Aspen Shiga
8,5/10 Excellent - Based on 162 reviews
Aspen Shiga sits within the Shiga Kogen highlands, offering direct access to nearby chairlifts and slopes from the property. The lodge combines Japanese and Western room types—tatami rooms with futons alongside twin‑bed options—and provides in‑room heating, flat‑screen TV, refrigerator and complimentary Wi‑Fi. Shared spaces include a dining room where breakfast and winter lunch service feature freshly baked breads and seasonal ingredients, a small shop, a fireplace lounge and on‑site rental for skis and snowboards, making it a practical base for both winter sport and summer hiking.
The property is centered on a natural hot spring drawn from a high‑altitude source; the water is delivered from the source at very high temperatures and then adjusted for bathing in indoor thermal baths. Aspen Shiga operates communal bathing facilities that observe standard Japanese onsen etiquette, with washing areas before soaking and gender‑separated bath spaces. For travelers seeking a traditional bathing experience united with mountain access, it functions as a ryokan with onsen in Shiga Kogen, offering restorative soaks after a day on the slopes or trails.
Meals follow a house‑style approach with daily menus and seasonal specials, and the kitchen is noted for its freshly prepared pastries and apple‑based desserts in season. Practical services include a shuttle from the nearby bus stop on request, luggage assistance, coin laundry and family rooms with flexible bedding configurations. Positioned close to multiple ski areas and regional nature attractions, the property serves as a convenient ryokan with onsen in Nagano Prefecture for travelers prioritizing slope access, simple comforts and communal hot spring bathing.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Aspen Shiga
Positive Reviews
Unbeatable ski‑in/ski‑out location
Many guests highlight the hotel's position directly on the slopes with chairlift/gondola access steps from the front door, making it extremely convenient for skiing and quick access to the Giant area.
Friendly, attentive staff and management
Multiple reviews praise the genuine, helpful and accommodating staff and management who assist with arrangements, lend local knowledge and create a welcoming, homely atmosphere.
Onsen (hot springs) and relaxing facilities
The onsen is frequently mentioned as a highlight — clean, pleasant and a great way to relax after skiing. Guests appreciated access to communal baths and drying/storage facilities for ski gear.
Good breakfasts, bakery and daytime meals
Breakfast buffets, the onsite bakery and daytime lunch options receive consistent praise (fresh bread, varied choices, good lunches and tasty local dishes). Many reviewers specifically liked the morning selection and lunch restaurant.
Ski services and comfortable rooms
Facilities for skiers (equipment rental, waxing, ski hire and easy purchase of lift passes at the hotel) are valued. Rooms — especially family tatami rooms — are described as spacious, clean and comfortable with traditional Japanese character.
Negative Reviews
Limited evening dining options and dinner logistics
Guests warn that gondolas/gondola service stops in the late afternoon, so evening dining choices off‑site are minimal. Many visitors must eat at their hotel and note limited alternatives after lift hours.
Dinner cost and limited buffet choices
Several reviewers found dinner expensive (around ¥3000 for adults cited) and said evening buffets can feel overpriced for the quality. Some also said dinners can be repetitive over multiple days.
Buffet food often served cold or repetitive
A number of guests reported that buffet items (breakfast and especially dinner) were sometimes cold, repetitive after a few days, or lacking hot options and variety — improvements to food temperature and rotation were suggested.
Unreliable Wi‑Fi/mobile signal
Some reviewers experienced weak or inconsistent Wi‑Fi and poor mobile reception in the area, which was an inconvenience for guests who need reliable connectivity.
Shared bathrooms / no private showers in some rooms
Several guests noted some room types lack private showers or bathrooms, requiring use of shared facilities or the onsen. This was inconvenient for families with small children or guests who prefer private bathing facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms come in Japanese-style and Western options; family-style Japanese rooms sleep up to four on futons while twin rooms suit two guests. Contact the property to confirm specific room layouts for larger groups.
Yes — the ryokan uses Shigayama Onsen, a natural source-flowing sulfur spring with an indoor public bath. The bath runs most of the day and the water colour can vary; there are no private or reservable baths.
The property offers pick-up/drop-off from the nearest mountain bus stop (Yama-no-Eki / Hasuike) on request. Guests should notify the ryokan of their expected arrival time to arrange pickup.
Typical routes are shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano followed by an express or local bus to the mountain station (Yama-no-Eki), or overnight airport/long-distance buses that stop in Nagano. Check schedules in advance and inform the ryokan so they can advise or arrange pickup.
Japanese is the primary language, but staff can provide basic assistance in English and other languages at times. If you need detailed support in a specific language, notify the property before arrival.
Check-in is generally from 15:00 with arrivals requested by around 22:00; check-out is by 10:00 (seasonally 09:30 in summer). Please inform the ryokan of any late arrival plans.
Private/reservable baths are not available at this property and pets are not permitted on the premises. The onsen and facilities are communal for guests.
The ryokan has a small on-site shop and dining options; the nearest convenience stores and larger shops are in Yudanaka or Shibu Onsen, roughly a 10–20 minute drive away. Plan for supplies if you expect to be in the mountains for extended periods.
The on-site Restaurant Aspen serves breakfast and seasonal lunch items and offers dinner on request, with an emphasis on homemade bread and local ingredients. Meal availability can be seasonal, so confirm arrangements when booking.
Aspen Shiga fronts the Shiga Kogen ski area and is a convenient base for skiing and hiking; Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, the hot-spring towns of Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen, and scenic ponds and trails are short drives away. The ryokan can advise on nearby routes and seasonal attractions.