Once winter arrives in Shiga, you might be led to believe that there is nothing worth doing but hibernating till the spring cherries blossom once more. But Shiga is an all-season kind of place- so no resting on your laurels, Shigans!
Skiing and Snowboarding
Kunizakai & Makino
Snowfall in Shiga can be sporadic at times, but you can be almost sure that there will be snowfall in the north. Shiga’s northern areas – Nagahama and Takashima – have more regular annual snowfall, making them the perfect place for snow related fun.
Makino, in Takashima, has a famous ski resort called Kunizakai, a 20-minute bus ride away from Makino station - a mid-sized ski resort one can enjoy all ski (or board) season, from mid-November till early March.
You can get here via the JR Biwako line bound for Omi-Shiotsu (Transfer to the JR Kosei line for Makino).
Okuibuki
An alternative ski resort, Okuibuki can be found a tad north of Maibara and offers its unique skiing (and boarding) experience. A little more family friendly with easier and wider slopes, there is still enough in Okuibuki to test the seasoned skier/boarder.
Showshoeing - Shoeing
If exerting yourself and battering your body with fresh snow atop ski resorts isn’t your cup of tea, a more calming winter activity we recommend is snowshoeing. This activity can be done over a full day or half day (subject to snow cover).
Snowfall in Shiga can be sporadic at times, but you can be almost sure that there will be snowfall in the north. Shiga’s northern areas – Nagahama and Takashima – have more regular annual snowfall, making them the perfect place for snow related fun.
Makino, in Takashima, has a famous ski resort called Kunizakai, a 20-minute bus ride away from Makino station - a mid-sized ski resort one can enjoy all ski (or board) season, from mid-November till early March.
You can get here via the JR Biwako line bound for Omi-Shiotsu (Transfer to the JR Kosei line for Makino).
Okuibuki
An alternative ski resort, Okuibuki can be found a tad north of Maibara and offers its unique skiing (and boarding) experience. A little more family friendly with easier and wider slopes, there is still enough in Okuibuki to test the seasoned skier/boarder.
Showshoeing - Shoeing
If exerting yourself and battering your body with fresh snow atop ski resorts isn’t your cup of tea, a more calming winter activity we recommend is snowshoeing. This activity can be done over a full day or half day (subject to snow cover).