Shiga Kogen is most famous for its ski slopes, powdery snow and winter activities–in fact, it is the largest ski resort in Japan. However, what is less known is that Shiga Kogen has much to offer during the off-season or “green season” as well.
If you visit Shiga Kogen during the summer, you can discover the breathtaking views of its exquisite mountain peaks, explore its over 40 lakes and ponds, challenge yourself with hiking and trekking, and even encounter wildlife such as wild monkeys (the famed “snow monkeys” in their natural habitat) and unique plant life that is part of the larger Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. Or, if you prefer to take it easy in the summer heat, you can go for a drive along the "highest road in Japan" that winds through these mountains, or go star gazing at night.
Best of all: visiting Shiga Kogen in the summer allows you to avoid the crowds of winter, and if you head out into nature, you can feel like you have the place all to yourself.
On this page you will find information about the best ways to enjoy the summer season in Shiga Kogen:
Where is Shiga Kogen?
Shiga Kogen sits 45km (1 hour drive) to the east of Nagano City and 280km (<5 hours drive) to the northwest of Tokyo. When people talk of Shiga Kogen, they are speaking of a mountainous area that includes Shiga Kogen Ski Resort and Shiga Kogen Highlands – a UNESCO Biopshere. The areas largely overlap and sit within the even larger Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. Given the size of the area, there are several ways to approach Shiga, however most international visitors will do so from the west, via Nagano Station. As a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, Nagano Station is easy to reach from Tokyo. Once there, express buses will take you onto the Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki (Mountain Station) – the most convenient transport hub in the area – and additional stops. Alternatively, the Nagano Dentetsu (Nagaden) train line will get you as far as Yudanaka Station, from where you can use local bus services or a taxi onto Shiga Kogen.
Best Summer Spots in Shiga Kogen
Shiga Kogen is made up of 24,986 hectares of land–so it can be difficult to choose where to go and what to see. Below are some of the best areas in Shiga Kogen to visit in the summer, whether you are interested in outdoor activities like hiking and trail running, or more relaxed activities like driving and sightseeing.
1/ ONIOSHIDASHI VOLCANIC PARK / mid-April to late November
Said to be the most active volcano on Honshu – Japan’s main island – Mount Asama is one of the few mountains in the country that people are not allowed to climb. At 2,568 metres above sea level, Asama broods at the southern end of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park and is best experienced at Onioshidahi Volcanic Park. The park is comprised of the Asama Volcano Museum – exhibiting information and displays about Mount Asama and the geography of volcanoes – and, most strikingly, an expansive natural ‘garden’ of immense boulders and rocks ejected from the volcano during its last major eruption in 1783. Walking trails now meander between the boulders making-up both short and long walking circuits. Thriving within and on those boulders, countless varieties of rare and unique alpine plants grow in an other-worldly landscape.
[START FROM NAGANO / KARUIZAWA ] Private - Unwind in Kusatsu Onsen
- Spots:
- NaganoKaruizawaKusatsu
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityKaruizawa
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityKaruizawa
If you want to explore Onioshidashi Volcanic park, as well as the surrounding hot springs in the town of Kusatsu, our Private Kusatsu Onsen Tour might be for you! Including private transportation, this tour will give you time to explore the volcanic park with its lava rocks and dramatic views of Mt. Asama in the background. Afterwards, you will visit Sai no Kawara Riverside Onsen Park in Kusatsu, learn about the history of this traditional hot spring town, before getting free time to explore the town and enter the hot springs yourself!
2/ ONUMA POND / mid-April to late November
Onuma Pond (or "Onuma Ike") and its surrounding wetlands were formed millennia ago when water was trapped by lava which once flowed from Mt. Shiga. The pond (or more accurately, lake) is 5.5 kilometers in circumference, and it is the largest lake in the Shiga Highlands. Because the water is strongly acidic, you won't find any fish in this pond, but the water is crystal clear and a striking cobalt blue color.
There is a 1.2-kilometer walking and boardwalk trail that circles the lake, crossing over the wetlands. At a leisurely pace, the trail takes about one hour to complete, and the first 300 meters are wheelchair accessible. This trail is perfect for those who want to spend some time in nature at a slow and relaxed pace, taking in the beautiful scenery.
3/ HIGASHITATEYAMA ALPINE BOTANICAL GARDEN / mid-June to mid-September
At an altitude of more than 2,000 meters above sea level, the Higashitateyama Alpine Botanical Garden is over 100,000 square meters in size and is home to over 500 species of rare alpine plants. There are multiple walking trails that crisscross through this unique landscape, including viewing paths for various flower beds that bloom at different times of year, and light hiking and trekking paths.
The park also contains 3 gondolas that function as ski lifts during the winter, but also operate during the off season, allowing you to take in the beauty of the surrounding mountains and the botanical park in full bloom. You can also find several scenic cafes in this park if you need to take a break from the summer heat!
4/ NATIONAL ROUTE 292 / May to mid-November
The Japanese National Route 292 is famous for being the "highest road in Japan" as it reaches an altitude of 2,172 meters above sea level, higher than any other point on any road in the country. Otherwise known as the Shiga-Kusatsu Kogen Route, this scenic alpine driving route winds through the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. Running from Kusatsu Onsen toward the Jigokudani Monkey Park an up through Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, the route offers visitors stunning views of scenic vistas including Mt Shirane, Mt Yokote and other scenic areas deep into the national park, as well as convenient access between these two amazing locations in Central Japan from the comfort of your own vehicle or from private transport!
5/ SNOW MONKEY PARK / year-round
The Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, famous for its monkeys that love to take baths in the hot spring during in the winter, is open year-round and the monkeys can be seen there nearly every day! The Jigokudani Monkey Park sits in the foothills of Mt Yakebitai of Shiga Kogen, but is only a one-hour bus ride from Nagano Station and definitely worth a visit. These unique monkeys and are not enclosed in the park, but are wild animals who live freely in the mountains. That being said, they are also accustomed to human visitors at the park, making for some great up-close experiences with them.
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
If you are interested in seeing these monkeys and learning more about the culture and history of Nagano, our Snow Monkey Tour may be for you! Operating year round, this tour will start with a guided tour of Nagano City's historic Zenkoji Temple including a Sake tasting, with lunch afterwards closer to the monkey park. Once you have finished eating, everyone will be off to the Snow Monkey Park to see what all of the fuss is about! Although there is no snow in the seasons outside of winter, the monkeys will still be in the park, and in Spring and Summer you can even see the cute newborn baby monkeys.
Summer Activities in Shiga Kogen
1/ HIKING AND TREKKING
Being a popular ski resort during the winter, it is no wonder that the mountains of Shiga Kogen make for some of the best summer hiking in Nagano. And best of all--visiting in the summer allows you to avoid to crowds of winter, getting the mountains all to yourself!
Here are some of the best hiking and trekking trails in Shiga Kogen:
1. The Lake Course
This course takes you on a lovely hike through the marshlands of Shiga Kogen, winding around several of its beautiful ponds and lakes, including Onuma Pond, Shibu Pond, and Shijuhachi marsh.
- Total time: 3.5 hours
- Distance: 9.6km
- Elevation gain: 360m
- Level: Medium
- Route: Hotaru Onsen bus stop→ Maeyama Summer Chair Lift to Maeyama marsh → Shibu Pond → Shijuhachi marsh → Onuma Pond → Onuma Pond entrance bus stop
2. The Sunshine Trail
This gentle trekking trail loops around three smaller and lesser-known ponds/lakes in Shiga Kogen. With mostly flat trails and boardwalks, this scenic trail is for all ages and can be enjoyed by those with disabilities and those in wheelchairs.
- Total time: 1.5 hours
- Distance: 3.9km
- Elevation gain: <100m
- Level: Easy
- Route: Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki bus stop → Biwa pond → Mizunashi pond → Ichinuma pond → Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki bus stop
3. Mt. Shiga Hiking Course
This hike will take you to the top of Mt. Shiga, at an elevation of 2,035 meters, where you can gaze out across the magical landscape of mountains, lakes, and ponds. This trail begins partway through the lake course, which means you can view the lakes of Shiga Kogen from above and below.
- Total time: 5.5 hours
- Distance: 12.6km
- Elevation gain: 300m
- Level: Difficult
- Route: Hotaru Onsen bus stop→ Maeyama Summer Chair Lift to Maeyama marsh → Shibu Pond → Mt. Shiga hiking trail entrance → Mt. Shiga summit → Shijuhachi marsh → Onuma Pond → Onuma Pond entrance bus stop
Of course, there are many other great hikes in Shiga Kogen, but these are 3 popular courses of different levels of difficulty. If you want more options, or if you are interested in booking a custom hiking tour with us, please feel free to contact us here!
2/ STAR GAZING
One of the best things about being out in the mountains and away from the city is being able to see the stars at night. Shiga Kogen has some great spots for star gazing, most of which are only accessible by car at night. If you are traveling in Shiga Kogen by public transit and want to enjoy stargazing in these spots, then we recommend finding lodging nearby or within walking distance.
Here are some of the best spots for star gazing in Shiga Kogen:
1. Highest Point of National Route 292
At 2,172 meters above sea level, this point on the road is marked with a stone monument and has a space to look out across the mountainous landscape below. At night, this is a perfect spot to view the expanse of stars in the sky.
2. Yokoteyama Drive-in
A rest stop on the side of National Route 292 with a restaurant and cafe, as well as a parking lot that overlooks the mountains, and the night sky.
3. Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki
Also functioning as a bus station, this rest stop or "Mountain Station" contains a restaurant, cafe, and a balcony looking out across the mountains and the sky.
3/ FESTIVALS
Taking place in the third week of August, the ‘Daija’ Festival is the most unique and popular festival in Shiga Kogen, which commemorates the legend of a serpent that is said to live in the waters of Onuma Pond. Having fallen in love with a beautiful princess, the serpent would disguise himself as a samurai but once discovered, Kurohime’s father forbid the relationship and tried to trick the giant snake. Let’s just say the story doesn’t end well… culminating in the serpent destroying her father’s castle and Kurohime throwing herself into the pond. This low-key local festival takes place of three days and includes traditional performances and fireworks.
4/ WATCH FIREFLIES
Late-July to the end of August sees Shiga Kogen’s ‘Ishi-no-Yu’ glow brightly in the night as Japan’s highest firefly breeding ground – 1650 metres above sea level – whirls into magical life. Visitors heading to Shiga to witness this remarkable sight are asked to refrain from using flash photography and avoid using bright lights, such as the screens of mobile phones, to avoid disrupting the fireflies. Should you wish to see the fireflies, we recommend booking a guesthouse nearby.
How to Get to Shiga Kogen?
If you are traveling from outside of Nagano, the easiest way to get to Shiga Kogen is from Nagano Station. Nagano Station is accessible by shinkansen (Bullet train) from Tokyo and other major cities.
If you are traveling from Tokyo, Osaka, Kanazawa, or a nearby airport, we have detailed information on how to get to Shiga Kogen on our How to Get to Shiga Kogen dedicated page.
Where to Stay in Shiga Kogen?
While most of Shiga Kogen's hotels operate only during the winter ski season, there are a few that stay open for the summer. Staying in one of these hotels during the off-season can be a unique experience because of the lack of people, meaning you can get discounted rates and more space to yourself.
The Hotel Grand Phenix Okushiga operates all year round, with the exception of May and November. With lovely rooms, meals at the hotel, and the views of the mountains all around you, this is a great choice to spend your summer vacation at!
Similarly, the Hotel Sunny Shiga is open for the summer, allowing guests to take advantage of the off season with discounted rates and spacious facilities.
Tours and Charters around Shiga Kogen
Headquartered in nearby Nagano City, Snow Monkey Resorts is ready to service all of your tour-based needs in the area. With a number of options for both group and private tours, as well as private charters, we are sure that we can make your vacation one you will remember forever!
Recommended
[START FROM SHIGA KOGEN] Private Snow Monkey Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyShiga Kogen
- Pick-up:
- Shiga Kogen
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakubaNozawa OnsenShiga KogenMadaraoMyoko
If you are staying in Shiga Kogen in the summer, this private tour will pick you up directly from your accommodation and take you to the Snow Monkey Park as well as historical Zenko-ji temple. With a guide and vehicle set apart for the whole day to tend to only your group, you can go at your own pace and have the guide's undivided attention. You may also store any luggage you have in the vehicle throughout the day, taking the hassle out of getting around.
If you are not in need of a guide and would like to make your own schedule, we also offer private charter services. With well trained and safe drivers, we are ready to bring you to and from the Shiga Kogen area from any point of your choice, including places as far away as Tokyo.
ICHINOSE/TAKAMAGAHARA (SHIGA KOGEN) → HANEDA AIRPORT
- Duration:
- 6-7 Hours
- Spots:
- Tokyo, Shiga Kogen
Booking a private charter can make traveling around Japan simpler and easier, especially for large groups, those traveling with small children, or travelers who don't want the hassle of carrying luggage on trains and other public transportation. Please contact us HERE for more information on pricing and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Shiga Kogen worth visiting in summer?
A: Yes, Shiga Kogen is a fun and exciting destination in the summer! With options like hiking and trekking, driving on scenic roads such as National Route 292, star gazing, summer festivals, and more--there is plenty to enjoy in the summer in Shiga Kogen.
Q: How can I get to Shiga Kogen?
A: Shiga Kogen is accessible by bus, car, or taxi from Nagano Station. You can get to Nagano station on the shinkansen (bullet train) from most major cities in Japan. We have a dedicated page here with details on how to get to Shiga Kogen.
Q: Is there hiking in Shiga Kogen?
A: Yes, there are several beautiful and well-maintained hiking trails throughout Shiga Kogen, including the Lake Course, the Sunshine Trail, and the Mt. Shiga hiking trail, among others!
Q: Are hotels open in Shiga Kogen in the summer?
A: While some hotels close for the summer in Shiga Kogen, other hotels such as the Hotel Grand Phenix Okushiga and Hotel Sunny Shiga stay open all year round!
Q: Are ropeways and gondolas open in Shiga Kogen in the summer?
A: Yes, many of Shiga Kogen's ropeways are open in the summer, including Higashidateyama Ropeway and Yokoteyama Chairlift, among others!
Q: Is it hot in Shiga Kogen in the summer?
A: Shiga Kogen does get hot in the summer, but is generally slightly cooler than surrounding areas because of the high altitude. In August, the average high temperature is 23 degrees celcius.