Shiga Ichii Hotel
7,7/10 Very good - Based on 11 reviews
Shiga Ichii Hotel sits on a high plateau in the Ichinose area of Shiga Kogen, offering direct access to the ski terrain and a quiet mountain setting at roughly 1,650 m elevation. Located within walking distance of the Ichinose bus stop and the family slopes, the property is a practical base for winter sports and summer hiking alike; an express bus from Nagano station typically links the highlands with the city in about 1.5 hours. With its blend of tatami rooms and compact twin rooms, the hotel positions itself as a convenient ryokan with onsen Shiga guests can reach easily from nearby lifts and trails.
The accommodation comprises 50 rooms in total—predominantly traditional Japanese-style tatami rooms alongside a small number of western twin rooms—offering a choice of mountain-view (“outside”) or interior-facing (“inside”) layouts. Rooms are non-smoking, equipped with modern conveniences such as Wi‑Fi and washlet toilets, and some categories include private baths. Public bathing is provided through a man-made thermal system called Togoal Onsen, and the hotel also offers family/private bath options for guests seeking additional privacy, making it a practical ryokan with private onsen Nagano visitors will appreciate after outdoor activities. Ski lockers, coin laundry and luggage storage round out the mountain-resort essentials.
Dining focuses on local northern Nagano ingredients: seasonal vegetables, regional rice and meats are used in buffet and course formats depending on the season, complemented by local sake and craft beer selections. Beyond skiing, nearby highlights include the Jigokudani snow monkey area, scenic highland hikes and diverse trail access across the Shiga Kogen network, so the hotel suits skiers, families and walkers looking for a straightforward mountain-base with dining and bathing facilities tailored to post-activity relaxation.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Shiga Ichii Hotel
Positive Reviews
Good proximity to the ski area
Multiple reviewers praised the hotel's location near the slopes, making it easy to access the ski area and in some snow conditions allowing skiing down to the property.
Tasty, varied meals and buffet options
Guests enjoyed the breakfast and several dinners; the hotel offers a buffet with a variety of dishes and regular protein-focused options (e.g., salmon, mackerel), with new choices added across days.
Clean, comfortable traditional rooms and baths
Although described as older in style, rooms and bathing areas were reported as clean, comfortable and relaxing, with sufficient hot water and strong water flow.
Helpful, attentive staff and good guest support
Staff were frequently described as hospitable and observant of guests' needs — assisting with travel advice (e.g., snow tire requirement), accommodating late check-in, and providing helpful guidance.
Onsite ski-related amenities and practical facilities
The property offers useful amenities for skiers, including free lockers for ski/snowboard equipment in the lobby, ski rental on-site, an onsen under the hotel and lobby coffee for guests.
Negative Reviews
Not always truly ski‑in/ski‑out
At least one guest noted the hotel was advertised as ski‑to‑door but it was not fully ski‑in/ski‑out in their experience; proximity to lifts varied by room/location.
Some rooms felt dusty and poorly ventilated
A reviewer reported their room was dusty on arrival and that ventilation was difficult, indicating occasional housekeeping or ventilation issues.
Reservation/arrival handling problems
One guest experienced a booking error by the hotel that caused waiting at check‑in and an incompletely prepared room; they also found the booking platform information unclear.
Reception staff occasionally unfriendly
A reviewer mentioned that front desk staff lacked a smile and felt unpleasant, suggesting inconsistent front‑desk hospitality in some cases.
Facilities described as older/basic
Several comments noted that the hotel and onsen are older in style — while clean and functional, some guests perceived them as dated or modest rather than modern.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hotel has 50 rooms: 42 traditional Japanese rooms and 8 Western twin rooms. Japanese tatami rooms accommodate up to 4–6 guests depending on size, while twin rooms suit up to 2 guests.
Yes — the property offers a man-made hot spring called the Togoal Onsen with public bathing facilities. The onsen is presented as a traditional communal experience typical of mountain resort hotels.
The hotel lists shuttle service and is also served by the Nagano Dentetsu/Shigakogen express bus from JR Nagano Station; the bus journey to the Ichinose stop takes around 1.5 hours. Guests commonly combine the express bus with the short walk from Ichinose to the hotel.
Staff can assist in Japanese and English, and the property also lists Chinese among spoken languages. English-speaking staff are available to help with local directions and ski-area information.
Shiga Ichii is a mountain-resort ryokan on a 1,650 m plateau with ski-to-door access and an emphasis on local mountain cuisine. Expect a family-friendly, practical base for skiing, hiking and an authentic Shigakogen atmosphere.
The hotel has an on-site restaurant and bar and serves buffet breakfasts; dinner is provided as either buffet or set courses depending on guest numbers. Menus focus on local mountain ingredients and a mix of Japanese and international dishes.
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is a popular day trip (about 40 minutes by bus), and other regional highlights include Togakushi Shrine, Zenkoji Temple and the town of Obuse. The hotel’s central Shigakogen location also provides easy access to multiple ski areas.
From JR Nagano Station take the Nagano Dentetsu / Shigakogen express bus to Ichinose bus stop (approximately 1.5 hours), then walk a short distance to the hotel. During winter the hotel is also conveniently placed for local ski buses and slope access.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00. The front desk operates during daytime and evening hours to assist arriving guests.
Private or family baths are available for hotel guests and can be reserved at the front desk. Pets are not permitted. Ichinose has several restaurants and small shops; larger supermarkets and more shopping options are found in Yudanaka or other nearby towns down the valley.