REPORT

This morning, I parked my car at the Yokoteyama Drive-In on National Route 292 and set out in everyday clothes for the summit of Yokoteyama (2,307 m), the highest point in Shiga Kogen. During the ride on the Skylator (pictured), an outdoor moving walkway that alternates between uphill and downhill operation, I enjoyed sweeping views over the clouds and the Shiga Kogen landscape below.
[Yokoteyama・Skylator]

After transferring from the Skylator to the Yokoteyama No. 3 Sky Lift, I reached the summit of Yokoteyama in no time. Although the sunshine was strong, the low temperature and humidity made the air wonderfully cool and refreshing. From the first floor of the building at the lift station (pictured), I headed upstairs to the Manten View Terrace. (Today’s assignment involved very little walking!)
[Summit of Yokoteyama]

Under clear blue skies, the Manten View Terrace (pictured) truly felt like a paradise above the clouds. Visitors aimed their cameras at the magnificent panorama of Shiga Kogen stretching out below. The snow-covered landscape is beautiful in midwinter, but the sight of the mountains blanketed in deep summer green is equally spectacular. After taking in the views, I entered the Crumpet Cafe through the doorway in the lower right of the photo.
[Yokoteyama・Manten View Terrace]

The cafe takes its name from the crumpet, a traditional British griddle bread similar to a pancake. I ordered the Blueberry & Cream Cheese crumpet (pictured, right; ¥700), which was crisp on the outside and delightfully chewy within. The blueberries’ gentle balance of sweetness and tartness paired perfectly with the salty cream cheese. (※Pictured left: cafe latte, ¥750.)
[Yokoteyama・Crumpet Cafe]

　
[Shiga Kogen – Opening Details]
＊Period … Yokoteyama Skylator & Sky Lift: Apr 22 – late Oct (※planned); Shibutoge No. 1 Romance Lift: after snow clearing is completed – early Nov (※planned); Shiga Kogen Golden Line: June 20 – Nov 1; Maeyama Summer Lift: operating on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and reserved days from June 20 – Oct 18; Takamagahara Summer Lift: Aug 8–16
＊Summer lift fees … Yokoteyama Skylator & Sky Lift round trip / Adults \2,200, children \1,900; Shibutoge Romance Lift one way / Adults \2,200, children \1,900; Shiga Kogen Golden Line 1-day round-trip pass / Adults \3,000, children \1,800; Maeyama Summer Lift one way / Adults \600, children \400; Takamagahara Summer Lift round trip / Adults \1,200, children \800, One preschool child free per paying adult.

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reported by Snownavi