Shiga Kogen is known as one of the best places in Nagano-prefecture to view the autumn leaves. Autumn arrives early here, with the colours usually starting to change from the higher elevation of Mt. Yokote (2,307m) 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 colour 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 2,307m and Hasuike (by the way, ike means lake or pond in Japanese) and Maruike (at an elevation of 1,500m) make it possible to enjoy the autumn colours for a long period of time.
The entire highland is at its best in mid-October, when the autumn leaves are reflected on the surface of lakes and marshes such as Kido Pond, Hasuike, Biwaike , Maruike, and Ichinuma, 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 images.
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Autumn leaves viewing conditions(28 April 2024)
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・Kasagatake・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 the Shiga Kusatsu Highlands. When observed from Hiratoko, it appears more rounded and its appearance changes depending on the viewing angle.
02
Fresh leaves
Ichinuma
Ichinuma, known as a pond at the entrance to the Shiga Kogen Highlands, 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）
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' Mt. Iwasuge and flows from the 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, Kamman Waterfall is easily accessible with just a 1-minute walk from the observation deck parking lot. 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
Yokoteyama・Shibutouge
The 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
Shijuhachiike・Onumaike
Onumaike, the most naturally preserved pond in the Shiga Kogen, boasts a mystical emerald colour. It is the largest pond in the Shiga Kogen. The pond-circling trekking course from Shijuhachiike Wetlands is the most popular trail from summer to autumn.