Mt. Hijiri: A Mountain of Faith and Panoramic Views
A 1,447-Meter Mountain Overlooking the Alps
The name Hijiri Highlands comes from Mt. Hijiri, which rises to an elevation of 1,447.1 meters on the border between Nagano City and Omi Village.
Mt. Hijiri has long been regarded as a sacred mountain. Hiking trails lead through its natural surroundings to viewpoints offering broad vistas over the Northern Alps and the Zenkoji Plain.
A lookout near the summit provides an especially impressive panorama. On clear days, the view extends far into the distance and is said to reach as far as the Sea of Japan.
The mountain trails are relatively accessible even for beginner hikers, making Mt. Hijiri a popular destination for families and travelers who want to experience the Shinshu mountains without undertaking an especially demanding climb.
Lake Hijiri: A Peaceful Mirror of the Mountains
A Highland Lake Surrounded by Seasonal Scenery
Lake Hijiri lies at the heart of Hijiri Highlands. The lake was created in 1964 by developing a natural pond formerly known as Bamba Pond. It is also known as Sarugabamba Pond.
The quiet surface of the lake reflects the surrounding mountains and forests, creating beautiful scenery throughout the year. Fresh green foliage frames the water in spring and summer, while brilliant autumn leaves are reflected in the lake in fall.
The lakeside also features a monument inscribed with a poem by Yumeji Takehisa, the famous poet and artist associated with the romantic culture of the Taisho era. The combination of the lake, mountains, and literary heritage gives the area a distinctive atmosphere.
Visitors can enjoy fishing and boating on the lake, while photographers are drawn to the constantly changing reflections and colors. It is an ideal place to slow down and enjoy the peaceful side of the highlands.
Outdoor Adventures Surrounded by Nature
Camping, Barbecues, and Stargazing
Hijiri Highlands offers numerous ways to enjoy the outdoors, including camping and barbecues. The Hijiri Highlands Campground is surrounded by forest and provides a quiet setting away from the bustle of the city.
Spending a night beside the lake, relaxing among the trees, and looking up at a sky filled with stars are among the simple pleasures of staying in the highlands. The area also has hot spring facilities nearby, allowing visitors to relax and recover after outdoor activities.
Winter at Hijiri Highlands Ski Resort
When winter arrives, Hijiri Highlands Ski Resort opens its slopes to skiers and snowboarders. Courses are available for a range of abilities, from beginners to experienced skiers.
The resort is particularly suitable for families, with facilities that make it easy for children to enjoy their first experience in the snow. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, visitors can simply play in the snow and enjoy the winter landscape.
This year-round accessibility is one of the greatest attractions of Hijiri Highlands. Each season offers a different way to experience the mountains and surrounding countryside.
Hijiri Museum: Discovering Local History and Technology
A Museum of Regional Culture and War-Era Heritage
Hijiri Museum offers an opportunity to explore the cultural and historical side of the highlands. Its exhibits include a large gun barrel and shells associated with the former Imperial Japanese Navy battleship Mutsu, as well as aircraft such as the F-104 fighter aircraft once used by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
These objects are important historical and war-related materials. For many visitors, the museum provides an opportunity not only to learn about military and technological history but also to reflect on the importance of peace.
The museum also introduces the history and natural environment of the local area, making it a useful destination for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a deeper understanding of the region.
Hijiri Highlands Chairlift and Summer Wildflowers
A Scenic Ride to the Summit of Mt. Mitsumine
The Hijiri Highlands Chairlift connects the highland area with the summit of Mt. Mitsumine in approximately five minutes. During the ride, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding highland landscape from above.
Summer is an especially beautiful season, when clusters of delicate Chingensai willowherb add color to the mountain scenery. The flowers sway gently in the cool highland breeze, while the lake and surrounding villages spread out below.
At the summit, visitors can enjoy a picnic or take a leisurely walk before returning by lift. The combination of the flowers, mountain air, and expansive views makes this a memorable way to experience the natural beauty of Hijiri Highlands.
Seasonal Events and Summer Fireworks
The Hijiri Highlands Summer Fireworks Festival
Hijiri Highlands hosts a variety of seasonal events throughout the year. One of the highlights is the Hijiri Highlands Summer Fireworks Festival, which takes place on a summer evening and attracts both local residents and visitors.
The fireworks are particularly beautiful when viewed beside Lake Hijiri. Their light is reflected across the water, creating a dreamlike scene in which the natural landscape and human celebration become part of a single panorama.
Winter Events
Winter also brings seasonal activities, including ski competitions and illuminations. These events add a lively atmosphere to the snowy highlands and give visitors another reason to enjoy the area during the colder months.
How to Reach Hijiri Highlands
By Train and Local Bus
Hijiri Highlands can be reached from Hijiri-Kogen Station on the JR Shinonoi Line. From the station, visitors can take an Omi Village community bus to the main sightseeing areas of the highlands.
By Car
For visitors traveling by car, the area is accessible via National Route 403 and the Omi Interchange on the Nagano Expressway. Its location makes Hijiri Highlands suitable for a day trip from both Matsumoto and Nagano.
At approximately 1,000 meters above sea level, the highlands are noticeably cooler than the surrounding lowlands during summer. The refreshing mountain climate is one of the area’s attractions, especially for travelers looking for relief from the heat.
A High Country Destination for Every Season
Hijiri Highlands is a distinctive mountain resort where nature, history, culture, and outdoor recreation come together. The landscape ranges from the panoramic heights of Mt. Hijiri to the quiet waters of Lake Hijiri, while historic roads and cultural facilities reveal another side of the region.
Spring and summer are ideal for hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and enjoying wildflowers. Autumn brings brilliant foliage and beautiful reflections on the lake, while winter transforms the highlands into a snowy destination for skiing and other winter activities.
Visitors can choose their own pace here. Some may come for an active day in the mountains, while others may prefer to sit beside the lake and admire the scenery. A visit to Hijiri Museum adds a cultural dimension, while seasonal festivals bring the local community and travelers together.
With its mountains, lake, forests, historic heritage, and year-round activities, Hijiri Highlands offers a refreshing escape into the natural beauty of Shinshu. Whatever the season, the highlands provide opportunities to discover a different side of Nagano and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the Japanese mountains.