Shiga Kogen is known as one of the best places in Nagano-prefecture to view the autumn leaves.
Autumn arrives early here, with the colors usually starting to change from the higher elevation of Mt. Yokote (2307m) to lower mountains.
The gradation of vivid autumn leaves is breathtakingly beautiful. There are broadleaf trees like Japanese white ash, Japanese white birch, Japanese maple, Quercus crispula, and Japanese poison oak, also highland larch and birch.
The entire mountain is covered in color like a diorama of a brocade picture, showing us the power of nature.
The height difference between the summit of Mt. Yokote at an elevation of 2307m and Hasuike(Hasu Lake) and Maruike(Maru Lake) (at an elevation of 1500m) makes it possible to enjoy the autumn colors for a long period of time.
The entire highland is at its best in early October, when the autumn leaves are reflected on the surface of lakes and marshes such as Kido Pond, Hasuike(Hasu Lake), Biwaike(Biwa Lake), Maruike(Maru Lake), and Ichinuma(pond), and many photographers wait for the wind to stop blowing, which is a typical autumn scene at Shiga Kogen.
The best time to view the leaves is usually until late October.
The first snowfall is observed in mid-October at the earliest, and snow accumulates in November is the beginning of the winter season.
*The photos shown below were taken in the past. Please see them as impression.
Reproduction or use of any of the images on this page is strictly prohibited.
Autumn leaves viewing conditions(2022/11/8)
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
Fallen leaves
Kumanoyu・Kasagatake・Hiratoko
The spearpoint of the Shiga Kogen highland is called "Kasagatake" or "Kasadake". "Kasagatake" is used on topographical maps such as the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan and "Kasadake" is used by local people. It looks sharp from the Kumanoyu direction and looks round from the flat floor.
02
Fallen leaves
Ichinuma (Ichi Pond)
Known as the pond at the entrance to Shiga Kogen, Ichinuma used to be a watering hole for people and horses and cows on the Kusatsu Highway.Although it is located at an altitude of 1400m, the crimson sumac and maple trees reach their peak early as if they are telling us that the autumn leaves season is coming.
03
Fallen leaves
Kidoike・Tanohara Marsh
Kidoike(Kido Pond) is a clear and transparent pond surrounded by white birch and birch(Betula ermanii). The autumn leaves reflected on the surface of the lake are extremely beautiful!
04
Fallen leaves
Biwaike・Maruike・Hasuike
The best time for viewing, in the area around Biwaike(Biwa Lake), Maruike(Maru Lake, and Hasuike(Hasu Lake) at an elevation of 1400 to 1500 meters, is usually around October 10 every year.
05
Fallen leaves
Around Okushiga Kogen（Zakogawa）
Okushiga Kogen is located at the far end (north) of Shiga Kogen. Zakogawa(Zako River) originates from Mt. Iwasuge in Shiga Kogen and flows from Shiga Kogen to Akiyamago in Sakae Village. The Okushiga Kogen Forest Road is a beautiful driving course during the fall foliage season.
06
Beginning of fading
Kanman-waterfall
It is a 2-minute walk from the Kamandaki Waterfall Observatory parking lot along Route 292 (commonly known as the Shiga-Kusatsu Kogen Route) to the observatory. It is the seventh largest waterfall in Japan with a waterfall 107 meters high. The best time to take pictures of Kanmadaki is when the sun is shining in the west.
07
Fallen leaves
Yokoteyama・Shibutouge
The autumn foliage of Shiga Kogen is starting from Mt. Yokote at an elevation of 2307m. The view from the Shiga-Kusatsu Kogen Route, the highest point on the national highway, is spectacular.
08
Fallen leaves
Shijuhachiike・Onumaike
Onumaike(Onuma Pond), shining in cobalt blue or emerald green, is the largest lake in Shiga Kogen. It was created when a river was dammed by a lava flow from Mt. Shiga.