Nestled in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, Shiga Kogen is one of Japan’s most stunning destinations for viewing autumn foliage. As the season arrives early in this highland region, the vibrant colors begin to appear in the Mt. Yokote area around late September.
From there, the autumn foliage gradually descends into the lower valleys, creating a breathtaking gradation of color across the entire Shiga Kogen's mountain range.
The landscape transforms into a vivid tapestry of red, gold, and orange. Japanese maple, white ash, birch, Quercus crispula, and highland larch blanket the slopes, painting the scenery in rich, warm hues. It’s a natural masterpiece that must be seen to be believed.
The varying elevation between the mountain peaks and lower areas such as Hasuike and Maruike (around 1,500m) makes it possible to enjoy the changing leaves over an extended period.
Mid-October marks the height of the season, when the colors are at their most vibrant and reflected beautifully on the still waters of Kidoike, Hasuike, Biwaike, Maruike, and Ichinuma ponds. Photographers often gather in silence, waiting for the wind to calm and the perfect mirror - like reflection to appear - an iconic and peaceful autumn scene.
The foliage typically remains at its best until late October. Occasionally, the first snowfall arrives as early as early November, adding a delicate touch of white to the vibrant colors. By mid-November, the landscape begins to shift into its winter form.
Autumn in Shiga Kogen is a deeply moving experience, where the power and beauty of nature are on full display. Whether you're an avid photographer, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a moment of peace, this is a journey that will stay with you long after the leaves have fallen.
Autumn leaves viewing conditions(We will update once the foliage started!)
Best-time-for-viewing chart
- Fresh leaves = There are not or hardly falling foliage. It's before the best time to see.
- Beginning of coloring = Some of the leaves are just starting to change their colors. It's before the best time to see the leaves.
- Best time to see = Leaves have turned almost entirely to fall color.
- Beginning of fading = The condition in which the autumn leaves have passed their best time for viewing and are beginning to fade.
- Fallen leaves = Most of the leaves have fallen off after the best time to see them has passed.
01
Fresh leaves
Kumanoyu / Kasagatak / Hiratoko
Mt. Kasagatake, with its sharp peak, is a prominent feature of the Shiga-Kusatsu Highlands. It takes on a pointed shape when viewed from the Mt. Yokote or Kumanoyu areas, and it's a popular symbol of Shiga Kogen. When observed from Hiratoko, it appears more rounded and its appearance changes depending on the viewing angle.
02
Fresh leaves
Ichinuma Pond
Ichinuma, known as a pond at the entrance to Shiga Kogen, used to be a watering hole for people, cattles and horses traveling along the ancient Kusatsu Highway. It is located at an altitude of 1,400 meters, and during the autumn foliage season, the vibrant red leaves of Japanese lacquer trees (Urushi) and maple trees welcome visitors, almost like a harbinger of the coming autumn beauty, offering an early glimpse of the season's splendor.
03
Fresh leaves
Kidoike / Tanohara Marsh
Kidoike is a crystal-clear pond surrounded by birch and bamboo grass. Especially in the early morning, it often becomes calm and the reflection of autumn leaves on the lake's surface is truly a natural beauty! Tanohara Marshland offers a stunning contrast between the grassy red leaves and Mt. Kasagatake.
04
Fresh leaves
Biwaike / Maruike / Hasuike
Due to the difference in altitude, the autumn foliage progresses from Hasuike to Maruike and then to Biwaike. Typically, the best viewing times start around mid-October each year in the vicinity. The main tree species in this area are maple, birch, bamboo grass, Japanese mountain ash, and oak.
05
Fresh leaves
Okushiga Kogen (Zakogawa River)
Okushiga Kogen, located at the farthest northern end of the Shiga Kogen, is known for its picturesque surroundings. Zakogawa River originates from the Shiga Kogen Highlands' sacred mountain Mt. Iwasuge and flows from Shiga Kogen to Sakae Village's Akiyamago. During the autumn foliage season, the forest roads in Okushiga Kogen offer a stunning drive with breathtaking views.
06
Fresh leaves
Kanmandaki Waterfall
Located along National Route 292, also known as the Shiga-Kusatsu Kogen Route, Kanmandaki Waterfall is easily accessible with just a 1-minute walk from the observation deck parking lot (or less than 10 minutes forest walk from the Kanmandaki Waterfall bus stop). With a drop of 107 meters, it ranks as the 7th tallest waterfall in Japan. When capturing photographs of Kanmandaki Waterfall, it is recommended to visit during the afternoon when the sunlight hits, especially during the golden hours when the western sun casts its warm glow.
07
Fresh leaves
Mt. Yokote / Shibutoge
Shiga Kogen autumn foliage can be enjoyed from the vicinity of the summit of Mt. Yokote, which stands at an elevation of 2,307 meters. The view from the highest point of National Route, known as the "Shiga-Kusatsu Kogen Route," is truly breathtaking. If you're looking to enjoy a drive, cycling, and autumn foliage, this route is a must-visit.
08
Fresh leaves
Onuma-ike Pond / Shijuhachi-ike Wetland
Onuma-ike Pond, the most naturally preserved pond in Shiga Kogen, boasts a mystical emerald colour. It is the largest pond in Shiga Kogen. The pond-circling trekking course from Shijuhachiike Wetland is the most popular trail from summer to autumn.