Shiga-kogen Highlands志賀高原

A botanist's dream with more than 500 varieties of alpine plants. A popular skiing and winter sports location.

The Shiga-kogen Highlands area is in the northeastern part of Nagano. Formed by volcanic activity, it has a mountainous landscape that is studded with more than 70 ponds and marshes. From spring to fall, more than 500 types of alpine plants bloom in the area, creating an uplifting spectacle.

Visitors can experience Shiga-kogen's natural wonders first-hand at Higashi-Tateyama-kogen Shokubutsu-en (alpine plant park). The park's most noteworthy attractions include orange-yellow day lilies that bloom from mid to late July. Another local attraction is the Yokoteyama Observation Deck, which at 2,305 meters above sea level is Shiga-kogen's highest point. Accessible in just about 10 minutes using the Skylator (escalator) and the Natsuyama Lift, it affords views of Shiga-kogen, the Kusatsu-onsen Hot Spring area, the Northern Alps, and even Mt. Fuji.

Thanks partly to the 1998 Winter Olympics, the Shiga-kogen Highlands are also known as a venue for skiing and other winter sports. The nearby Yudanaka-Shibu-onsen-kyo Hot Spring Village and natural hot springs located in the Shiga-kogen Highlands are perfect places for tired visitors to relax after sports, nature walks, or other activities.