Nestled within the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, Shiga Kogen, Kita-Shiga Kogen and the surrounding area offers outstanding hiking and mountaineering from late-spring to autumn. Formed by volcanic eruptions that occurred 3 million years ago, the area comprises of rough terrain, mountain ranges and forests with ponds, swamps, high-moors, and rivers, making it a suitable environment for a wide variety of animals, plants, and insects to coexist.
It is recorded that 64 species of birds, Japanese macaques (snow monkeys), ermines, serows, bears, rabbits, and various types of reptilians, insects, and butterflies inhabit the area. Many if not most walking trails are suitable to anyone of reasonable fitness, with more intensive trails leading to the summits of mountains within the park.
Local guides are available for guided hikes through Joshintesu Kogen National Park – a great way to get the most out of your time and learn more about the landscape through which you are walking.