Summer Info
Autumn is deepening by the day, and the sky was beautifully clear again this morning. Among all the spectacular foliage now at its peak, the standout view today was Mt. Hakuba (pictured, 2,932 m), the highest peak in the Ushiro-Tateyama Range, rising above the brilliantly colored slopes below. The difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures has been especially pronounced recently, and the season’s first snow was even observed in front of Hakuba Sanso just after 8 a.m. on 9/29 (Tue.). (※The snow was limited to just a few light flurries)
[Watasuge Marsh]
The combination of Mt. Hakuba and the fall colors is magnificent, but the views of Mt. Korenge (2,766 m) and Mt. Hakuba Norikura (pictured, 2,469 m) framed by autumn foliage are every bit as impressive. At the Ukishima Marsh, I followed the boardwalk around the wetland, taking in the famous peaks and the surrounding colors before stopping at a bench with a table to enjoy some hot tea I had brought with me.
[Ukishima Marsh]
Both marshes also offer a beautiful mix of yellow and orange maples, red nanakamado, and deep green conifers (pictured). At ground level, the reddish-purple leaves of kuromamenoki added another splash of color. The foliage had advanced another step along the Yase-One ridge, particularly among the maples, while sarasa-dodan was also beginning to change.
[Ukishima Marsh]
Another scene I look forward to every year is the tapestry of fall colors covering the slopes of Mt. Korenge (pictured). The rich patchwork of color, reminiscent of a painting or woven carpet, held my attention for quite some time. The Tsugaike Ropeway will begin operating at 7 a.m. on 10/3 (Sat.) and 10/4 (Sun.). The 23rd Annual Otari Fresh Soba (Shin-Soba) Festival will also begin down in the village on 10/10 (Sat.).
[Ukishima Marsh]
*The “Tsugaike Nature Park Autumn Foliage Week” will be held from 10/3 (Sat.) through 10/9 (Fri.).
[Tsugaike Nature Park – Opening Details]
*Period … June 6 – Oct 25, 2026
*Hours … Tsugaike Ropeway opens at 8:00 a.m.; 7:00 a.m. on October 3 and 4, 10 – 12
*Fees … Tsugaike Ropeway round trip + park entrance / Adults ¥4,000, elementary school children ¥2,200, one preschool child free per accompanying adult → Adults ¥3,500, children ¥1,950 with early-discount tickets! (No need to exchange at the ticket counter—bring it directly to the gondola gate!)
