Japan Ski Guide: Ryuoo Ski Park in Shiga Kogen

On my recent trip to Nagano, Japan, I chose several ski resorts in Shiga Kogen, and from a scenic perspective, Ryuoo is my top recommendation. Ryuoo, also known as Ryuoo Ski Park, reaches a height of 1,930 meters. I recommend starting at the Skyland area at the summit, which features three ski trails: A, B, and C. I skied all of them. The Skyland area at the summit is less crowded, has great snow, and offers the best views in Shiga Kogen, being above the sea of clouds. The most famous trail, the Kiotoshi Route, is named for its 39-degree steep slope, where even logs roll down the mountain. With a super long cable car that holds 150 people, a 6-kilometer ski trail, and magnificent snow scenery, you can truly enjoy skiing here. The resort boasts the world's first scenic cable car and the Sora Terrace café at the summit. I was lucky to see the sea of clouds during my visit, making the trip worthwhile even without skiing. Nearby is Shibu Onsen, the inspiration for the bathhouse in 'Spirited Away,' where you can stay if you decide to ski at Ryuoo. It is recommended to rent a car or drive to Ryuoo Ski Park, as the only other option is the ski resort shuttle bus. 🚌: Take the Nagano Electric Railway from Nagano Station for 50 minutes to Yudanaka Station, where you will find the Ryuoo Ski Park shuttle bus stop. The bus runs every hour, so remember the return time. It's about a 20-minute ride to Ryuoo Ski Park. 💰: A full-day ski pass is 5,200 yen, and after 1 PM, you can buy a half-day pass for 4,200 yen, which includes unlimited cable car rides. If you're not skiing, you can purchase a scenic ticket for 4,000 yen for adults and 2,000 yen for children, which includes a round-trip snow vehicle ride from the entrance to the cable car station and a round-trip cable car ride to the Sora Terrace café. 💰 Ski equipment and lift pass: Full-day pass is 9,600 yen, half-day pass is 7,600 yen, including rental of ski wear and snowboard. 🎿 At the foot of the mountain, there is a children's playground and a beginner's area where free snowboards are provided for children to play. Note that the beginner's area is only open until 2 PM. Address: 11700 Yomase, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture. Open period: Daytime: December 4, 2021 – April 3, 2022; Nighttime: December 25, 2021 – March 20, 2022. Business hours: Daytime: Weekdays 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Nighttime: Weekdays 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Saturdays 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Tips: Japan's only Dimito flagship store is located in the Ryuoo ski equipment hall. #NaganoSkiing #NiigataSkiing #RyuooSkiing #ShigaKogen #ShigaKogenSkiResort #Japan #JapanTravel #JapanSkiing #Skiing #Snowboarding #Ski