Is this your first visit in Shiga Kogen? Here are some useful information to make your trip easier!
No Combini and Supermarket in Shiga Kogen
Because Shiga Kogen is part of Joshin’etsukogen National Park, there are regulations to protect this beautiful nature. Especially construction of building in this area is strictly restricted to preserve the landscape. That’s why we don’t have convenience store nor supermarket here.
Some hotels or Yamanoeki (which means Yama/Mountain and Eki/Station) have small kiosk to provide daily necessaries and snacks but there would be many people during high seasons.
If you are planning to stay for a long period in Shiga Kogen, we recommend that you bring your necessities with you. You’ll find many stores around Nagano Station or convenience store by Yudanaka station.
🚌 To Lawson, the local bus will stop at Yudanaka Station
🚌 To 7-Eleven, the express bus will stop at Michinoeki Yamanouchi
🚌 To AEON Nakano, the express bus will stop at AEON Nakanoten
🚙 Tsuruya Ippongi is accessible by car
Dinner Options Are Limited
Traditionally most of Japanese travelers prefer to book a hotel with breakfast and dinner included.
If you would like to enjoy the local cuisine made with delicacies of the seasons, book your accommodation with a dinner included plan and enjoy your dinner at your hotel.
Some of the hotels offer Japanese-style rooms. Since you’re traveling to Japan, we hope you’ll enjoy a unique and extraordinary lodging experience. They would be glad to welcome you!
Due to the limited number of restaurants in Shiga Kogen, they are fully booked very often. If you plan to dine out, we recommend you to make a reservations in advance.
▶ Check the restaurants in Shiga Kogen here 🍴
ATM at the Post Office
Most restaurants and shops accept only cash payments. There is an ATM at the post office, and this is the only one ATM in Shiga Kogen. Don’t forget to bring cash with you!
- For bus fare payment; Certain bus cannot accept the payment by a 10,000 JPY, 5,000 JPY and a 2,000 JPY noytes neither change these notes to coins on the bus.
*Cash, VISA contactless payment (Paypay and ALIPAY) are accepted in the local bus Yudanaka Station – Okushiga Kogen line and Yudanaka station – Shibutoge line.
*Due to no connection, QR code payment cannot work at Kammandaki, Asahiyama Shita, Onumaike Iriguchi bus stop.
*Express bus from Nagano station accepts VISA/JCB/AMEX contactless payment and ALIPAY. - Some restaurants, shops, and activities may only accept cash.
⚠️ WHAT OCCASION DO I NEED CASH? ⚠️
Shiga Kogen Post office
Opening hours: weekday 9:00 – 17:00
*Closed on weekends
*The ATM is available on Saturdays from 9:00 to 12:30
Rental Equipment
In Shiga Kogen, some hotels provide rental service for their guests. Please ask your hotel for more details. Some rental shops in hotels are also welcome for visitors.
Here you will find rental shops information in this page.
Please notice that number of certain sizes of equipment is limited. To be sure to rent what you need, please use online reservation in advance.
Travel by Bus or Rental Car?
For some, renting a car and driving it themselves is one of the joys of travel! In recent years, there has been a rise in the style of traveling at your own pace without being rushed, using rental cars and camper vans in Japan as well.
However, if you’re planning to visit Shiga Kogen by campervan, there are a few things you should be aware of.
- Shiga Kogen is located within a national park, so overnight parking in vehicles in winter season is generally not allowed.
- There are no 24-hour convenience stores or supermarkets within Shiga Kogen. Additionally, during the winter months, there are very few public restrooms available.
- Every year, littering remains a problem. We hope you will enjoy your visit while remembering that you are in a national park.
- Parking lots within Shiga Kogen are free of charge. Please be aware that the association cannot be held responsible for any damage or issues that occur within the free parking lot.
- In winter, roads can become icy, so vehicles without four-wheel drive are not recommended. Please ensure that you rent a four-wheel drive vehicle and do not forget to bring tire chains.
- During the winter season, temperatures can drop as low as -15°C even during the day. That means some people may spend time idling their engines at night to stay warm. This results in exhaust emissions, which can have a negative impact on the natural environment. Therefore, especially during the winter season, car camping is not recommended.
If you’re renting a car during the winter, make sure to confirm that the vehicle is a four-wheel drive and is equipped with winter tyres at the time of rental.
It’s also essential to rent tyre chains and get familiar with how to install them. No joke — every year, there are cases where rental cars get stuck on frozen roads while heading to Shiga Kogen, causing traffic jams and accidents. Remember, Shiga Kogen is located at a high altitude!
If you are unsure to drive winter roads, we got you – there are shuttle bus services! Express buses and local buses are available from both Nagano Station and Yudanaka Station, so please feel free to use them.
Read more about bus access information
