REPORT

The Shiga Kogen Visitor Center, which originally opened in 1998 for the Nagano Winter Olympics, reopened on 4/27 (Mon.) after a full renovation in which Yamanouchi Town undertook a complete refresh of the aging exhibits. At the entrance now, a projection-mapped display shows a full view of Shiga Kogen as seen from 4,000 meters above Yudanaka (pictured, right).
[Shiga Kogen Visitor Center]

The exhibition area (pictured) is now an interactive space built around three themes: “The Geography of Shiga Kogen,” its “Flora and Fauna,” and “The Relationship Between People and Nature.” Digital features include plant illustrations that trigger flower imagery when you hold your hand over them, interactive maps of Shiga Kogen trekking routes, a sand area where you can imprint animal footprints, and touch panels that let you experience the temperature difference between the base area and the mountains.
[Shiga Kogen Visitor Center]

The facility is divided into three main areas: the “Exhibition Area,” a “Multi-Purpose Area” for craft experiences, and a “Theater.” It also houses the Shiga Kogen Guide Association office, the Nagano Olympic and Paralympic Memorial Hall, and a lecture room. Admission remains free, and the facility is open year-round, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
[Shiga Kogen Visitor Center]

In the theater (pictured), pressing the button on the small monitor next to the large green “Shiga Kogen Monogatari” sign (pictured, far right) starts an 8-minute-50-second screening of the “Shiga Kogen Monogatari” video. In other news, currently scheduled events include “Golden Week Forest Therapy” from 4/26 (Sun.) to 5/3 (Sun.) and the “Visitor Center Renewal Commemoration! Spring Mini Guided Trekking” from 4/29 (Wed., holiday) to 5/10 (Sun.). Starting 8/3 (Mon.), the “Shiga Kogen Summer Concert” (7 total performances) will also be held at the 98 Hall.
[Shiga Kogen Visitor Center]

　
[Shiga Kogen Opening Information]
* Period … Yokoteyama Skylator and Sky Lift 4/22 – late October (*scheduled), Shibu-toge 1st Romance Lift After snow removal – Early November (*scheduled), Shiga Kogen Golden Line 6/20 – 11/1, Maeyama Summer Lift 6/20 – 10/18 (Sat, Sun, holidays and reserved days), Takamagahara Summer Lift 8/8 – 8/16.
* 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 escalator and Sky Lift round trip / adult 2,200 JPY, child 1,900 JPY, Shibutoge Romance Lift round trip / adult 2,200 JPY, child 1,900 JPY.
　　
＊*Click here to purchase photos found in this report.
　　　
reported by Snownavi