Shiga Kogen Hotel Shiga Sunvalley
7,8/10 Very good - Based on 126 reviews
Shiga Kogen Hotel Shiga Sunvalley is a mountain lodging set directly beside the Sun Valley slopes of Shiga Kogen, offering easy ski-to-door access and a mix of Western and traditional Japanese-style rooms. Room types range from carpeted Western rooms with mountain views to tatami-style and mixed layouts that accommodate families; yukata robes and basic in-room amenities are provided. The property operates year-round for both winter skiing and green-season hiking, and its location places it within the broader Shiga Kogen recreational area in Nagano, making it a practical choice for visitors seeking a ryokan with onsen in Nagano while remaining connected to local trails and resort lifts.
Bathing facilities are centred on natural hot spring water delivered to sizeable public baths: guests can use indoor thermal pools and a semi-open-air bath that overlooks the surrounding highland forest. Baths are organised as large communal onsen with separate facilities for men and women and are described as spacious and restorative after a day on the slopes; the hotel supplies towels and recommends following standard onsen etiquette. This hotel functions as a ryokan with onsen in Shiga Kogen rather than a venue of private in-room hot tubs, so visitors looking for a communal onsen experience will find straightforward facilities designed for post-ski relaxation and seasonal views.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Shiga Kogen Hotel Shiga Sunval…
Positive Reviews
Warm, helpful staff
Many reviews highlight welcoming, attentive and accommodating staff who assist families and visitors (help with luggage, friendly reception and useful on-site services).
Large, relaxing onsen and bathing areas
Guests frequently praise the onsen/baths as spacious and enjoyable—great for relaxing after skiing—with lounge areas and facilities to unwind.
Excellent, varied meals
Dinners are repeatedly described as high quality and generous (daily changing menus, multi-course meals) and breakfasts are generally well received.
Fantastic ski location and services
The hotel offers ski-in/ski-out access, is next to the lift, and provides on-site ski hire and lockers; bus stops nearby and easy access around the ski area are noted as major positives.
Good value, comfortable traditional rooms
Guests appreciate value for money—especially with half-board—mentioning spacious, clean rooms, traditional Japanese atmosphere and cozy yutaka robes.
Negative Reviews
Property showing its age and needing refurbishment
Multiple guests note worn decor and public areas that need refurbishing; several comments describe the building and some rooms as run down or old-fashioned beyond preferred levels.
Plumbing, heating and facility maintenance issues
Reported problems include insufficient room heating, slow/noisy heaters, some onsen hand-showers not working, sauna out of order, plumbing concerns and occasional signs of mold in rooms.
Meal logistics and cost concerns
Some guests found dinner must be reserved in advance or only available as ordered (not buffet), breakfasts could run out early, and on-site meals/breakfast sometimes felt expensive if not pre-booked.
Remote location with limited nearby amenities
Several reviews mention the hotel is a distance from convenience stores and restaurants, few ATM options nearby, and advise carrying cash or planning for limited local services.
Limited English and occasional reception inflexibility
A few guests suggested better English-language support would attract more international visitors; isolated comments noted reception could be less accommodating in some situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from single and twin rooms to Japanese-style rooms with up to five futons and mixed tatami/bed rooms that can sleep around five to six guests; contact the hotel for large-group arrangements.
Yes — the property offers public indoor and open-air hot spring baths for guests to use; tattoos may be restricted in public baths and yukata robes are supplied.
No dedicated airport shuttle is listed; guests normally reach the area by public buses or trains and should contact the hotel directly to ask about any private transfer options.
Most guests travel via Nagano (Shinkansen) or Yudanaka Station: there are direct/express buses from Nagano to Sunvalley (about 60 minutes) and local buses from Yudanaka (around 25 minutes); plan onward connections from Tokyo airports to Nagano by train or bus.
Staff are reported as helpful and able to assist English-speaking guests to a reasonable degree, but guests with specific language needs should note them in advance.
The hotel serves a buffet breakfast and offers Japanese dinners at its restaurant; dinner seating requires advance reservation (guest notices request vegetarian/allergy needs at booking) and dining may be limited for late arrivals.
Pet accommodations are not listed among the hotel facilities; guests should contact the property directly if they need to bring a pet or require a special arrangement.
Only public indoor and outdoor onsen are detailed; private-bath options are not listed on standard information, so please inquire with the hotel if you need exclusive access.
The hotel sits on the Sunvalley ski area (ski-to-door), and is close to Biwa-ike and Ichinuma ponds, the Shiga Kogen Roman Art Museum and access points for the Snow Monkey area; on-site ski rentals, karaoke and a small shop are also available.
Standard check-in is 15:00–19:30 and check-out by 10:00; guests should check in by about 18:00 if they want the hotel dinner service, and arrivals after set check-in hours should be notified in advance.