Shiga Kogen is a hiker’s paradise with more than 20 trails ranging from the mountainous regions at an elevation of 830m to the sub-alpine zones at over 2,300m. Trekking season starts generally around middle of May and continues to the end of October.
The trails in Shiga Kogen are categorized into three different types:
- Walking Paths
- Nature Discovery Trails
- Mountain Trails
In Shiga Kogen, bears are known to appear, so it is recommended to carry something that makes noise, such as a bear bell, to avoid encounters. (Please avoid playing music through speakers!) Additionally, try to avoid traveling alone and instead, move in groups whenever possible.
Shiga Kogen Trekking Map : https://www.shigakogen.gr.jp/english/green/trekking.html
Nature Topics : https://shizenhogo-center.shigakogen.gr.jp/topics/
Summer Lift Information : https://shigakogen-ski.or.jp/summer/lift/index.html
LATEST UPDATE
| Course/Map | Latest Condition | Comment | Remarks | |
| ① | Mt. Yokote Panorama Course | Shibutoge lift is operating: 20 to 31 May Skylator and Sky lift will operate: From 1 June |
Easy access with Sky-Lator and 3rd lift. | |
| ② | Sunshine Trail | Walkable | The path around Biwa-ike Pond is paved. | MAP |
| ③ | Mt. Asahi Mountain Climbing Course | Walkable | A quick 30mins walk from the base to the summit. | MAP |
| ④ | Okushiga White Birch Garden Course | Passable | This trail runs through a beech and birch forest. | MAP |
| ⑤ | Okura Shindo Course | Walkable | Masses of soft windflowers are splendid in early spring. | MAP |
| ⑥ | Shinanoki Course | Walkable | The Giant Shinano-ki tree is magnificent. | MAP |
| ⑦ | Babbling Brook Course | Walkable | This trail go through a Japanese char native species protection area. | MAP |
| ⑧ | Pond Tour course | Walkable Maeyama lift will operate from June 15th |
This is the most iconic trail in Shiga Kogen. | MAP |
| ⑨ | Shimizu Shindo | Walkable | This trail goes to primaeval forests toward Kido-ike Pond and Hasu-ike Pond. | MAP |
| ⑩ | Nature Exploration Course | Walkable | This short trail offers a variety of landscapes. | MAP |
| ⑪ | Magatama no Oka Course | Walkable | This trail on a slope created by Shiga-yama’s lava flows has many ups and downs, abundant giant rocks and trees. | MAP |
| ⑫ | Toge no 33 Kannon Course | Walkable | This trail carefully preserves thirty three (Sanju-san) Kannon statues. | MAP |
| ⑬ | Mt. Shiga Mountain Climbing Course | Walkable | Primitive forests and plenty of flowers. | MAP |
| ⑭ | Mt. Yakibitai Climbing Course | Walkable | At the summit, the Chigo-ike Pond and a broad wetland are surrounded by trees, with wooden paths for walking. | MAP |
| ⑮ | Mt. Iwasuge Mountain Climbing Course | Walkable Higashidateyama Gondola will operate from June 15th. |
The most popular trail in Shiga Kogen. | MAP |
| ⑯ | Mt. Kasagatake Mountain Climbing Course | Walkable | This mountain is the symbol of Shiga Kogen. | MAP |
| ⑰ | Mt. Hachi / Mt.Yokote Climbing Course | Walkable | You can take a lift to Yokote-yama summit. | MAP |
| ⑱ | Mt. Akaishi Mountain Climbing Course | Walkable | The summit offers expansive views of Onuma-ike Pond below. | MAP |