Daily from June to October
Heads up: July gets lively with school groups – guides may be in high demand!
Welcome to Shiga Kogen.
A natural stage where each season shines in its own quiet way.
As part of Joshin’etsu Kogen National Park, this highland is home to ancient forests and rare wildlife. Though well-known, it remains calm, peaceful, and deeply connected to nature.
June: Fresh green breezes awaken the forest.
July–August: Wildflowers bloom in silent harmony.
September: Autumn gently approaches.
October: The mountains burn bright with color.
We’re your local guides, here all year round – companions who know these mountains by heart.
Take a deep breath. Feel the connection – to the forest, to Japan, and to this shared planet.
The door is open.
Bring your sense of wonder and step into Shiga Kogen!
Tour Highlights👈Click
Guided by Local English-speaking Guides: Enjoy a tour led by experts familiar with the area.
Animal sightings: They are rare, but you can enjoy spotting birds and listening to their calls.
Free Photos: All photos taken during the tour are yours to keep.
Tailored Routes (for private tour): Choose a route that fits your time and fitness level.
Meeting Point: Right across from “Yamanoeki,” Shiga Kogen’s main bus terminal.
Location: Situated within the Joshin’etsu Kogen National Park.
Which Tour Is Right for You? Private or Group? 👈Click
The Private Tour – a fully customised experience for you and your group.
Enjoy a bespoke experience tailored just for you!
This tour is ideal for you if:
- You are visiting with your family, especially if you have elementary school-aged children
- You’d like to go where you want, when you want
- You have other interests beyond hiking, like taking photos or videos, or enjoying a picnic or spotting birds and observing native vegetation
Group Tours – choose from five unique tours that run on fixed schedules and are open to everyone.
Join others on a popular route!
This tour is ideal for you if:
- You’d like to share the experience with new people
- You can arrive on time for the meeting
- You’re a solo traveler looking for a cost-effective option over a private tour
Please Note:
・The group tour includes other participants. So, please help us by arriving on time. If you are late, we may not be able to wait for you.
・The hiking pace will be set to match the slowest participant. If you prefer to walk at your own pace, we recommend booking a private tour.
Who Can Join? 👈Click
Open to all nature lovers! Suitable for ages 6 to 80, but feel free to contact us if you’re confident in your fitness.
However, please note that age restrictions may vary slightly depending on the course, so do check the details for your preferred option.
Essential Items to Bring 👈Click
✓ Appropriate clothing for the season
✓ Hiking boots (or shoes with a textured sole for better grip, if you don’t have hiking boots)
✓ Hat with a brim or Cap
✓ Sunglasses (available hire, but cannot be worn over prescription glasses)
✓ Sunscreen
✓ Rain jacket and pants
✓ Drink (no water refill stations on the trail)
✓ Snacks
✓ Personal medication
✓ Lunch (only for full-day tours)
✓ Warm clothing (temperatures can drop suddenly)
✓ Rubbish bag
✓ Backpack
Optional Items to Bring 👈Click
✓ Spare footwear (can be left at our office)
✓ Spare clothing (can be left at our office)
✓ Trekking poles (available for hire)
✓ Insect repellent (especially for June and July)
✓ Gloves
✓ Towel
Available Items for Rent 👈Click
✓ Trekking Poles
✓ Sunglasses (Not suitable for wearing over glasses)
✓ Gaiters (Limited sizes available)
Important Information 👈Click
– Booking in advance required for all tours
– Sorry, we don’t provide transport. You can find the bus timetable here (click)
– If your accommodation makes it difficult to arrive on time, let us know when booking, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
– Cash payments only
– Please arrive ready with all necessary items for immediate departure
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Your adventure, tailored to your every wish! Private Tour
Private Tour – a fully customized experience for you and your group.
Enjoy a bespoke experience tailored just for you!This tour is ideal for you if:
- You are visiting with your family, especially if you have elementary school-aged children
- You’d like to go where you want, when you want
- You have other interests beyond hiking, like taking photos or videos, or enjoying a picnic or or spotting birds and observing native vegetation.Tour Time Choose any time between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM.
As a private tour, you can set the time that suits you best!Tour Price 
*The prices are per person.
*Children aged 12 and under receive a discount of ¥2,000 from the adult price.
*For routes above 2,000m in altitude, an additional ¥2,000 per person will apply.When You Book Please first select the “estimated duration” of your hike and proceed with the booking.
After that, we will ask you a few questions within the booking form to help us customise the route and duration to suit your preferences.Note: The duration may vary depending on the route and your preferences, but rest assured we will adjust it accordingly to accommodate your needs.
Coming soon
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The Trail That Defines Shiga Kogen! Ikemeguri Tour
Discover two of Shiga Kogen’s most scenic highlights on this unforgettable hike – the Shijuhachi-ike Wetlands and the brilliant blue Onuma-ike Pond.
Starting at 1,800m, we’ll follow well-maintained trails through peaceful subalpine conifer forests, taking a break at the wetlands. After a gentle climb to the highest point at 1,920m, the trail descends towards Onuma-ike Pond – a perfect spot to relax and enjoy your packed lunch. From there, a gradual downhill path leads us to the finish.
Although the full route takes around 3.5 hours non-stop, we walk at an easy pace with breaks and nature interpretation along the way – expect about 5 to 6 hours in total.
*Note: The tour usually begins with a chairlift ride to the trailhead. Outside of the lift season, this section is walked.
Information Lift Operation Period: 14 June to 19 October
Estimated Time: Approx. 5 – 6 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: ⤴ 350m / ⤵ 480m
Best Season: June to October【Make it a full day of discovery】
＋ ③ Nature Discovery Tour ＝ The Big Scenic Circuit Tour (TBA)Meeting and Ending Point Meeting Point: Shiga Kogen Guide Association Tour Desk at 8:45 AM
Ending Point: Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki bus terminal at 2:30 PM or 3:40 PM
Price per Person Adult: ¥7,000
Child (10–12 yo): ¥5,000Includes: English-speaking guide, chairlift ride, round-trip bus fare, and insurance
*A discount will be offered if the chairlift is not in operation.Tour Itinerary TBA
Notes ・There are two toilets along the trail, but they may be closed in early spring and late autumn.
・If the chairlift is not operating, the hike will start from the Hotaru Onsen bus stop, with an uphill walk of about 20–30 minutes (100m elevation gain / 1km distance)Coming soon
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Let's Uncover the Many Wonders of Shiga Kogen! Nature Discovery Tour
Step into the heart of Shiga Kogen’s natural wonders on this unforgettable trail – a perfect introduction for first-time visitors and a refreshing rediscovery for returning nature lovers.
Wander through a spectacular variety of landscapes: six sparkling ponds, four peaceful wetlands, sweeping highland meadows, ancient forests, scenic boardwalks, and even ski slopes transformed into summer walking paths.
There’s something magical around every corner, no matter the season.The tour starts high at Kido-ike and gently winds down to Hasu-ike, following an easy-going path with few ups and downs.
You’ll have plenty of time to take in the views, enjoy a relaxed pace, and soak in the beauty with your guide.This trail can be done in two hours non-stop, but with a guide and relaxing breaks, we take our time – about three hours of nature, stories and views.
Information Estimated Time: Approx. 3 hours (with breaks)
Distance: 4.1km
Elevation Gain/Loss: ⤴ 95m / ⤵ 235m【Make it a full day of discovery】
＋ ② Ikemeguri Tour ＝ ⑤ The Big Scenic Circuit Tour (TBA)
＋ ④ Sanju-san Kannon Historic Trail Tour (TBA)Meeting and Ending Point Morning Tour
Meeting Point: Shiga Kogen Guide Association Tour Desk at 8:45 AMEnding Point: Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki bus terminal at 12:00 PM
Afternoon Tour
Meeting Point: Shiga Kogen Guide Association Tour Desk at 1:00 PMEnding Point: Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki bus terminal at 4:30 PM
Prices per Person Adult: ¥5,000
Child (6–12 yo): ¥4,000Includes: English-speaking guide, one-way bus fare, and insurance
Tour Itinerary TBA
Notes ・There are two toilets along the trail, but please note they may be closed in early spring and late autumn.
Coming soon
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A Peaceful Trail Where History and Nature Come Together Sanju-san Kannon Historic Trail Tour
This trail begins at Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City, passes through Shibu Onsen and Shiga Kogen, and ends in Kusatsu Town, Gunma. Once an essential route for trade, pilgrimages, and access to hot springs, it holds deep historical and cultural significance.
Along the way, 33 statues of Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, were placed to protect travellers. These statues still stand today, quietly watching over those who pass by.
Our tour follows the mountain section of this ancient route, starting at the 33rd statue and descending to the first. It’s a gentle walk, perfect for enjoying both nature and history at a relaxed pace.
Information Estimated Time: Approx. 3 hours
Distance: Less than 9.5km
Elevation Gain/Loss: ⤴ 20m / ⤵ 685m
Best Season: June and October
Note: This route can become quite warm and humid in the summer due to its lower altitude.【Make it a full day of discovery】
＋ ③ Nature Discovery Tour (TBA)Meeting and Ending Point Morning Tour
Meeting Point: Shiga Kogen Guide Association Tour Desk at 9:00 AMEnding Point: Undokoen Iriguchi bus stop (S13) at 12:00 PM
Afternoon Tour
Meeting Point: Shiga Kogen Guide Association Tour Desk at 1:00 PMEnding Point: Undokoen Iriguchi bus stop (S13) at 4:00 PM
Price per Person Adult: ¥5,000
Child (6–12 yo): ¥4,000Included: English-speaking guide, one-way bus fare, insurance
Tour Itinerary TBA
Notes ・There are two toilets along the trail, but please note they may be closed in early spring and late autumn.
・As the trail is in a lower elevation area, it can become quite warm and humid, though most of the route is shaded by trees.Coming soon
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Perfect for the Fit! A Scenic Challenge Across Four Unique Trails The Big Scenic Circuit
In response to the enthusiastic requests from our guests, we’ve created this exclusive adventure! This is a challenging tour designed for those who love long walks, available only in English.
The route covers the iconic Ikemeguri Trail, one of Shiga Kogen’s most famous trails,and also incorporates the untouched, pristine sections of the Nature Discovery Trail. You’ll also explore hidden gems like the Hyotan-ike Trail and the moss-covered Shimizu-Shindo, making this an epic circuit!
This tour does NOT involve any peak hunting – perfect for those who prefer long, scenic walks. Along the trail, you’ll experience the rich natural variety of Shiga Kogen, including eight ponds, three wetlands, and a refreshing mountain spring.
Information Estimated Time: Approx. 7 – 8 hours
Distance: 15 – 16 km
Elevation Change: ⤴: 585m ⤵: 595m
Recommended Age Range: 13 to 70 yo, but feel free to contact us if you’re confident in your fitness.
Best Season: June to OctoverMeeting and Ending Point Until 31st May
Meeting Point: Shiga Kogen Guide Association Tour Desk at 8:45 AMEnding Point: Shiga Kogen Guide Association Tour Counter around 4:00 – 5:00 PM
From 1st August onwards
Meeting Point: Shiga Kogen Guide Association Tour Desk at 8:00 AMEnding Point: Shiga Kogen Guide Association Tour Counter around 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Price per Person ¥15,000
Included: English-speaking guide, one-way bus fare, insuranceTour Itinerary TBA
Notes ・This is a long trail. Retiring partway through the hike is possible, but in such cases refunds will not be provided.
Coming soon
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Six Peak Trails, Your Choice! Pick a Peak Adventure
Welcome to the breathtaking 2,000-meter peaks of Shiga Kogen! Shiga Kogen boasts six stunning mountains over 2,000 meters, each with well-maintained trails.
These mountains are perfect for day hikes and require no special climbing skills. Choose the one that best suits your adventure style, based on its difficulty and highlights.Every hike in nature is a unique experience, and each moment – from the weather to the trail conditions – adds to the adventure. Prepare with the best gear, stay alert, enjoy the journey to its fullest, safely and with excitement!
Information Recommended Age Range: 13 to 70, but feel free to contact us if you’re confident in your fitness.
Tour details will come soon!Important Notes Trail Conditions and Weather
Trail conditions can change quickly due to weather.
After rainfall, trails can become muddy, and puddles may form, making what is normally an easy path more challenging and slippery.
The right gear is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.Possible Changes or Cancellations
In some cases, weather or trail conditions may force a change in course or even a cancellation of the tour.
If this happens, there will be no cancellation fees.
You will be informed immediately, and we’ll work with you to adjust plans if needed.Coming soon
Important Notes
・We accept ONLY CASH.
・Required fitness level may change with snow depth.
・Shiga Kogen Guide Association have the right to cancel tours due to inclement weather conditions.
・We do not have transportation services. Please use your own transfer or public transportation.
・There is no supermarket or convenience store in Shiga Kogen Area.
Cancelation Policy
We are very grateful for the many customers who have joined our tours, but we only have a small number of guides.
Bookings are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you cancel without notice, we will be very sorry for the other people we have had to turn down.
We understand that unexpected things always happen when we travel. And if you have to cancel your tour as a result of a change in itinerary or sudden illness, we would appreciate it if you could let us know.
Tour Availability
〇 = Available △ = Please inquire ✕ = Fully booked
日本語 = Japanese Guide ENG = English-Speaking Guide
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Phone: +81 269 34 2133 (available 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Japan Time)
Thank you very much for your understanding! 😊
Contact
& Entry
- Published itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.
- In order to arrange personal accident insurance, we will kindly ask for your name, address, and age. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
- Depending on the current registration status, we may have to decline participation. Please understand if we have reached the maximum capacity.
Shiga Kogen Guide Association
- E-mail:
- guide@shigakogen.gr.jp