Summer Info
To give you a look at the far reaches of the Tsugaike Nature Park, today’s report begins at the Tenbo Marsh (pictured). This year’s snowmelt has proceeded exceptionally fast, and the Tenbo Marsh is the only marshland area where any lingering snow remained (that means no snow at all in the Mizubasho Marsh, Watasuge Marsh, or Ukishima Marsh)! Even beyond the marshlands, the peaks of the Northern Alps were steadily shedding their winter appearance and taking on the look of summer mountains.
[Tenbo Marsh]
Along the Yase-one ridge trail (pictured), which is now wrapped in vibrant fresh greenery, Shirane-aoi, ko-iwakagami, tsumatori-so, mitsuba-oren, and murasaki yashio-tsutsuji were all blooming beautifully. Temperatures remained in the low teens, making for cool and very comfortable walking conditions. Since the start of the rainy season on 6/7 (Sun.), however, the weather has generally been on the cloudier side.
[Yase-one Ridge]
This morning, the only places where I actually walked on snow were a few short 10 to 20 meter sections near the Fuketsu Wind Cave area, between the Kusukawa River and Ukishima Marsh, between the Ukishima Marsh and Yase-one Ridge, on the snow patch near Tenbo Marsh, and between the Mosen Pond and Ukishima Marsh. Having worn rubber boots, I looked around at everyone else and thought, “Well, that was a mistake.” Waterproof sneakers or trekking shoes would be more than sufficient.
[Yase-one Ridge]
Tsugaike Nature Park’s Mizubasho Week continues through 6/14 (Sun.), although the blooming flowers in the Mizubasho Marsh (pictured) and Watasuge Marsh have already passed their peak. Meanwhile, applications are now open for “Find Your Green Romance at Tsugaike Nature Park,” a singles event to be held on 7/26 (Sun.), with space available for 30 men and 30 women.
[Mizubasho Marsh]
[Tsugaike Nature Park Opening Information]
*Period … 6/6 (Sat.) to 10/25 (Sun.), 2026
*Hours … Tsugaike Ropeway: Open from 8:00 a.m. (*Early morning operation start from Jul.11)
*Fees … Tsugaike Ropeway Roundtrip + Entrance Fee / Adults JPY4,000, Elementary School Students JPY2,200, One preschooler free per paying adult → Advance Discount Tickets: Adults JPY3,500, Children JPY1,950! (Skip the ticket window! Go straight to the gondola gate.)
