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Information

Hiking Trails Latest Information

Shiga Kogen is a hiker’s paradise with more than 18 trails ranging from the mountainous regions at an elevation of 830m to the sub-alpine zones at over 2,300m. Trekking season starts generally around middle of May and continues to the end of October.
 

CONTENTS

  1.     Overview
  2.     Trail Map
  3.     Trail Latest Information
  4.     Bus Timetables
  5.     Know Before You Go

 

Overview

Shiga Kogen is part of Joshin’etsu National Park, meaning all aspects of its precious natural environment, including trails, flora and fauna and landscapes are protected.
Here are some useful links that provide valuable information to help you fully enjoy our natural environment while minimizing your impact on it. By following these guidelines, you can experience the beauty of nature responsibly and ensure its preservation for future generations.

▶ Ministry of the Environment: Manner Book
▶ Nagano Prefecture: Notice and information
▶ Nagano Police: Mountain Information

The trails in Shiga Kogen are categorized into three different types:

  • Walking Paths
  • Nature Discovery Trails
  • Mountain Trails

With a wide variety of trails ranging from beginner to advanced, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Take in the breathtaking scenery that can only be experienced in Shiga Kogen. Some trails are easily accessible by gondola, lift, or even a ‘Skylator’—a moving walkway built along the mountainside!

Asian black bears are known to appear in Shiga Kogen, so it is recommended to carry something that makes noise, such as a bear bell, to avoid encounters. (Please avoid playing music through speakers!)
For your safety, we recommend traveling alone. Always move in groups whenever possible.

 

Trail Map


 

Trail Latest Information

Trail Category:

Easy
Intermediate
Advanced

1. Mt. Yokote Panorama View Walk ▼

Description: Enjoy a stunning view from an elevation of 2,307 meters with a comfortable lift ride.
Latest Condition: Closed
Nearest Bus Stop: Nozoki (K30/lower end) or Shibutoge (K31/upper end)
Remarks: Skylator and Sky lift will open from 23 April to late October / Shibutoge Romance Lift is operating from early July to late October
Lift Price: Return tickets for both Skylator & Sky lift and Shibutoge lift: ¥2,000/adult and ¥1,700/child
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2. Sunshine & Mizunashi-ike Pond Trail ▼

Description: Take a leisurely nature walk along the well-maintained trail around Biwa-ike pond.
Latest Condition: Open
Nearest Bus Stop: Sun Valley (S15)
Remarks: Wheelchair friendly.
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3. Mt. Asahi Trail ▼

Description: An easy hiking course with an elevation difference of about 100 meters.
Latest Condition: Open
Nearest Bus Stop: Sun Valley (S15)
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4. Small Brook Trail ▼

Description: Spot the elusive native Iwana trout in its natural habitat.
Latest Condition: Open
Nearest Bus Stop: Takamagahara (S22), Ichinose (S24), Ichinose Ski Resort (S25), Prince Hotel West Bldg. (S27)
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5. Giant Shinanoki Tree Trail ▼

Description: The giant Shinanoki tree, one of the largest in Nagano, is truly captivating.
Latest Condition: Closesd
Nearest Bus Stop: Ichinose Ryo (S26), Prince Hotel West Bldg. (S27)
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6. Ikemeguri Trail ▼

Description: The most iconic trail in Shiga Kogen features the stunning turquoise waters of Onuma-ike Pond and the Shijuhachi-ike Wetland.
Latest Condition: Closesd
Nearest Bus Stop: Onumaike Iriguchi (S19/northern end), Hotaru Onsen (K26/southern end)
Remarks: Maeyama lift operates on weekends and public holidays from 14 June to 19 October 2025 (8:45-12:00), with daily operation from 12 July to 17 August. (8:45-16:00) Fee is ¥600/adult, ¥400/child.
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7. Nature Discovery Trail ▼

Description: Immerse yourself in the heart of Shiga Kogen’s natural beauty and experience its highlights all in one place.
Latest Condition: Open / Snow Remaining
Nearest Bus Stop: Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki (S18/north end), Shindai Shizenkyoiku-en (K20/midpoint), Kidoike (K22/south end)
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8. Okushiga White Birch Garden Loop Trail ▼

Description: Experience the soothing atmosphere of the beech and birch forests.
Latest Condition: Closesd
Nearest Bus Stop: Okushiga Kogen Hotel (S34)
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9. Shimizu-Shindo Trail ▼

Description: Stroll through the serene, untouched ancient forest trails.
Latest Condition: Closesd
Nearest Bus Stop: Onumaike Iriguchi (S19/east end), Shindai Shizenkyoiku-en (K20/west end)
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10. Okura-Shindo Trail ▼

Description: The early spring clusters of Soft Windflower (Anemone Flaccida) are stunning. Since the trail is a little confusing, a detailed map or GPS is needed.
Latest Condition: Closesd
Nearest Bus Stop: Hoppo Onsen (S21), Takamagahara (S22), Takamagahara Ryo (S23)
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11. Magatama Hill Loop Trail ▼

Description: A primeval forest trail dotted with massive volcanic rocks.
Latest Condition: Closesd
Nearest Bus Stop: Shindai Shizenkyoiku-en (K20)
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12. Sanju-san Kannon Historic Trail ▼

Description: An ancient sacred trail lined with 33 Kannon statues, offering a peaceful journey.
Latest Condition: Open
Nearest Bus Stop: Sun Valley (S15/upper end), Snow Monkey Park (S12/lower end)
Remarks: Goshuin book (Stamp collecting book) is available at the Shiga Kogen Tourism Association office.
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13. Mt. Shiga Trail ▼

Description: Explore a pristine forest teeming with a variety of wildflowers.
Latest Condition: Closesd
Nearest Bus Stop: Kidoike (K22/west end), Onumaike Iriguchi (S19/north end), Hotaru Onsen (K26/south end), Nozoki (K30/south end)
Remarks: Maeyama lift operates on weekends and public holidays from 14 June to 19 October 2025 (8:45-12:00), with daily operation from 12 July to 17 August. (8:45-16:00) Fee is ¥600/adult, ¥400/child.
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14. Mt. Yakebitai Trail ▼

Description: At the summit, you’ll find Chigoike Pond and expansive wetlands.
Latest Condition: Closesd
Nearest Bus Stop: Prince Hotel West Bldg. (S27/south end), Okushiga Kogen Hotel (S34/north end)
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15. Mt. Iwasuge Trail ▼

Description: The Shiga Kogen’s longest (and challenging!) hiking trail.
Latest Condition: Closesd
Nearest Bus Stop: Hoppo Onsen (S21/using the gondola to the top of Mt. Higashidate then start trekking), Takamagahara (S22/with ascendig the slope of Mammoth Ski Area), Ichinose Ryo (S26/extra 15 minute walk to the trailhead)
Remarks: REGISTRATION OF A CLIMBING PLAN IS REQUIRED. Mt. Higashidate gondola return ticket: ¥2,000/adult, ¥1,100/child
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16. Mt. Kasagatake Trail ▼

Description: Hike up Shiga Kogen’s symbol mountain!
Latest Condition: Closesd
Nearest Bus Stop: Kumanoyu (K25), Hotaru Onsen (K26)
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17. Mt. Hachi / Mt. Yokote Trail ▼

Description: The summit of Mt. Yokote is accessible by lift.
Latest Condition: Closesd
Nearest Bus Stop: Hotaru Onsen (K26/west end), Nozoki (K30/south end)
Remarks: Sky-lator + Sky lift operate from 23 April to late October 2025. (¥2,000/adult, ¥1,700/child)
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18. Mt. Akaishi Trail ▼

Description: From the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the largest pond in Shiga Kogen, Onuma-ike.
Latest Condition: Closesd
Nearest Bus Stop: Onumaike Iriguchi (S19), Hoppo Onsen (S21/using the gondola to the top of Mt. Higashidate then start trekking), Takamagahara (S22/with ascendig the slope of Mammoth Ski Resort), Hotaru Onsen (K26/using the Maeyama lift)
Remarks: Maeyama lift operates on weekends and public holidays from 14 June to 19 October 2025 (8:45-12:00), with daily operation from 12 July to 17 August. (8:45-16:00) Fee is ¥600/adult, ¥400/child.
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Express/Shuttle Bus Timetables

Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki will be closed from 7 to 9 May. (Closed on Tuesdays) The restroom is available at the Shiga Kogen Nature Conservation Centre across from Yamanoeki.
Shiga Kogen Nature Conservation Centre is open every day 9:00 – 16:00.

 

Know Before You Go

On the trails with your dog(s)

As Shiga Kogen is located within the national park, we kindly ask all visitors to help protect its natural environment. This includes taking responsibility for cleaning up after yourself and your pets, and being mindful of others — some people may not be comfortable around dogs, for example. Please respect both nature and your fellow hikers so that everyone can enjoy this beautiful place.
 

Alpine Plants Blooming

In the highlands of Shiga Kogen, alpine flowers begin to bloom around June. From tiny delicate blossoms to vivid striking blooms, these unique and beautiful flowers are unlike anything you’ll see in the city. If you’re looking for a truly special experience in Japan, we warmly invite you to visit Shiga Kogen. For your reference, we have a list of the alpine plants that you can find in Shiga Kogen!

At the Higashitateyama Alpine Plants Garden, easily accessible by gondola, you can enjoy breathtaking views. (And admission is free!) For more information about the lift, please check here.
 

Wild Animals

Shiga Kogen is home to a wide range of wildlife, including Japanese hares, red foxes, macaques, serows, and even Asiatic black bears. If you’re very lucky, you might just spot an ermine – a rare treat, even for the locals!

In these quiet forests, birds sing cheerful tunes and insects gather around delicate mountain flowers. Every creature here plays its part in a vibrant, living landscape – all made possible by the beautiful natural surroundings.

To help protect these animals and their delicate habitat, please keep the following in mind:

  1.  Do not feed or touch wild animals. Avoid making loud noises if you see them.
  2.  Be sure to keep your distance while taking pictures of animals.
  3.  Do not pick plants.
  4.  Stay on marked hiking trails (plants here are very delicate).
  5.  Be sure to take all your rubbish with you.
  6.  Use a bear bell and avoid hiking alone whenever feasible.
  7.  Drive carefully — animals may cross the road unexpectedly.
  8.  Strict rules apply to stream fishing. Please inquire in advance.

 

Public Toilets

There are several free public toilets available throughout Shiga Kogen, including near many of the walking trails. Be sure to check where the nearest one is before you start your hike!
Please note: Bringing household waste is strictly prohibited. In Japan, there is a shared cultural mindset to keep public spaces clean for everyone. We kindly ask that you use the facilities with respect for both the environment and those around you.


 

Carparks

Renting a car and driving yourself can also be a fun way to explore, but please be sure to drive safely!
Parking in Shiga Kogen is free of charge. However, please note that some parking areas are reserved exclusively for guests staying at nearby accommodations. Make sure to check the map before you park.

As these are free public parking lots, the Shiga Kogen Tourism Association and related operators are not responsible for any theft, damage, or accidents. Please park at your own risk.

If your vehicle becomes immobile due to mechanical issues, please contact JAF or your rental car provider directly.
 

Restaurants and Shops

Unlike the bustling winter season, when Shiga Kogen is filled with visitors enjoying the finest powder snow, the green season offers a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
It’s also a time when local restaurants and hotels staff get to enjoy a well-deserved break. Please note that each restaurant sets its own business hours and regular closing days, so we recommend contacting them directly before visiting.

You can find a list of restaurants and shops available in Shiga Kogeni in summer via the link below.

 

▼ Don’t forget to use the SHIGAKOGEN NAVIGATOR! ▼

Inquiries via Telephone

TEL.
0269-34-2404
FAX.
0269-34-2344

Please call between 8:30~17:00/ Available all year round (Subject to temporary closures)

Inquiries via Email

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