Shiga Kogen is known as one of the best places in Nagano-prefecture to view the autumn leaves.
Autumn arrives early here, with the colors usually starting to change from the higher elevation of Mt. Yokote (2307m) 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 color 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 2307m and Hasuike (Hasu Lake) and Maruike (Maru Lake) (at an elevation of 1500m) makes it possible to enjoy the autumn colors for a long period of time.
The entire highland is at its best in mis October, when the autumn leaves are reflected on the surface of lakes and marshes such as Kido Pond, Hasuike (Hasu Lake), Biwaike (Biwa Lake), Maruike (Maru Lake), and Ichinuma (pond), 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 impression.
Reproduction or use of any of the images on this page is strictly prohibited.
Autumn leaves viewing conditions(6/November/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
Fallen leaves
Kumanoyu・Kasagatake・Hiratoko
Mount Kasagatake, with its sharp peak, is a prominent feature of the Shiga Kusatsu Highlands. It takes on a pointed shape when viewed from the Yokoze Mountain 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
Fallen leaves
Ichinuma (Ichinuma Pond)
Ichinuma, known as a pond at the entrance to the Shiga Highlands, used to be a watering hole for people traveling along the Kusatsu Highway and for cattle and horses. It is located at an altitude of 1400 meters, and during the autumn foliage season, it welcomes visitors with the vibrant red leaves of Japanese lacquer trees (Urushi) and maple trees, almost like a harbinger of the coming autumn beauty, offering an early glimpse of the season's splendor.
03
Fallen leaves
Kidoike・Tanohara Marsh
Kidoike pond 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 Wetland offers a stunning contrast between the grassy red leaves and Mount Kasagatake.
04
Fallen leaves
Biwaike・Maruike・Hasuike
Due to the difference in altitude, the autumn foliage progresses from Hasuike to Maruike and then to Biwa Pond. Typically, the best viewing times start around October 10th each year in the vicinity. The main tree species include maple, birch, bamboo grass, Japanese mountain ash, and oak.
05
Fallen 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 Highlands' Iwasugayama and flows from the Shiga Highlands to Sakae Village's Akiyamago. During the autumn foliage season, the forest roads in Okushiga Kogen offer a stunning drive with breathtaking views.
06
Beginning of fading
Kanman-waterfall
Located along National Route 292, also known as the Shiga Kusatsu Kogen Route, Kanman Falls is easily accessible with just a 1-minute walk from the Kanman Falls Observation Deck parking lot. With a drop of 107 meters, it ranks as the 7th tallest waterfall in Japan. When capturing photographs of Kanman Falls, it is recommended to visit during the afternoon when the sunlight hits the falls, especially during the golden hours when the western sun casts its warm glow.
07
Fallen leaves
Yokoteyama・Shibutouge
The Shiga Kogen autumn foliage can be enjoyed from the vicinity of the summit of Yokote Mountain, 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
Fallen leaves
Shijuhachiike・Onumaike
Oonumaike, the most naturally preserved pond in the Shiga Kogen, boasts a mystical emerald color. It is the largest pond in the Shiga Kogen. The pond-circling trekking course from Shijuhachi-ike Wetlands is the most popular trail from summer to autumn.