Shiga Kogen plateau, one of Japan's largest ski areas at over 1,600 metres elevation, is also famous for the formation of juhyo — trees so heavily coated in wind-driven snow and ice that they resemble massive white monsters or alien figures rising from the snowfields. Guided snowshoe tours weave between these spectacular formations at dawn and dusk when low light makes them most dramatic, with panoramic views of the Joshinetsu Kogen mountains surrounding the plateau. The area is accessible by gondola from the ski resort base, and guides provide historical context about the ecology of this rare natural phenomenon. Nearby Jigokudani Monkey Park (Snow Monkey Park) is a popular combined excursion.
- Type
- Experience
- Category
- Snow/Winter
- Season
- Winter
- Month
- January–February
- Region
- Chubu
- Prefecture
- Nagano
- City
- Yamanouchi
Highlights
- ◆Surreal forest of juhyo snow-monster ice-coated fir trees
- ◆Guided snowshoe tours at golden-hour light for best photography
- ◆Japan's largest ski plateau with panoramic alpine views
- ◆Easy combination with Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
- ◆Accessible by gondola from base resorts