REPORT

The sheer scale of the Nikkokisuge fields at Shiga Kogen are breathtaking, and anyone visiting Higashidateyama for the first time is likely to be amazed by a scene far grander than they expected. Today, I parked in the free lot outside the base station of the Higashidateyama Gondola on the Shiga Kogen Golden Line, then caught the first gondola at 9 a.m. to the summit of Mt. Higashidateyama (1,994 m). As the vast field of orange flowers covering the Olympic Course came into view below, I found myself exclaiming, “Wow!”
[Higashidateyama Sky Course・Higashidateyama Alpine Botanical Garden]

I ran into a couple from Tochigi Prefecture (pictured, right and left) who told me, “We were so impressed by the Nikkokisuge when we came in 2024 that we decided to return.” A photographer from Gunma Prefecture (pictured center), visiting for the first time, added, “It’s absolutely beautiful. I’m so glad I made the trip.”
[Higashidateyama Sky Course・Higashidateyama Alpine Botanical Garden]

Many buds were still waiting to open, so the display should become even more impressive over the coming days. Elsewhere in the Higashidateyama Alpine Botanical Garden, Ibuki jako-so, momiji karamatsu, Hakusan furo, Hakusan chidori, and Hiogi-ayame were also at their best. From there, I made my way at a leisurely pace through the well-maintained garden toward the Shiga Kogen Garden Terrace.
[Higashidateyama Sky Course・Higashidateyama Alpine Botanical Garden]

With THE ROOFTOP DINING area bustling nearby, I picked up a specialty coffee (JPY500) from Stand Cafe Alpina on the first floor. I then took a break on the Shiga Kogen Garden Terrace, where additional seating has recently been added, and looked out toward Mt. Iwasuge (2,295 m) in the distance to the left. Next time, I decided I would climb Mt. Iwasuge via Terakoya.
[Higashidateyama Sky Course・Higashidateyama Alpine Botanical Garden]

　
[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