Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station (about 80–110 minutes), then the direct Snow Monkey/Shiga Kogen express bus from the station’s east exit (roughly 45 minutes to the base areas). Door to door, budget around 2.5–3 hours.

Yes — areas like Ichinose have gentle, wide beginner terrain, and English-language lessons are available through Canyons’ Shiga Kogen Ski School. More advanced areas like Yakebitaiyama and Okushiga Kogen are better suited to intermediate and advanced skiers.

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is the standout non-ski activity, reachable on the same road as the ski areas. The resort also has several onsen and rest houses for a break between runs.

Accommodation is spread across the different base areas rather than one central village, so it’s worth booking near whichever zone (Ichinose/Central, Yakebitaiyama, or Okushiga Kogen) you plan to ski most — see Where to Stay above for specific hotels.

Some areas run night skiing during peak season — check the specific area’s schedule, as hours vary by zone and by month.