For those of you traveling to Shiga Kogen by public transportation, we’ve summarized the available options on this page.
The fastest and easiest way is to take the shinkansen to JR Nagano Station, then catch the express bus bound for Shiga Kogen from there.
We’ve also provided a quick guide for taking the express bus, as well as maps of bus stops in various locations, so feel free to use them to plan your trip!
– Shinkansen/Bullet Train from Tokyo / Kanazawa
– Express Bus: Nagano Station – Shiga Kogen
– Express Bus: A Quick Guide for Express Bus Travel
– Express Bus “Powder Express”: Yudanaka Station – Shiga Kogen
– Shuttle Bus/Route Bus: Yudanaka Station – Shiga Kogen
– How To Purchase or Pay The Ticket
– Bus Stop Maps
【Shinkansen/Bullet Train】Tokyo Station ⇔ Nagano Station ⇔ Kanazawa
You can easily access to Nagano Station via Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo or Kanazawa. As the gateway to Shiga Kogen, Nagano Station offers useful tourist information and various shops. Gather any necessary information or items before visiting Shiga Kogen!
From Tokyo / Kanazawa
To Tokyo / Kanazawa
Tokyo Station → Hokuriku Shinkansen (Bullet Train) → Nagano Station
【Express Bus】 Nagano Station ⇔ Shiga Kogen
The express bus is the most convenient and fastest way to get from Nagano Station to Shiga Kogen.
Head to Bus Stop No. 23 on the east exit of Nagano Station and board the express bus bound for Shiga Kogen. In approximately 70 minutes, you’ll reach at the heart of Shiga Kogen, which is “Yamanoeki Bus Stop”. From there, you can easily transfer by shuttle buses to various ski areas in Shiga Kogen.
▼ How to access the ticket counter/machine and the bus stop ▼
▶ “Weekend Shiga” Express Bus
If you’re coming to Shiga Kogen over the weekend, the “Weekend Shiga” express bus is a great option! The “Weekend Shiga” operates on only Friday nights, departing from Nagano Station East exit, bound for Shiga Kogen.
This is a reservation-only basis express bus. Make sure to book in advance to secure your spot!
Operating Period: 3rd January – 14th March 2025
Schedule: Every Friday / Departing at 09:00pm from Nagano station (East exit)
Purchase: Require a reservation in advance and make payment 5 days prior to the day you take the bus. Online purchase is available here. (Japanese only)
【Express Bus “Powder Express Bus”】 Yudanaka Station ⇔ Snow Monkey Park Bus stop ⇔ Shiga Kogen
If you travel between Yudanaka Station and Shiga Kogen, “Poweder Express” offers a discount return bus tickets!
You can purchase “Powder Express” ticket here by ¥1,200/adult and ¥500/child in advance.
“Powder Express” uses regular route buses. Please note that pre-purchased tickets do not guarantee seats. Be sure to arrive early at the bus stop.
*Skis, snowboards, and large luggage can be brought on board. During busy times, please be considerate and share space with others.
【Shuttle Bus/Route Bus】 Yudanaka Station ⇔ Snow Monkey Park Bus stop ⇔ Shiga Kogen
In the Shiga Kogen ski resort, shuttle bus service and route bus service assure you to go around conveniently between ski areas.
The shuttle buses highlighted in the blue frame on the schedule are available for free use.
▼ Time Tables for 2024-2025 Winter Season ▼
🚌 Yudanaka Station ⇒ Shiga Kogen (Okushiga and Yokoteyama)
🚌 Shiga Kogen (Okushiga and Yokoteyama) ⇒ Yudanaka Station
*Timetables for winter 2024-2025 apply until 7th April 2025.
🎫 How To Purchase or Pay The Ticket 🎫
We strongly recommend purchasing your ticket in advance to avoid congestion and ensure smooth boarding and alighting. Please note that the ticket does not guarantee a seat.
To purchase your ticket in advance, use the ticket machine at the JR Nagano Station ticket counter or a convenience store. On the day of your ride, please bring your ticket and arrive early at the bus stop. (Again, note that your seat is not guaranteed)
🏪 How to purchase the ticket at convenience stores
🚉 How to purchase the ticket at JR Nagano Station
Alternatively, you can pay inside the bus when you get off. Cash or contactless payments are accepted. Please note that the cards available for use may vary depending on the bus, so please refer to the link below.
*You may need to bring 1,000 JPY banknotes and coins to board a bus for bus fare payment. Some buses may not accept banknotes larger than 2,000 JPY nor can you exchange these banknotes for coins on the bus.
🚌 How to pay for the Express bus
🚌 How to pay for the Route bus
🚏 Bus Stop Maps 🚏
⇩ Nagano Station ⇩
⇩ Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki Bus stop ⇩
⇩ Yudanaka Station ⇩
⇩ Shibu Onsen Bus Stop ⇩
⇩ Snow Monkey Park Bus Stop ⇩
