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Introduction: Cool Off at 20°C in Shiga Kogen!
If you are visiting Tokyo in mid-to-late summer, you know how intense the heat can be. But just a short journey away lies Shiga Kogen, a refreshing mountain getaway in Nagano where the temperature drops to a comfortable 20°C (68°F)!
During my recent weekday visit, I was blown away by the cool breeze, lush greenery, and blooming alpine flora. Here is why it’s the ultimate summer getaway for traveling families.
How to Get There & Pro-Tip for Families
Getting to Shiga Kogen from Tokyo is surprisingly smooth and hassle-free, even for families traveling without a rental car!
💡 Local Pro-Tip (Tsuruya Supermarket):
Right in front of Iiyama Station, there is a famous local supermarket called “Tsuruya.” It features a great eat-in space, delicious local foods, fresh snacks, and drinks. I highly recommend taking a relaxing break here to recharge before heading up into the cool mountains!
🎁 Bonus Tip: Local Accommodation & Transport Subsidies Available!
Here is an incredible money-saving tip for your trip! Yamanouchi Town (the area including Shiga Kogen) currently offers special accommodation subsidies for visitors.
Even better, they also provide a convenient transport service called “Raku-chin Car” (楽ちんカー), which helps visitors move around the area with ease. Since the official flyers and details are available in English, international tourists can easily take advantage of these great deals!
Be sure to check with your hotel or the local tourism board when booking to save money on your stay and travel!
🎁 Bonus Tip: Accommodation Subsidies & Cash-Friendly Hotels!
Yamanouchi Town (the area including Shiga Kogen) currently offers special accommodation subsidies for visitors. They also provide a convenient transport service called “Raku-chin Car” (楽ちんカー) to help you get around. Official flyers are available in English, making it super easy for international travelers!
⚠️ Important Rule for Subsidies: To claim the subsidy, you must pay in cash on-site and contact the hotel in advance to confirm eligibility.
To save you time, here are two recommended hotels in Shiga Kogen that accept cash payment on-site:
- Hotel Astoria (ホテルアストリア): I personally stayed here and verified that cash payment on-site is fully accepted!
- Ichibokaku (一望閣): I directly called this hotel, and they confirmed that cash payment on-site for the subsidy is completely fine.
(Note: Since policies can update, I still recommend sending a quick inquiry to your hotel before booking just to be 100% sure!)
The Charming Retro Gondola Ride
To reach the peak, head to the Higashitateyama Gondola parking area. A round-trip ticket costs 3,000 yen per adult.
The gondola itself is a charming, retro-style cabin from the Showa era—so cute and full of nostalgic Japanese atmosphere! The scenic ride up offers breathtaking mountain views and gets the kids excited right from the start.
Relaxation Heaven at the Summit: Wood Decks, Sofas & Rope Beds!
Once you reach the top of Mt. Higashitateyama, you’ll find a brand-new relaxation area that makes the gondola ride worth every penny!
The summit features newly installed wooden boardwalks, cozy outdoor sofas, chairs, and even a giant rope bed where you can lie down and look up at the sky. Relaxing here while gazing at the stunning panorama of the Terakoya ski slope mountains is pure magic—and highly photo-worthy!
Exploring the Higashitateyama Alpine Botanical Garden
Right at the top, you can explore the famous alpine botanical garden, home to a wide variety of rare high-mountain flowers that you would normally only see after hours of intense hiking!
⚠️ A Quick Tip for Families: The botanical garden path includes rocky steps and slopes. If you have trouble walking or are pushing a heavy stroller, it might be a bit challenging. But if you’re comfortable with steps, it’s an incredibly easy and rewarding way to see rare Japanese flora!
Conclusion: Capture Unforgettable Summer Memories
Whether you want to escape the humidity, let your kids enjoy retro transport, or take stunning family photos surrounded by nature, Higashitateyama in Shiga Kogen is a hidden gem.
As a professional family photographer, I highly recommend bringing a light jacket, taking a break on the summit rope beds, and soaking in the cool mountain beauty!