Kita-Shiga Highlands

Overview

The Kita-Shiga Highlands (Kita-Shiga Kogen) spread across the northwestern part of Yamanouchi in Shimotakai district, Nagano Prefecture. Sitting at about 1,080 meters above sea level, the name refers to the upland area opening out to the north of the neighboring Shiga Highlands. Notably, it is treated as a separate area not included within the Shiga Highlands themselves. It is an appealing mountain resort in Yamanouchi, offering skiing in winter and cool-summer walking among the highlands.

Highlights

• ●A refreshing mountain resort at about 1,080 meters
• ●A stage for winter skiing and snowboarding
• ●A distinct highland opening to the north of Shiga Kogen
• ●Easy to combine with Yamanouchi hot springs and mountain sightseeing

History

The name Kita-Shiga combines kita (north) with the famous Shiga Highlands. Lying to the north of Shiga Kogen, it came to be known by this name, yet locally it has always been regarded as a distinct highland separate from the Shiga Highlands. The Yamanouchi area has long flourished through hot springs and mountain tourism, and the Kita-Shiga Highlands developed as a resort amid that growth.

Map

36.7946, 138.4406 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Head to Yamanouchi from Nagano City via the Shinshu-Nakano IC
2. 2Arrive at the Kita-Shiga Highlands and enjoy the mountain air
3. 3Ski the slopes in winter or walk the hiking trails in summer
4. 4Round off the trip with a stop at Yamanouchi's hot springs

Did you know?

💡 A distinctive quirk of the Kita-Shiga Highlands is that, despite containing Shiga in its name, it is not geographically part of the Shiga Highlands. It is easily confused, so remembering it as a separate highland area helps in planning a trip.

Nearby spots