Shiga Kōgen (志賀高原) or Shiga Highlands, Japan is a ski resort and hiking spot, located in the Jōshin'etsu Kōgen National Park in the highlands of Yamanouchi, Nagano. In 1980, an area of 13,000 ha was designated a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve.[1]
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At 4.25 square kilometres (1.64 sq mi), Shiga Kōgen is one of the largest ski resorts in Japan and the world. The resort is made up of many smaller, interconnected resorts, with 71 lifts in total. A few areas are restricted to skiers only, but most of the terrain is open to both skiers and snowboarders.[2] The resort was the site of several events in the 1998 Nagano Olympics. There are more than 100 hotels in the area, with both Japanese style or washitsu (和室), Western style or semi-Japanese style rooms.
Shiga Kōgen has one of the longest ski seasons in Japan with the official ski season commencing from mid-to-late November and continuing throughout April and until the first week of May (Golden Week (Japan)). Christmas and the New Year's season is the peak period in Shiga Kōgen during the Japanese school holiday break. From April 1st on, the spring ski season begins with lift ticket discounts offered and the Maruike, Hasuike, and Sunvalley ski areas cease operation.
During the ski season, the Shiga Kōgen Ski Shuttle Bus is provided for transportation across the ski resorts and various ski fields and hotel areas.
Shiga Kōgen was famous as an onsen (hot spring) location before skiing became popular. Shiga Kōgen ski resort is home to over seven natural hot spring sources. Many hotels are sourced by the Shiga Mountain hot springs and there are numerous onsen bath facilities located within the hotels across the resort.
According to the book National Parks of Japan, published by Natural Parks Foundation:
"Shiga Kōgen Highlands has more than 40 lakes and ponds." and "Joshinetsu National Park is a habitat for Japanese Macaques and Japanese Serows."Also, "the vegetation in the park area changes as the altitude becomes higher, from beech (Fagus crenata) and Japanese oak (Quercus crispula) woods to coniferous forests. In many mountains, communities of alpine plants can be seen. Woods of Japanese larches (Larix kaempferi) and White Birches (Betula platyphylla var. japonica) which cover the plateaus are especially beautiful."
All these characteristics made Shiga Kōgen an interesting spot to hiking and enjoy the nature all seasons of the year.
It's possible to fish in Shiga Kōgen at Maruike (Maru Pond) and Biwaike (Biwa Pond). You can also fish at Zako River, with a fishing license. Zako River is one of a few habitats for iwana fishing. Fishing is prohibited from October 1st till April 5th. Boats are also available for rent at Biwa Pond, Maru Pond, and Kido Pond.
Some of the other activities in the area include golfing at Ogushiga, horse riding at Maru Pond, bicycles for rent at Okushiga, and numerous tennis courts in the Yakebitai and Okushiga Area.
Unnjyo no Yado Yokote Sancho Hutte is a restaurant, bakery, and hotel. Located at 2305m above sea level, the bakery claims to be the highest in Japan.[3]
The Nagano Prefecture Shiga Kogen Nature Preservation Center is housed in Shiga Kogen Sogo Kaikan 98. The main focus is the "Relationship between Nature and Human Being", which exhibits the nature of Shiga Kogen.
The Commemorative Hall of the Nagano Winter Olympics and Paralympic in 1998 is located in the Hasuike area. Medals and other memorabilia are displayed.
The Higashitateyama Botanical Garden is located on top of Mt. Higashitate (2,020m), and includes nature trails.
The Shinshu University Scientific Research Institute is located in the forest surrounding Mt. Shigayama. The lava-based soil in the area makes it a rare area in the world. A Nature Observation Trail is opened to the public.