[First winter mountain snowshoeing! ] Introducing areas recommended for beginners in the Nagano and Gunma prefecture areas where you can feel the great nature of national park.

• Table of Contents
• What is snowshoeing?
• How to experience it?
• national park Snowshoe Area Guide
• Activities that anyone can easily start

What is snowshoeing?

Snowshoes are similar to snowshoes, which have been passed down in Japan since ancient times, and are footwear that allows you to walk around in deep snow without getting your feet buried. Nowadays, snowshoes are available that are light and have functionality such as ease of movement, making it easy for children, beginners, the elderly, and other people who don't have much exposure to the outdoors to enjoy the winter wilderness. You can enjoy it.

How to experience it?

We recommend renting and having a guide first.

Just prepare your cold weather gear and let's go to the site.

The area we will be introducing this time is easily accessible by Shinkansen and other means, making it easy for even beginners to visit.

All you need are snowshoes and poles. This can be rented. There are also places that rent out snow gear such as snow boots and gloves, so you can just feel like going to a ski resort.

Once you've decided on a destination, it's best to check with each tourist association or tour company to see if they have sizes, guides, or tours available before making a reservation.

On the tour, you can rest assured that you will be taught everything from how to put on snowshoes to how to walk.

Reasons why national park are recommended

Japan has many national park that are protected under the Natural Parks Act. In addition to protecting nature and landscapes, these national park are also places where you can deepen your knowledge about nature, improve your health, and get in touch with nature for recreation, and the national park has a role in designating, protecting, and managing it. It's an area.

The two national park we will be introducing this time, Myoko-Togakushi renzan National Park and Joshinetsu Kogen national park, are easily accessible from Tokyo by Shinkansen, etc., but are surrounded by magnificent mountains and forests, and are covered in deep snow in winter. It is also a national park.

national park are recommended places to experience the charm of snowshoe hiking, as they not only have snow, but also the natural scenery that can be seen from there, as well as the places where you can deeply feel the remnants of Japanese culture.

national park Snowshoe Area Guide

Mt. Tanigawa (Joshinetsu Kogen national park)

From Tokyo: 80 minutes by Shinkansen (Jomo Kogen Station) → 40 minutes by bus bound for Tanigawa Ropeway

The Tanigawadake area in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture has long been known as a ``nearby mountain,'' and you can experience authentic mountain scenery up close. There is an attractive snowshoe experience course centered on the steep Mt. Tanigawa.

The clear air and the contrast of blue and white are pleasant.

Even in winter, the ropeway operates and there are restaurants, so you can enjoy just relaxing and looking at the scenery.

Tanigawadake Ropeway by Hoshino Resorts , which is open even in winter, has a relaxing restaurant with a rich menu.

At the foot of Mt. Tanigawa, there is the Mt. Tanigawa Information Center, which you can enter for free.The center provides information on nature, activities, and tours, and also sells original goods, so it is recommended as a souvenir.

Tanigawadake Information Center also sells cute original goods

You can enjoy various exhibits at the Tanigawadake Information Center.

Tanigawadake Information Center

3791728 Yubiso, Minakami-cho, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture

This is a free admission facility that was opened in 2021 with the purpose of providing explanations of the local natural environment around...

2. Shiga Kogen (Joshinetsu Kogen national park)

From Tokyo: 90 minutes by Shinkansen (Nagano Station) → 70 minutes by Shiga Kogen Express Bus

Shiga Kogen, located in Yamanouchi Town, Nagano Prefecture, is one of the largest snow resorts in Japan. Spectacular panoramic views of nature spread out before your eyes. Shiga Kogen, which is so rich in nature that it has been designated as a UNESCO eco-park, is not only perfect for skiing, but also has a variety of snowshoeing courses that anyone can enjoy.

"Shiga Kogen General Hall 98", which has Shiga Kogen tourist information and a tour counter, provides tour information and rental information.

[Shiga Kogen Guide Association URL]

3. Togakushi Highlands (Myoko-Togakushi renzan National Park)

From Tokyo: 90 minutes by Shinkansen (Nagano Station) → 60 minutes by bus bound for Togakushi Kogen

The Togakushi area in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture is home to Togakushi Shrine, a popular tourist destination and "power sport"(spiritual place). The area is also famous for its delicious soba noodles.

We recommend snowshoeing in Togakushi, in addition to the natural scenery of the national park, there are many shrines covered in snow, and you can enjoy it while feeling the Japanese culture. The cedar-lined approach to Togakushi Okusha Shrine and the view of Mt. Togakushi from the frozen Kagami Pond are especially spectacular. Please join the snowshoe guided tour and spend a special time walking through Togakushi Forest while listening to various explanations.

A guardian dog at Togakushi Shrine carrying snow on its back

You can walk on the frozen Kagami Pond and see the majestic Togakushi Mountain Range.

Click here for information on sightseeing in Togakushi

Togakushi Tourism Association

Activities that anyone can easily start

What did you think? Snowshoeing can be enjoyed in Japan's winters, where there is a lot of snow, and because it is a national park surrounded by magnificent nature. It is a popular winter sport that can be enjoyed by everyone from children to the elderly. Please contact each tourist association, search for recommended courses and tours, and enjoy Japan's winter to the fullest.