Summer Info
Early morning below-freezing temperatures are not unusual in October, and today the low dropped to -2°C, leaving benches (pictured) and sections of boardwalk coated white with frost, particularly in the shaded areas of the Watasuge Marsh. During this season, a jacket or fleece is essential for staying warm, and gloves are especially useful first thing in the morning.
[Watasuge Marsh]
The fall colors in the Tsugaike Nature Park have reached their peak just in time for the “Tsugaike Nature Park Autumn Foliage Week.” During my visit today, I found myself stopping again and again to take in the views of the richly colored forests and wetlands. The scenery from the Watasuge Marsh (pictured) and the Ukishima Marsh was especially captivating.
[Watasuge Marsh]
Today marked the first day of the “Tsugaike Nature Park Autumn Foliage Week.” Starting at 10 a.m. in front of Tsugaike Sanso, visitors were treated to complimentary mushroom soup (pictured) made with hiratake, bunashimeji, nameko, and more, along with sliced Akibae apples grown in Shinshu. (※Both were available in limited quantities and ran out within 30 minutes today.) Alphorn performances were also held inside the park.
[Tsugaike Sanso Area]
A market opened near the gondola base station at 11 a.m., selling sarunashi jam, chiffon cake made with Azumino rice flour, assorted gelato, cookies, drinks, and more. Tomorrow, 10/4 (Sun.), there will be complimentary refreshments, free Polaroid photos, and another market as well. From 10/5 (Mon.) through 10/9 (Fri.), visitors can also enjoy complimentary Otari herbal tea and receive a commemorative postcard and prize-drawing ticket. (※The prize-drawing will take place at the Village Shop on the second floor of the ticket center at the base of the resort.)
[Tsugaike Sanso Area]
*“Tsugaike Nature Park Autumn Foliage Week.” is now underway 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!)
[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 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!)
