Giant

Giant Ski area delivers exceptional skiing as Japan's highest resort at 2,307m with stupidly wide runs and 12 meters of annual powder that stays cold and light December through May. The 967m vertical drop across 90 runs offers space to actually carve instead of being funneled down narrow cat tracks like most Japanese resorts. What makes it special is the combination of reliable high-elevation snow quality and those famously wide-open cruisers where you can open it up without traffic worries.

Giant is excellent for beginners with 49% green terrain and famously wide runs that give new skiers room to build confidence without feeling pressured by traffic. The beginner-friendly terrain dominance means families with mixed abilities can ski together comfortably, and the open runs let you progress your technique without the stress of narrow Japanese cat tracks. Just be aware English support is limited, so basic Japanese phrases or a translator app will help.

Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano Station (about 1.5 hours), then catch a bus to Shiga Kogen (another 1-2 hours). Total journey is 3-4 hours door-to-door. Book your bus ahead during peak season as they fill up quickly, especially during Japanese holidays.

January to February delivers the deepest, driest powder - Giant's 2,307m elevation means reliable conditions when lower resorts are struggling with slush. Avoid New Year week (December 28-January 4) when Japanese holiday crowds hit hard. April offers quality spring skiing with smaller crowds and budget-friendly options if you don't mind softer snow.

Limited English - basic signs and ticket counters have English support, but don't expect much beyond that. This isn't Niseko, so brush up on basic Japanese phrases or download a translator app. Pointing works fine for most situations, and the staff are friendly even if communication takes a bit longer.

Moderate crowds - midweek feels like a private mountain with plenty of space on those wide runs. Weekends bring Tokyo crowds (9am-2pm peak hours), but the runs are so wide it doesn't create the bottleneck issues you'd find at narrower resorts. The space to spread out is one of Giant's biggest advantages.

Those ridiculously wide runs that let you carve like you're in a Warren Miller film - when everything else in Japan feels like skiing through a hallway, Giant gives you room to breathe. Combined with being Japan's highest resort at 2,307m and 12 meters of annual powder, you get reliable snow quality with the space to actually use it.

Yes - night skiing is available at Yakebitai, one of the connected areas in the Shiga Kogen complex. Your lift ticket covers all 18 Shiga Kogen areas including night skiing access, so you can extend your ski day after the main Giant lifts close.

Your lift ticket works for all 18 Shiga Kogen areas - connect to Hasuike, Maruike, and Sun Valley to maximize your skiing instead of staying just at Giant. When Higashi Tateyama closes for wind (happens regularly at this elevation), ski via Nishi Tateyama back toward Ichiose using the locals' routing trick. Download a translator app since English support is minimal outside the ticket office.

Yes - in-bounds tree skiing is available in designated zones including Terakoya, Yakebitai, and Okushiga Kogen areas within the Shiga Kogen complex. Your Giant lift ticket covers access to all these connected areas, so you can explore the tree runs across the entire mountain system.