Okushiga Kogen

Okushiga delivers exceptional powder skiing at 2,000m elevation where snow stays cold and dry while lower resorts turn to slush. The eleven runs include some of Shiga Kogen's best tree skiing zones, with 30% advanced terrain that holds fresh powder for days after storms. This is old-school Japan skiing focused on snow quality and solitude rather than resort amenities.

With 30% beginner terrain and a 3km cruising run, Okushiga works for newer skiers who want to progress beyond groomed runs. However, the minimal English support and remote location make this better suited for beginners comfortable navigating Japanese resorts independently. If you need English ski school or constant hand-holding, look elsewhere.

Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano Station (about 1.5 hours), then catch the express bus to Okushiga (1 hour 40 minutes). Total journey is 3-3.5 hours door-to-door. Reserve the express bus ahead during peak season as it fills up on weekends and holidays.

Mid-January through late February delivers the deepest, driest powder - the high elevation keeps snow cold and fresh even during warm spells. Book midweek stays in January for the best combination of powder and solitude. Avoid New Year week when domestic crowds surge and accommodation prices spike.

Yes - multiple hotel-based onsens feature both indoor and outdoor baths with mountain views. After a day exploring Okushiga's tree runs and powder stashes, you can soak in naturally heated mineral water while looking out over the snow-covered peaks. The onsens are hotel-based rather than public village bathhouses.

Limited English - basic signs and ticket counters exist, but don't expect much beyond that. This is a Japanese resort for Japanese skiers, so bring a translation app and brush up on basic ski terminology. If you panic without English signage everywhere, this isn't your resort.

Rarely crowded even on weekends - this is one of Shiga Kogen's quieter corners with minimal lift lines. Weekends get busy with Tokyo day-trippers by 9am, but midweek you'll have runs to yourself even during peak season. The remote location keeps the Instagram crowds away at lower-elevation resorts.

The elevation advantage is real - at 1,500-2,009m, Okushiga holds powder and stays cold when lower resorts turn to slush. The tree skiing zones here are among the best in-bounds glade runs in Japan, staying fresh for days after storms while main runs get tracked out by noon. Plus there's free WiFi at the top of the chairlift, a rarity at Japanese resorts.

Reserve the express bus from Nagano during peak periods as it fills up on weekends and holidays. Don't overlook the tree skiing zones - some of Japan's best in-bounds glade runs are here if you explore beyond the main runs. The smoking area ventilation unfortunately pumps secondhand smoke into the restaurant, so avoid sitting near the entrance unless you enjoy that with your ramen.

Yes - Okushiga offers some of Shiga Kogen's best in-bounds glade runs in designated tree skiing zones. The powder in these gladed areas stays fresh for days after storms while the main runs get tracked out by noon. Follow resort signage carefully and respect closure areas, as tree skiing is tolerated only in designated zones.