Last Updated on 2026-03-01 by Tsubaki
Shiga Kogen is one of the largest ski resorts in Japan, and Yama-no-Eki (志賀高原 山の駅), located in the Hasuike area, serves as the heart of the entire resort. Whether you’re arriving from outside the region or traveling between ski areas while staying nearby, this is an essential transportation hub you’ll almost certainly pass through.
When I visited Shiga Kogen for skiing for the first time, I honestly didn’t expect much from “Yama-no-Eki.” I assumed it would just be a place to transfer buses, take a short break, or grab a quick snack. But once I actually stepped inside, I realized how wrong that assumption was. This isn’t just a transit point. It offers gear rentals, changing rooms, dining options, and shops, covering almost everything you might need. It’s truly a core facility that anyone skiing in Shiga Kogen should know about.
In this article, I’ll walk you through how to get to Shiga Kogen Yama-no-Eki, the convenient services and shops inside, and a few small highlights that are easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.
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About Shiga Kogen Yama-no-Eki
Yama-no-Eki is located in the Hasuike area of Shiga Kogen and is one of the most important core facilities after entering the resort. The building itself carries a piece of Shiga Kogen’s history.
It originally served as the station for the Hasuike ropeway, once a key access point for both skiers and hikers traveling up and down the mountain. After the ropeway was discontinued and resort traffic flow changed, the station was temporarily left behind by time.
Later, the building was revitalized and reborn as the current Yama-no-Eki. Today, it functions as a bus transfer hub, information center, rest and dining space, and small shopping area all in one. For travelers who don’t drive and rely on public transportation to reach Shiga Kogen, this place is absolutely indispensable.
Shiga Kogen Yama-no-Eki (志賀高原 山の駅)
Address: 7148 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano 381-0401（Google Maps）
Opening Hours: 09:00–17:30
>> Shiga Kogen All-Area Ski Pass Comparison: Klook｜Wamazing｜Asoview（Japan-based platform）
Is It Convenient to Stay Near Yama-no-Eki?
For skiers like me who enjoy chasing conditions and moving between different ski areas within the same trip, staying near Yama-no-Eki is incredibly convenient, and something I personally highly recommend. That said, everyone skis with different priorities. Some people prefer luxury resort hotels and a slower, more relaxed pace. Others like to stay within a single ski area the entire time. Not everyone travels the way I do, and that’s totally fine.
What makes Yama-no-Eki special is that it functions as the main transportation hub for the entire Shiga Kogen resort. From here, you can head north and northeast toward Ichinose, Yakebitaiyama, and Okushiga, or go southeast toward Yokoteyama and Kumano-yu.
If you like deciding where to ski on the day itself, based on snowfall, visibility, or snow quality, or prefer adjusting your plans flexibly depending on weather conditions, staying near Yama-no-Eki gives you a huge amount of freedom.
>> Shiga Kogen All-Area Ski Pass Comparison: Klook｜Wamazing｜Asoview（Japan-based platform）
A Convenient Hotel Right by Yama-no-Ek
If you’re looking for a super convenient place to stay, I highly recommend Shiga Highland Hotel. It does feel a bit dated, but it’s just a short walk to Yama-no-Eki, which makes everything incredibly easy. Whether you’re catching a bus from here or hopping on lifts from Yama-no-Eki to reach Ichinose or Okushiga, the location is hard to beat.
The hotel also has a large public bath, an on-site ski rental shop (the gear is a bit old, so I personally suggest renting from Alpina, which I’ll introduce later), and breakfast and dinner options. If you’re not overly picky about having a modern or luxury hotel, this is a very practical and comfortable base.
Check room rates now >> Trip.com
Free Shuttle Buses from Yama-no-Eki to the Ski Areas
One of the best-kept conveniences of Shiga Kogen is that all ski areas are connected by free shuttle buses from Yama-no-Eki. And yes, it’s really completely free. No ticket, no IC card tap, no coins. When I first learned this, I was honestly surprised and even wondered if the card reader was broken.
These shuttle buses run along different routes serving major ski areas such as Ichinose, Yakebitaiyama, Okushiga, Yokoteyama, and Kumano-yu. During the ski season, services are frequent and reliable. If you’re not driving or staying near Yama-no-Eki. You can practically treat these buses as your inter-ski-area transportation system, they’re that convenient.
In practice, the system works extremely well. You don’t have to carry your gear long distances, and you don’t need to worry about parking or driving on snowy mountain roads. This free shuttle network is one of Shiga Kogen’s most thoughtful features, and it’s definitely something visitors should make full use of.
How to Get to Shiga Kogen Yama-no-Eki
From JR Nagano Station (Most Common Route)
The most common way to reach Shiga Kogen Yama-no-Eki is by taking the Nagaden bus from JR Nagano Station East Exit. If you’re coming from major cities, you’ll almost always pass through Nagano first.
Departure point: JR Nagano Station, East Exit
Travel time: Approx. 70–90 minutes (depending on weather and road conditions)
Drop-off stop: Shiga Kogen Yama-no-Eki
One-way fare: ¥3,000 (Nagano Station → Yama-no-Eki)
≈ USD 20
If you’re staying at a hotel or ryokan near Yama-no-Eki and plan to ski right after arrival, I recommend getting off directly at Yama-no-Eki. Drop off your luggage, get changed, use the restroom, and confirm your plan for the day. After that, simply return to Yama-no-Eki and take the shuttle or bus to your chosen ski area, it’s much smoother this way.
Nagaden Bus: Nagano ⇄ Shiga Kogen Route (Timetable & Fare)
>> Check Shinkansen routes to Nagano Station: KKday｜Klook
>> JR Pass Nagano–Niigata Area Pass (5 days): KKday｜Klook
Coming Up from Yudanaka Onsen
If you’re planning to visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, or staying the night before in Yudanaka Onsen or Shibu Onsen, you can take a Nagaden bus from Yudanaka Station up into Shiga Kogen. This route also stops at Yama-no-Eki. This option is especially popular for travelers with flexible itineraries who want to combine sightseeing, hot springs, and skiing in one trip.
This option is especially popular for travelers with flexible itineraries who want to combine sightseeing, hot springs, and skiing in one trip.
Taking a Highway Bus
In addition to trains plus local buses, you can also take direct highway buses to Shiga Kogen. This is a great option if you’re traveling with lots of luggage or want to minimize transfers.
If skiing is the main purpose of your trip to Japan, you can even take direct highway buses from Narita Airport or Haneda Airport to Shiga Kogen. Land at the airport, get on the bus, and sleep all the way to the mountains, very energy-efficient.
For travelers based in the Tokyo area, there are also long-distance buses departing from Shinjuku that go directly to Shiga Kogen. This is especially convenient if you’re staying in Shinjuku the night before.
>> Narita / Haneda Airport ⇄ Shiga Kogen Express Bus
>> Shinjuku ⇄ Shiga Kogen Morning Round-Trip Bus + Lift Pass Package
Driving to Shiga Kogen
If you’re driving, simply set your navigation to Shiga Kogen Yama-no-Eki. In winter, be sure to check whether snow tires or chains are required, as traffic restrictions may be enforced during heavy snowfall.
Even for drivers, many people choose to stop at Yama-no-Eki before heading further into the resort. The area has a large free parking lot, making it a very convenient base for both skiers and hikers arriving by car.
If you’re unsure how to rent a car in Japan, I recommend Tabirai, Rentalcars, and Klook, all of which offer Chinese or English website support.
Rentalcars.com guarantees the lowest rental prices, while Tabirai partners with more rental companies. Klook is convenient for booking. Sometimes, if Rentalcars has no available cars, you may find options on Tabirai or Klook. Comparing different platforms can help you find the best deal!
💡Quick Tip: If you’re not seeing any available cars when searching, it might be because you’re trying to book outside of business hours. Try adjusting your pickup or drop-off time! (Most rental car companies in Japan operate between 8:00 or 9:00 AM and 7:00 or 8:00 PM.)
What’s Inside Yama-no-Eki? Facilities and Shops
Restaurants and Light Meals
Inside Yama-no-Eki, you’ll find several dining and light meal options, ranging from hot soups, curry rice, and udon to quick snacks for fast energy refills. Being able to sit indoors and enjoy something warm, either before hitting the slopes or right after coming down, makes a huge difference in how cold you actually feel.
KARUBIYA SANMU Shokudo
KARUBIYA SANMU Shokudo (カルビ屋三夢の食堂) specializes in beef short rib dishes and is a popular choice for skiers looking to refuel after a long session on the slopes.
Signature items include grilled beef short rib rice bowls and beef short rib udo, classic, hearty dishes that feel especially satisfying in cold mountain weather thanks to their generous portions and rich flavors.
The seating area by the windows offers a great view, letting you enjoy your meal while gazing out at the snowy scenery, a perfect moment to slow down and recharge.
When I arrived after skiing, it was already quite late, and unfortunately the rice had sold out, leaving only noodle dishes available. Honestly, juicy grilled beef like this really makes you crave a proper bowl of rice.
If you’re set on ordering a rice bowl, it’s best to come a bit earlier in the day.
KARUBIYA SANMU Shokudo（カルビ屋三夢食堂）
Address: 7148 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano 381-0401（Google Maps）
Opening Hours: 11:00–15:00
Yama no Cafe
There’s also a café inside Yama-no-Eki called Yama no Cafe. It mainly serves coffee, juice, and simple sandwiches, making it a great stop while waiting for a bus or for friends to gather.
If you just want a hot drink or a light bite without committing to a full restaurant meal, this is an easy and convenient option for a quick energy boost.
Yama no Cafe（山のカフェ）
Address: 7148 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano 381-0401（Google Maps）
Opening Hours: 09:00–16:00
Souvenirs and Supplies: Daily Yamazaki at Yama-no-Eki
The Yama-no-Eki shop & Daily Yamazaki sells a variety of Shiga Kogen and Nagano souvenirs, including snacks, gift items, and regionally themed products.
There are very few convenience stores around Shiga Kogen, so having this shop inside Yama-no-Eki is incredibly useful. We’ve personally stocked up here on nutrition bars, energy gels, and other easy-to-carry food, then packed them into our backpacks before heading out to ski.
Doing this lets you skip long lines at ski resort restaurants, refuel quickly on the slopes, and get back to skiing sooner, perfect if you’re aiming to squeeze in as many runs as possible.
If your hotel doesn’t have a shop, or doesn’t sell what you’re looking for, I highly recommend stopping by here to see if they have the dry food or snacks you need.
Rest Areas and Restrooms
Honestly, one of the best things about Yama-no-Eki is its indoor rest area. The space feels almost like a VIP lounge, warm, cozy, and incredibly comfortable. Even if you don’t buy anything, you’re free to sit down, relax, and warm up. Whether you’re waiting for a bus, waiting for friends, or just looking for a place to rest before or after skiing, this area works perfectly.
I’ve skied at quite a few resorts across Japan, and to be honest, it’s rare to find a rest lounge of this quality that’s completely free to use. It almost feels too generous. Writing this, I can’t help but worry that once more people find out, it might eventually become one of those places where you can never find an empty seat…
Coin Lockers and Changing Rooms
Yama-no-Eki is equipped with coin-operated lockers in various sizes, with a one-time fee of about ¥400–600 (approx. USD 3–4) depending on the locker size. The changing rooms are separate for men and women, so there’s no need to feel awkward.
This setup is extremely practical if you need to store luggage temporarily or want to change into your ski gear before heading to the slopes. In fact, you can fully change inside Yama-no-Eki before leaving. For travelers coming up by bus who don’t want to drag bulky bags around, this saves a lot of effort.
Ski Rental Shop: Alpina Sports Ski Renta
Alpina Sports Ski Renta (アルピナスポーツ志賀高原リゾートセンター店) offers standard ski and snowboard rentals, but what really sets them apart is that they also carry higher-end Step On systems, a huge plus. And yes, it’s the second-generation Step On, which is far more comfortable and doesn’t crush your feet.
On my very first ski trip to Shiga Kogen, I somehow managed to bring two different boots, one regular and one Step On. It was a truly embarrassing situation. After asking around everywhere, I finally managed to reserve a pair of Step On boots here. Otherwise, I would’ve been stuck struggling through deep powder on beginner rental gear…
One important thing to note: advance reservations are basically required during ski season. Walk-in rentals on the same day are usually not available. I strongly recommend booking as soon as your schedule is confirmed.
I once shamelessly asked if it was possible to rent on the spot. Unsurprisingly, the answer was a very polite
「申し訳ございません。」
They rely strictly on their reservation system to allocate gear, so flexibility is extremely limited.
That said, considering the quality of the equipment and the unbeatable location, the pricing is quite reasonable. The shop also has its own changing area and coin lockers, which makes it especially convenient for those arriving by bus and changing at Yama-no-Eki before heading up to the slopes.
They also sell small ski-related items. If you realize you’re missing gloves, socks, or a neck warmer, you can pick them up here as well.
Alpina Sports Ski Renta – Official Reservation Website
※Note: When making a reservation, you don’t need to specifically select Step On. The price is the same as regular gear, just let the staff know on-site that you’d like Step On.
The Abandoned Shiga Kogen Ropeway
As mentioned earlier, Yama-no-Eki still preserves traces of its past as a ropeway station, most notably this abandoned Shiga Kogen ropeway. The view around this area is actually fantastic, and it’s one of my favorite corners here. Looking out over the snow-covered landscape and surrounding mountains, you can really feel the sense of history embedded in this place.
Many people simply walk past without realizing this small spot is here, which feels like a shame. If you’re spending any time at Yama-no-Eki, I highly recommend taking a few minutes to step inside and have a look.
Shiga Kogen Ski Resort – Pulse Gondola
The Pulse Gondola (パルスゴンドラ) is one of the key starting points connecting to the Ichinose ski area. From here, you can link up with ski runs and lift systems that continue on to Yakebitaiyama, and even extend all the way to Okushiga Kogen. It’s a route often used by skiers who want to move laterally across different ski areas in a single day.
That said, if your goal is to head straight to Okushiga first thing in the morning to chase fresh powder, I personally recommend taking the bus directly from Yama-no-Eki instead. The bus ride takes about 40 minutes.
From our own experience, taking the Pulse Gondola and then transferring to other lifts to reach Okushiga took around 1 hour and 10 minutes, which honestly wasn’t any faster than using the bus
>> Shiga Kogen All-Area Ski Pass Comparison: Klook｜Wamazing｜Asoview（Japan-based platform）
Final Thoughts
By the time you reach this point, it’s probably clear that Yama-no-Eki is far more than just a transfer point. It brings together transportation, supplies, rest areas, equipment rentals, ski routes, and even preserves a quiet piece of Shiga Kogen’s history.
Whether you’re coming down from the slopes and want a warm place to sit and recharge, or waking up in the morning deciding which direction to chase the best snow, Yama-no-Eki plays a key role. Many people pass through in a hurry, but if you slow down and spend a little more time here, you’ll realize how thoughtfully it caters to skiers’ real needs.
If this is your first time visiting Shiga Kogen, or if you’re planning a ski trip where you want the freedom to switch between different ski areas, I highly recommend treating Yama-no-Eki as a starting point, not just somewhere you pass through.
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Traveler’s Note:
The insights shared above are based on my personal experiences and subjective perspectives. When planning your trip, please consider current weather conditions and your own travel preferences.
Please note that all English articles on this site are AI-assisted translations of the original Traditional Chinese content. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and natural flow, occasional nuances or expressions may differ. Thank you for your understanding.
In an era dominated by viral trends and “clickbait” locations, my true passion lies in exploring hidden corners and regions where information is scarce. I know firsthand how precious detailed, reliable information is when planning a journey. That is why I dedicate countless hours to research and field exploration, to curate these hard-earned insights for fellow travelers like you.
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