Shiga Kogen and Snow Monkeys Packages

 Welcome to our self guided packages for one of Japan’s hidden gems called Shiga Kogen. If you are wanting a truly authentic Japanese ski experience away from the hustle and bustle of the more westernised resorts of Japan, well this is your next adventure. Situated in the town of the world famous snow monkeys Yudanaka gives you a taste of Japan that is devoid of western influence with super friendly locals, easy access via the train and shuttle network a vast array of quality restaurants to dine at and a myriad of cultural experiences within a small area. Our fully inclusive guided and instructional tours in a safe environment are also available if you want to have a full emersion of a larger number of ski resorts visited and experiencing a range of cultural performance and activities please enquire. If you would like something more tailor made for your next ski adventure please email us anytime.

Inclusions:

• 5 and 7 night accommodation

• Daily buffet Breakfast

• One inhouse traditional Japanese dinner

• 4 and 5 day all mountain passes

• Transport to Shiga Kogen via public shuttle bus each day

• Advice from guides on mountain orientation at each resort

• Free pick up and drop off from Yudanaka train station

• Transport to the world-famous snow monkey park. Both accommodation properties drop you up early to the snow monkey walking track, so you have the luxury of the viewing to yourself for a period of time

• Free rejuvenating daily Onsens and Sauna

 Please note: The public bus to Shig Kogen runs at different times each day and the pickup and drop off is a short walk from Hotel Omodaka.  Drive times to Shiga Kogen range from 20 minutes to 45 minutes depending on which part of the resort you visit.  If there is room available in our guided tours bus we will let guests know the previous night which will give you the opportunity to explore other resorts such as Nozawa Onsen, Madarao, Tangram and Togakushi but only on a seat available basis)

 Optional Extras:

•  Extra nights and accommodation and ski passes

• Resort and side country guiding and tuition

• Ski and snowboard lessons

• Avalanche equipment rental

• Ski/Snowboard equipment rental and clothing

• Option to ski days at Rhuoo ski resort

• An interactive evening with a third generation Geisha performance

• A magic/comedy/interactive performance

• An interactive Karate performance and Taiko Drum/Shimansen guitar/Lion dance performance

• Ability to have a rest day if you wish and you can experience one of our three self-guided cultural days as outlined below (includes activites like snow monkeys, walk through ancient Shibu Onsen town, visit to Obuse town the home of the Hokusai Gallery, Zenkoji temple and the 1998 winter Olympic Museum)

 Please note: the Geisha performance, Magic show, Karate and Taiko performances are booked for our 10-day tours through the season so may not fall on your dates so please enquire for dates of these events if you wish to book them.  Daily guiding and lessons are on a space available basis and our pre packaged all inclusive tours have presidence.

Not Included:

• Flights

• Travel Insurance

• Lunch, snacks, alcohol or dinners

• Travel to and from Yudanaka

 Where is Hotel Omodaka Situated

Hotel Omodaka is a traditional Japanese hotel nestled in the township of Yudanaka (home of the world famous snow monkeys) at the base of Shiga Kogen.  Shiga Kogen is the largest and highest ski resort in Asia with 18 interconnecting resorts which can be accessed on the one pass via the public bus. The resort boasts an amazing panoramic view over the Nagano prefecture and has the benefit of being relatively free of any western influence giving you fresh tracks for longer as there is little competition for the powder snow.  

Yudanaka sits at 600 metres above sea level and is a central hub for many ski resorts to be visited from. The area is well known for its onsens (hot springs) and it is said that over 1300 years ago a monk who visited the area discovered the healing quality of the water and the popularity of the region grew so much that the Samurai would come to repair their bodies in the rejuvenating waters.  The other attraction to the area is the world-renowned snow monkeys who have learnt to keep themselves warm in the natural onsen water. Although the town is visited by foreigners to visit the snow monkeys you will find the town relatively free of westerners when you eat out in the evenings during the week as many just come on day journeys.  And let’s not forget the wide array of traditional eating houses in Yudanaka which serve fresh local and regional produce.  In the past few years, the restaurant scene has expanded to include a number of new eateries which have a mix of Japanese and Western food to suit every palette.  A walk through historic Shibu Onsen town (where the popular Japanese movie Spirited Away was based) is also a must with its quaint shops, temples, shrines, foot onsens and authentic architecture.

Although this package does not include any lessons, mountain guiding, equipment rental, avalanche gear or transfers from and to the airport, you can add these services or add days, so please enquire for a quote for your requirements.
For travellers wishing to join a fully inclusive guided tour please check out either the Nagano Beginner Package,  Japan Ski and Culture for Beginners and Novices,  Nagano Powder Chaser or Nagano Powder Zone.

About Hotel Omodaka

Hotel Omodaka, located in Yudanaka Onsen , has been loved by everyone as an inn with an open-air bath overlooking the Five Mountains of Hokushin . They offer a relaxing and peaceful time filled with the atmosphere of a hot spring . Owned and operated by an amazing family who make your time there a true authentic Japanese experience.

Rooms are larger than most in Yudanaka and predominately Japanese style. All twin/triple/quad share rooms come with private ensuite/bathroom and are Japanese-style with woven tatami floors and futon beds. The single supplement rooms come with toilets only and bathing is in the onsen complex.   All rooms have a flat screen TV, small fridge & kettle.  Your room also has a traditional Japanese wardrobe (Yakata), which is not mandatory to wear at this Hotel, although it is definitely comfortable attire after a day on the slopes.

Omodaka has a deluxe western room which are double the size of the Japanese style rooms at an extra cost and can house a maximum 4 people (2 x western beds and 2 x Japanese beds).   The Hotel has an indoor Japanese bathhouse (onsen) and outdoor hot spring (rotenburo) and there is also a sauna on sight which is rare in Yudanaka. The Hotel does not have clothes washing facilities however there is a public laundry a short walk away. 

Night-time meals are traditional multi-course Japanese cuisine served by your own private waiter in the hotel dining area. Breakfast (also included) is a buffet style mix of Japanese and Western dishes.  There are massage services available, free wi-fi throughout the Hotel, a bar and separate River Cafe that serves the best burgers in Japan (for those hankering for a non-Japanese meal), drinks vending machines, table tennis room and a souvenir shop.

Omodaka has a complimentary pickup and drop-off to and from the train station and they offer a free drop off at the snow monkey park 20 minutes earlier than the other accommodation in town so that you get the luxury of arriving at the park early, so you have the place to yourself for a length of time (it is a tourist attraction so gets busy).

 Self-Guided Cultural Excursions

 Here are a number of options for those that either have a scheduled rest day or for those that have ascertained they need to rest to lower the probability of injury.  We have a very rich cultural area with so many options that will give you that truly authentic Japanese ski experience that we at JPC Tours know are unique to this area and in our opinion cannot be replicated at any other ski resorts around Japan.  Maps and train schedules are all provided for these cool adventures.  Please Note: these are all achievable daily excursions; however you can chop and change them to suit how much time you would like to stay at each venue.

Option 1 (Snow Monkey – Shibu Onsen – Obuse Town)

8.30am leave from Biyu to snow monkey park on complimentary shuttle.  Walk to park through national forest.  Stop at Enza café at the start of the track after viewing monkeys for a hot drink and snack.  Walk to the Sake Museum then down through Shibu Onsen town (this area is over 1300 years old and is where the Samurai used to bath to rejuvenate and where the famous Japanese movie “Spirited Away” was based) then to the worlds tallest bronze Buddhist statue. Take the 12.31pm train to Obuse that arrives at 12.53 and a short walk to Obuse Town.  Visit the Hokusai Museum and explore this wonderful little town. Take the 17.11 train to arrive back at Yudanaka train station at 17.33.

Option 2 (Snow Monkey – Obuse Town – Zenkoji Temple in Nagano)

8.30 leave from Biyu to snow monkey park on complimentary shuttle.  Walk to park through national forest.  Stop at Enza café at the start of the track after viewing monkeys for a hot drink and snack.  Pickup at 10.20 from start of monkey park to be transported to train station to take the 10.50 train to Obuse that arrives 11.12 for a short walk to Obuse Town.  Visit the Hokusai Museum and explore this wonderful little town and have lunch at the many quality restaurants. Take the local 13.55 train from Obuse to arrive at Nagano 14.30.  Exit the train and make way your way to ground level on the west exit of station.  Take the Zenkoji bus to the temple.  Nagano is the only temple city in Japan which means the temple was built first and the city afterwards.  Purchase a ticket in the temple to do the underground chamber tour under the temple to find the gate to eternity and make sure you look in the large mirror when you exit to be born again.  Take the walk from the Zenkoji Temple to the train station (Many cool shops and restaurants along the way) and either travel back to Yudanaka on the 18.00 express train or dine in Nagano and take the 19.40 express train. 

Option 3 (Obuse Town - Zenkoji Temple and Olympic Museum in Nagano)

Take the 8.39 train from Yudanaka to arrive at Obuse at 9.14 for a short walk to Obuse Town.  Visit the Hokusai Museum and explore this wonderful little town.  Take the 11.12 or 11.56 express train from Obuse to arrive at Nagano either 11.36 or 12.30.  Exit the Yudanaka express train and make way to ground level on the west exit of station.  Time for lunch either at the Midori train complex or at the many street restaurants close to train station.  Take the Zenkoji bus to the temple from the west exit.  Nagano is the only temple city in Japan which means the temple was built first and the city afterwards.  Purchase a ticket in the temple to do the underground chamber tour under the temple to find the gate to eternity and also the ticket for the Zenkoji Museum which is behind the Zenkoji Temple.  Take the walk from the Zenkoji Temple to the train station (many cool shops and restaurants along the way).  Another great place to visit is the M-Wave which is where the Olympic Museum is and the long course speed skating facility which is still in operation.  An amazing building with the largest wood suspended ceiling in the world.  Would need to get a taxi from train station to this venue.  Option to take the 18.00 express train back to Yudanaka or stay for dinner in Nagano and get the 19.40 train from Nagano which arrives in Yudanaka at 20.29.  

Cameron Gough 53 ( Intermediate and Advanced Skiers) – Australia – January 2024 – Nagano Powder Zone

If like me, you’ve spent years skiing at crowded resorts with limited runs and come to think of ‘powder’ as a mystical concept reserved for ‘gods’ and ‘fairy tales’ then read on, if not, then read on.
We were a group of 8 skiers of mixed abilities (intermediate through advanced) who had a fantastic time. For me it was a triple AAA experience. What resonated most was not having to do any ‘thinking’ or ‘planning.’ Jase had everything sorted from dawn to dusk to optimize our skiing experience. We just needed to turn up on time for the morning shuttle. From there Jase and the team took care of everything - determining which ski fields, which runs, which cafes and when to call it a day. The guides kept in contact via walkie talkies calling out the best slopes allowing groups to move around the mountain to optimize the skiing.
The gear was top notch. Jase and the team took time to kit us out properly, answer questions, and explain how to carry the skis etc. We were lucky to be fitted with brand new powder skis – that never happened before!!
The guides were an absolute highlight. Super friendly, unreasonably patient, and able tutors. Whether you are after some ‘basic tips’ or a detailed ‘how to’ lecture grounded in textbook theory the guides will oblige. While I had no favorites, Naru deserves special mention. An unassuming local Japanese man of modest stature, he exuded rare mana and gravitas. With years of back country experience and deep-set eyes of penetrating wisdom he’s a bloke I’d like at my back if something ever went wrong! The group concept was very flexible. Depending on the day, ability, and conditions it was easy to move between groups whilst also keeping with my son, which was important. Jase rotated the guides around too meaning we got to ski with a different guide each day adding to the experience.
I like food a lot and a lot of it. The on-field restaurants were superb with a ton of well-priced delicious options to choose from– they left the staple NZ Ski field ‘stale pie and soggy chip’ for dead. Jase helped us with some excellent restaurant recommendations in the evening. The Sushi-Train was a blast, and the 2 x in-house dinners were quite an event offering a banquet of traditional Japanese cuisine.
Another positive was the injection of Japanese culture. The only other time I’d skied Japan was at Niseko. Whilst the skiing was great, from a cultural perspective I might as well have been in downtown Melbourne. This time round Jason peppered the tour with narrative, a Karate & Taiko show, Magic & Geisha performances, traditional music, lion dancing, temples, shrines, forest walks etc. Do as little or as much of it as you like but be sure to at least soothe your muscles with a daily dose of hydrotherapy in the traditional Japanese ‘Onsen’!
As for Jase. Well, he’s quite the character. I think he starts every day with at least 5 cups of dark roasted coffee and a happy pill. I’ve never met anyone with quite the energy, exuberance, and enthusiasm as Jason. He’s well planned, organized, attentive to the group’s needs and adds real personality to the tour. A lot of fun to be around.
As for that elusive concept known as ‘Powder’? Well, I’m pleased to say the weather gods obliged and Jason’s team found plenty for us. It was weird at first, but Jason’s simple directive ‘attack it Campbell like you own it’ had me growing in powder confidence in no time.
Go ahead and book a tour with ‘Japan Powder Culture Tours’- There’s zero chance you’ll regret it.

5 night - 4 Days skiing or snowboarding at shiga Kogen

5% of tours if booked before 31ST JULY 2024

tour cost

Single share Japanese style room with toilet  ¥179,000 per person

Twin share Japanese style room.  ¥159,000 per person

Quad share Japanese style room.  ¥149,000 per person

7 night - 5 Days skiing or snowboarding at shiga Kogen

5% of tours if booked before 31ST JULY 2024

tour cost

Single share Japanese style room with toilet  ¥219,000 per person

Twin share Japanese style room.  ¥199,000 per person

Quad share Japanese style room.  ¥185,000 per person

(Please ask for rates to upgrade to the deluxe western room.  Japanese accommodation holiday rates apply at Hotel Omodaka between 29th Dec 2024 and 4th Jan 2025 so please enquire)