Autumn is a time of true beauty in Japan. The high temperatures of summer have dissipated yet the days remain pleasantly warm while the evenings are cool and crisp. As we move further into autumn, the landscape is beginning to transform and it won’t be long until it’s awash with colour – a rich mosaic of red, yellow, amber and brown.
As featured in our recent blog – #SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: Nagano in Autumn – ‘Koyo’ Season Will Soon Be Here!’ – the beautiful leaves that in many ways define the season, come to Nagano earlier thanks to its higher elevation.
Located in the quiet enclave of Yamanouchi, the upper reaches of Shiga Kogen and Kita-Shiga Kogen will be some of the earliest areas to enjoy the beauty of the leaves – an experienced best enjoyed using one of three ropeways that will remain open until late-October.
Part of the broader Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, the ropeways of Higashidateyama and Yokoteyama in Shiga Kogen, and the Skyland Express Ropeway in Kita-Shiga Kogen can be accessed using public transport from Yudanaka Station.
All three offer outstanding views and ascend to walking trails that take visitors through some of the earliest and best ‘koyo’ spots in Nagano.
Our ‘Explore Yamanouchi – Home of the Snow Monkeys’ page is a great place to start when planning your visit to both Shiga Kogen and Kita-Shiga Kogen – including tips on where to go, what to do, accommodation and how to get there through all seasons of the year.
So time to get planning! We’re heading into one of the most beautiful times of year and with the ‘Go To Travel’ campaign now in full-swing, it really is a great time to visit Nagano and Central Japan
‘Go To Travel’ Campaign
As our recent blog outlined, foreign residents and Japanese citizens are currently eligible for big savings under the national ‘Go To Travel’ campaign – discounts of 35% 50% off you travel costs!
For full details regarding what’s involved and what’s on offer, see our ‘#SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: What is Japan’s ‘Go To Travel’ Campaign?’ blog article or head straight to our ‘What is Japan’s ‘Go To Travel’ Campaign’ page.
For complete overview of current deals available to foreign residents, please refer to our ‘Travel Japan: Offers & Deals’ page.
We hope this page is helpful in understanding what you’re entitled to and helping your explore and discover more in Nagano and Central Japan.
Many shinkansen fares including the Hokuriku Shinkansen running from Tokyo to Nagano (and onto Kanazawa) are also heavily discounted – up to 50% of the regular price! Another reason to get planning and book your trip to Nagano.
This information is provided as part of our ‘Clean Green & Healthy’ campaign, allowing you to plan and book your future travel to Japan with peace of mind.
Blessed with some of Japan’s most pristine and beautiful natural landscapes, Central Japan is the perfect place to escape the congestion of the city and the worries of daily life, and get back to your true nature.
Snow Monkey Resorts: Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator
When planning and booking your trip to Central Japan, it’s important that you can do so with confidence that your intended destinations will be both enjoyable and safe.
As Nagano’s No.1-rated tour and charter operator, we offer a range of services including group tours, private tours and private charters to help you get the most out of your time in the region.
We can arrange transport to and from any destination in the region, with a customised itinerary to suit your travel needs.
Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from any destination including to the best spots to see the stunning autumn leaves.
Vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.
We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of that experience and help you discover even more!
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Nagano and Central Japan.
Got a question about visiting Nagano and Central Japan this autumn? Feel free to contact us and let’s get planning together!
