available. Myoko Kogen, Madarao, Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen and Shiga Kogen are just over or under 2 hours from each other, and if you plan to visit more than one resort the inter-resort shuttle will be your most convenient mode of transport.

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Shared Transfer to Shiga Kogen

Shared Transfers are a convenient way to travel between Tokyo airport and ski resorts in Nagano Prefecture. These transfers are available from Tokyo Haneda airport through to Shiga Kogen, and also in the opposite direction from Shiga Kogen back to the airport. This is a stress-free seamless travel option; a driver will meet you at your airport arrival gate with a name card and show you to the vehicle, and you will be taken right to the front door of your ski resort accommodation.

Generally the vehicle provided is a jumbo taxi, and up to seven people travelling to the Nagano area will be scheduled to ride together. During busy periods when many people are travelling to the Nagano area at once, a large coach bus may be provided instead. Please note there is no specific departure time, your transfer will depart once all other passengers scheduled to join the ride have arrived; however this service is scheduled so that the longest duration between flight arrival and shared transfer departure is 90 minutes.

Please fill out the form below if you would like a quote for this service.

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