Shiga Kogen Onsen refers to the hot spring areas scattered through Shiga Kogen, a highland region in northern Nagano Prefecture known for its broad plateau, forests, and mountain scenery. Rather than a single town, it is better understood as part of a larger resort area, where hot spring baths are woven into villages, lodges, and ski bases set at high elevation.
The appeal here lies as much in the setting as in the baths themselves. In winter, the onsen areas offer a natural counterpoint to Shiga Kogen’s ski slopes; in the warmer months, they sit close to walking trails, wetlands, and sweeping alpine views. It is a place that feels more spacious and subdued than many famous hot spring towns, with the rhythms of the mountains shaping the experience.
