Shiga Kogen
Yamanouchi · Nagano · Japan
980m
Vertical Drop
83
Runs
51
Lifts
600 ha
Skiable Area
1,000 cm
Avg Snowfall
Nov 2025 – May 2026
Season
Nearby town
Where workers live near Shiga Kogen
Closest first — click to see jobs & living info.
About
Japan's largest linked ski area with 21 interconnected resorts accessible on a single lift pass, set within Joshinetsu Kogen National Park in Nagano Prefecture. Shiga Kogen hosted giant slalom and slalom events at the 1998 Nagano Olympics. At elevations between 1,340m and 2,307m, it is Japan's highest resort area, ensuring excellent snow quality and a long season. The area is also gateway to the famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.
Terrain & Mountain Profile
Run Breakdown
Summit
2,307m
Base
1,340m
Vertical Drop
980m
Lift Breakdown
1
Gondolas
35
Chairlifts
15
Surface Lifts
Employment & Recruitment
Estimated Seasonal Staff
500–900
Main Employers
- Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel (Prince Hotels & Resorts)
- Hotel Ichinose
- Shiga Kogen Ski Area resort operations (multiple operators)
- Okushiga Kogen Hotel
- Yamanouchi town ryokans and hotels
- Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka Onsen ryokans
- Local restaurants and services
Common Seasonal Jobs
Languages Required
- Visa Requirements
- Working Holiday Visa available for many nationalities. Japanese language is very important as Shiga Kogen has minimal international infrastructure. Most positions are with Japanese employers. Some English-speaking roles exist at Prince Hotels properties.
- Recruitment Timeline
- Prince Hotels begins hiring in September. Local hotels and ryokans hire October–November. Limited English-speaking positions — apply early. Some positions found through Yamanouchi town tourism office.
Worker Amenities & Living
Staff Housing Available
- Cost of Living
- JPY ¥10,000–¥18,000 (food, transport, basics)
- Public Transport
- Shuttle buses between the 21 resort areas (free with lift pass). Bus from Nagano Station to Shiga Kogen (70 min via Nagano Dentetsu bus). JR Shinkansen to Nagano from Tokyo (80 min). Local buses to Yamanouchi and Yudanaka.
Staff Perks
- Multi-resort season pass (21 resorts on one pass)
- Staff meals at hotel employers
- Subsidized accommodation
- Onsen access in Shibu/Yudanaka
- Proximity to Snow Monkey Park
- Long season (November–May)
Local Life & Community
- Après & Nightlife
- Low-key and traditional Japanese. The on-mountain experience centres around hotel lounges and small bars. Down in the valley, Shibu Onsen is a magical atmospheric onsen town with 9 free public bathhouses and cobblestone lanes. Yudanaka Onsen offers more ryokan-style dining. Popular stops include the hotel bars at Prince Hotel and Ichinose. For nightlife, Nagano City is an hour's bus ride away.
- Healthcare
- Yamanouchi town clinic for minor injuries. Hokushin General Hospital in Nakano City (30 min). Nagano Red Cross Hospital in Nagano City (50 min) for major emergencies. National health insurance or travel insurance essential.
- Shops & Services
- Limited on-mountain shopping — hotel gift shops and a few convenience stores at resort base areas. Yamanouchi town has basic grocery stores and pharmacies. Larger shopping available in Nakano City or Nagano City.
- International Community
- Small — Shiga Kogen is overwhelmingly Japanese-oriented with very few international workers. Excellent for those seeking total cultural immersion but requires reasonable Japanese language ability for most roles.
Outdoor Activities (Non-Ski)
Nearby Towns
Yamanouchi
15 km awayHome to the famous snow monkeys (Jigokudani Monkey Park) and the gateway to Shiga Kogen — Japan's largest ski area. A traditional onsen town with a unique cultural edge.
Open Positions
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Browse all jobs at Shiga Kogen →Season
Nov 2025 – May 2026
Climate & Snow
- Winter Temps
- -14°C to -4°C
- Snow Reliability
- high
- Snowmaking
- 5% of runs
- Avg Snowfall
- 1,000 cm/yr
Location
36.7856°N, 138.5253°E
Nearest town: Yamanouchi