REPORT

The Mountain Cycling Tour route stretches approximately 6.2 km, starting from the summit of Higashidateyama and descending along the Higashidateyama–Ichinose Family connecting course, down the Tengu Course (pictured), and across the Ichinose Family and Tannenomori Okojo Slopes before reaching the Takamagahara Mammoth Slope. The full ride takes about two and a half hours. With a starting point located nearly 2,000 meters above sea level, the sky felt incredibly close.
[Ichinose Family・Tengu Course]

Unlike traditional downhill MTB riding, this tour focuses on controlled descents—participants carefully manage their speed using both front and rear brakes while keeping their hips lifted slightly off the saddle to absorb impact. A female rider from Nagano (pictured, right) shared, “At first the bumpy trail was a bit scary, but I got used to it quickly. It’s so much fun now!”
[Ichinose Family・Tengu Course]

“The rocks are bigger over there, so I’ll go this way instead…” This kind of mental calculus and line spotting added a layer of challenge that was also part of the fun. Our guide, Mr. Yumoto, encouraged us to take in the scenery along the way, saying, “Be sure to enjoy the view of Mt. Iwasuge (pictured, second photo) and the many blooming flowers as you ride.”
[Ichinose Family・Panorama Course]

Towards the end of the tour, there was a short uphill stretch. As we came to the end, our guide, Mr. Yumoto (pictured, right), shared, “Even beginners can enjoy this MTB tour. All you need is a small backpack with some snacks and drinks. I look forward to riding with you!” The final paved road leading back to the Higashidateyama Gondola base station, after completing our descent on the slopes, was also a fun section where we were able to pick up some speed.
[Ichinose Family・Front Slope]

　　
[Shiga Kogen Opening Information]
* Period … Yokoteyama Skylator and Sky Lift 4/23 – late October (*scheduled, 5/30 – 6/15, 6/24, 6/25 close), Shibu-toge 1st Romance Lift 5/30 – Early November (*scheduled, 6/16 – 7/18 close), Shiga Kogen Golden Line 6/14 – 11/3, Maeyama Summer Lift 6/14 – 10/19 (Sat, Sun, holidays and reserved days), Takamagahara Summer Lift 8/17 – 8/19.
* Summer Lift Fees … Shiga Kogen Golden Line round trip 1-day pass / Adults JPY3,000, Child JPY1,800, Takamagahara Summer Lift round trip / Adults JPY1,200, Child JPY800, Maeyama Summer Lift one way / Adults JPY600, Child JPY400, Yokoteyama Sky Lift and Sky Lift round trip / adult 2,000 JPY, child 1,700 JPY, Shibutoge Romance Lift round trip / adult 2,000 JPY, child 1,700 JPY.

　　
*Click here to purchase photos found in this report.
　　　
reported by Snownavi