SHIGA KOGEN
SKI & SNOWBOARD LESSONS
2026-27 Winter tour and lesson bookings now open!. Book your spot now!
With consistent snowfall averaging over 12 metres each winter, Shiga Kogen is one of Japan’s best ski destinations, famous for its dry, powder snow and Japan’s largest interconnected ski area.
At Canyons Shiga Kogen Ski School, we offer premium private ski and snowboard lessons across multiple resorts within the region giving you access to an incredible variety of terrain and some of the best skiing in Japan.
Our experienced international instructors provide personalised, one-on-one coaching for all ability levels from first-time skiers learning the basics to advanced riders refining their technique or exploring off-piste and backcountry terrain. Whether you book a half-day, full-day, or guided backcountry tour, you’ll receive expert instruction focused on safety, progression, and fun in a supportive environment.
Experience the ultimate Shiga Kogen adventure and unlock your full potential with Canyons’ world-class instructors, local expertise, and unforgettable powder conditions.
Shiga Kogen Lessons at a Glance
Private lessons: one price per instructor for up to 6 people of a similar level
3-hour morning ¥45,000 · 3-hour afternoon ¥36,000 · 6-hour full day ¥75,000 · Premium Full Day with hotel pick-up ¥90,000
Half-day lessons in the Central and Yakebitai areas; full days can use every Shiga Kogen ski area
All levels, taught in English by international instructors. Skiing from age 3, snowboarding from age 6
Also available: private snowshoe tours and backcountry tours (15 Jan – 15 Mar). Lift tickets, rentals and insurance not included
EVENT INFORMATION
Shiga Kogen - The Women's Ski Week 2027
16 February - 22 February 2027
Join a group of women from around the world to experience the magic of Shiga Kogen for 6 nights, 7 days!
Why Canyons?
Highest rated Snowsports school in Central Japan - see our reviews
For over 25 years, Canyons has been delivering world-class ski and snowboard experiences in Japan. We specialise exclusively in private lessons, providing premium, tailored instruction with no additional cost for groups of up to six people, perfect for families and friends who want to learn together.
In Shiga Kogen, full-day lessons can use every ski area in the region, so your instructor can follow the best snow across Japan’s largest ski resort, from beginner-friendly Ichinose to the higher-altitude runs of Yakebitaiyama and Okushiga.
Our backcountry guides are fully certified mountain professionals, ensuring every adventure is both safe and unforgettable. Meet the crew here (Always check instructor certifications when booking a tour)
NEED HELP?
EMAIL: Shiga@canyons.jp
PH/Whatsapp: (+81) 070-1452-3934 (9-17 JST, December - April)
PRIVATE LESSON & RESORT GUIDING
MORNING
3 Hours
Great for the early risers who are looking to get the freshest pow and the most out of their morning
Central and Yakebitai areas
¥45,000 per instructor
09:00 - 12:00
Up to 6 people
AFTERNOON
3 Hours
Ideal for beginners, intermediates and those who want a relaxed morning
Central and Yakebitai areas
¥36,000 per instructor
13:00 - 16:00
Up to 6 people
FULL DAY
6 Hours
The ability to have ample time to explore the resort and build technique
All ski resorts within the Shiga Kogen region
¥75,000 per instructor
09:00 - 16:00 (1 hour lunch)
Up to 6 people
PREMIUM FULL DAY
6 Hours
A Premium full day is up to 6-hours of lesson with an instructor that is able to provide extra support on and off the snow and flexible timings (resort lift dependent)
All ski resorts within the Shiga Kogen region
¥90,000 per instructor
09:00 - 17:00
Pick-up and drop-off from your local accommodation
Assistance with rentals
Up to 6 people
BACKCOUNTRY TOUR
Full Day (private only)
A wide range of touring options from scenic tree runs to high alpine zones. With varied elevations and expansive backcountry access, routes can be customised to suit the skill and fitness level of your group.
Pick-up and drop-off from your local accommodation
Jan 15th - March 15th
¥120,000 JPY private tour - price based on a 4 person tour
¥30,000/extra person (max of 6 people)
08:00 - 16:00
For all BC enquiries please click here
SNOWSHOE TOUR
Private guided tour
No skis or snowboard needed. Explore Shiga Kogen's quiet snowy forest and mountain views on a private guided snowshoe tour, with routes to suit your group's pace and experience.
3-hour private course: ¥33,000 (+¥11,000 per extra hour)
1–6 people, minimum age 6
Guide, insurance, snowshoes and poles included
Morning (9:00) or afternoon (13:00) start
See the full snowshoe tour details for the Higashidate Yama and Naga Pond courses.
Lesson Information
Ski lesson minimum age is 3 years old, snowbaord lesson minimum age is 6 years old
Lift tickets and rentals are not included in the price.
So that all participants get the most out of their lesson, please ensure that all participants in a private lesson are of a similar ability, and either ALL ski or ALL snowboard.
Young children and adults learn at a different pace and in different ways, so we recommend that all participants in a private lesson are of a similar age.
INSURANCE: The price of the lesson does not include accident insurance. Please obtain travel insurance to cover snowsports and all participants. We recommend ALL lesson participants have travel insurance. You can purchase Japan travel specific insurance here:
World Nomads
SHIGA RESORT GUIDE
Unsure which resort to pick?
To help you make the most of your snow holiday with Canyons, we’ve put together a Shiga Resort Guide. Whether you're planning your first visit or returning for more powder, this guide will help you choose the best resort for your needs.
Click here to explore the resorts and start planning your perfect snow experience!
The Ultimate Launchpad: Hotel Shiga Ichii
To truly conquer Japan’s largest interconnected ski area, you need the perfect location. Hotel Shiga Ichii offers unbeatable proximity in the vibrant, central hub of Ichinose. By making this cozy alpine hotel your home away from home, you secure the ultimate ski-in, ski-out convenience alongside instant access to Canyons' premier international ski school coaching.
Access Information
Traveling to Shiga Kogen is easy and efficient, whether you're coming by train or car. The fastest route is to take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Nagano Station, which takes around 1.5 hours. From Nagano Station, frequent direct buses run to Shiga Kogen and take approximately 70–90 minutes, depending on your final destination within the resort area.
If you're traveling by car, take the Joshinetsu Expressway and exit at Shinshu-Nakano I.C. From there, it’s about a 45-minute scenic drive to Shiga Kogen. Most ski areas offer parking near the slopes, with some fees during weekends or peak periods.
Come and visit us in person at our front desk
Shiga Ichi Hotel, 7149 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan
Shiga Kogen Ski Lessons FAQ
Prices, ages, ski areas and booking for private lessons in Shiga Kogen
Need more Information?
Find answers to common questions in our FAQs
Not sure about your ski or snowboard level?
Check our ability level guide to find the right lesson for you
Insurance:
The price of the lesson does not include accident insurance. Please obtain travel insurance to cover snowsports and all participants. We recommend ALL lesson participants have travel insurance.
Lift passes and rentals:
Lift tickets and rental are not included in the price and are to be prepared before the lesson start time.
Meeting places:
Please note our primary meeting locations. Your specifc meeting point will be clearly stated in your lesson confirmation email
Main Location: Shiga Ichii Hotel
Alternative Location: Ichinose Family Ski Area
Need help finding us? If you have any questions regarding your meeting location or logistics, our team is here to help. shiga@canyons.jp
Ready to book?
Submit your booking request here
Please feel free to contact us with any other questions you may have and we will be happy to help at shiga@canyons.jp