Summer Hiking & Nature
Off-season Shiga Kogen — alpine ponds, larch forests, Yokoteyama summer lift, and Maruike Marsh boardwalks
18 articles
Shiga Kogen Alpine Pond Circuit Hike: A Green-Season Walking Guide to Onuma, Shibu and the 48 Marsh Ponds
Discover Shiga Kogen's hidden alpine pond circuit — a serene walking trail that connects Onuma, Shibu, and the legendary 48 marsh ponds through pristine mountain terrain.
Karamatsu Golden Hour: Shiga Kogen's Late October Alpine Larch Window
For roughly 8-10 days each late October, Shiga Kogen's karamatsu forests turn the entire resort into a golden amphitheater — if you know when to look.
Shiga Kogen Autumn Foliage: Maruike Marsh Reflections & Best Viewing Spots
October transforms Shiga Kogen into a canvas of gold and crimson, with Maruike Marsh offering some of Japan's most stunning alpine pond reflections during the brief autumn peak.
Shiga Kogen Sky Fest 2025: Stargazing Event at Yama-no-Eki September 13-14
A two-day stargazing and dance festival comes to Shiga Kogen's Yama-no-Eki this September, featuring astronomy activities and professional dance performances.
Shiga Kogen Summer Hiking Trails: Maruike, Hasuike & Alpine Pond Circuit
The alpine pond circuit connecting Maruike and Hasuike offers some of Shiga Kogen's most accessible summer hiking, with boardwalk trails through wetlands and wildflower meadows perfect for families.
Yokoteyama Summer Lift: What to Expect, Blueberries, and the Japan Alps View
The Yokoteyama summer lift offers more than just transport — it's your gateway to wild blueberries, panoramic Japan Alps views, and the kind of mountain silence that makes you understand why locals return every summer.