Ikemeguri trail, which means “ponds tour”, is the most iconic trail of more than 20 trails in Shiga Kogen. The distance is about 9.6km, time require is 3.5h and the elevation gain is 360m. It is pleasant walk for beginners and families, or those who wish to discover the natural beauty of Shiga Kogen. The highlights of this trail are the vibrant Onuma-Ike pond and Shijuhachi-Ike Wetland with its forty eight small ponds!
Go to the Suzurikawa bus stop and take the Maeyama summer lift from there. This lift takes you directly to Maeyama Wetland, saving you about 20mins of walking time.
Maeyama summer lift
The fine view of Kumanoyu ski resort welcomes you at the top of Maeyama lift.
Kumanoyu ski resort view from top of Maeyama summer lift
You will find Shibu Ike at the very beginning of this trail.
The pond was created by volcanic activity and there are several floating islands. Carnivorous plants called “Mousen-goke” mosses grow in clusters, and Japanese stone pines, which have been growing there since the Ice Age, still surround the pond.
Shibu-Ike Pond
Shijuhachi-Ike Wetland is the one of highlights of this trail.
As you walk along the wooden path across the wetland, you can observe many marsh plants and Japanese black salamanders living in the ponds.
Shijuhachi-Ike Wetland
After 60mins walk from Shijuhachi-Ike Wetland, you finally reach to the beautiful blue Onuma-Ike pond which is the biggest pond in Shiga Kogen. This photogenic deep blue pond attracts many hikers and photographers.
*There are restrooms at Rest house Emerald Onuma (only restrooms are available).
From view spot
Onuma-Ike Pond
As you get closer, the pond changes color.
Onuma-Ike Pond
The contrast between the red of Daija shinto shrine’s torii gate and the blue of Onuma-Ike pond is mystic, this is the iconic view of Shiga Kogen.
Onuma-Ike Pond and Daija Shinto Shrine Torii Gate
After enjoying the magnificent sceneries around Onuma-Ike pond, let’s go down to the bus stop. It takes about 90mins walk from Onuma-Ike Pond to Onuma-Ike Iriguchi bus stop. There are very limited numbers of bus operating during green season, so please check the timetables before coming.
🚌 Nagaden bus timetable for green season 2024: http://www.nagadenbus.co.jp.e.aaf.hp.transer.com/local/diagram/route.php?route=YDS02
🔍 Detailed infromaion : https://www.shigakogen.gr.jp/english/green/trekking/trekking_course08.html
🚙 How to access “Ikemeguri Trail” by car : https://www.shigakogen.gr.jp/english/topics/how-to-access-ikemeguri-trail-by-car.html
Shiga Kogen MAP
https://www.shigakogen.gr.jp/PDF/2024_MAP_eng.pdf
