National park · Japan

Joshin'etsukogen National Park上信越高原国立公園

Visit Joshin'etsukogen: take a day hike to Shiga Kogen (≈3 h) for ¥1,600 bus fare from Nagano, or a multi‑day trek across the highlands in summer; entry fee is ¥? (check).

Not field-verified

Source checked: A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
Field checked: Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
Plan calculated: Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.

Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify

Special national siteSome areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026

Map to the park

Google Maps Apple Maps Street View

Directions

From where I am

Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.

Area

1,480 km² (571 sq mi)571 sq mi (1,480 km²)

approximate

Established

1936

Best months

Apr–May, Oct–Nov

UNESCO

None

Rules in force · 7

East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
Japan ↗IC cards (ICOCA/Suica) are topped up with cash at station machines.
Japan ↗Smoking while walking is banned in most city centres; use designated areas.
Japan ↗Shinkansen bags 160–250 cm (L+W+H) need a seat reserved with the oversized-baggage area.
Chubu ↗IC cards (ICOCA, Suica, manaca) work on most city trains and buses in Nagoya, Kanazawa, Shizuoka and Matsumoto; rural buses often take cash only.
Chubu ↗The Hokuriku Shinkansen's fastest service, Kagayaki, is reservation-only; the slower Hakutaka has non-reserved cars.

At a glance

Country: Japan
Area: 1,480 km² (571 sq mi)571 sq mi (1,480 km²); Second‑largest national park in Japan, covering parts of Gunma, Nagano and Niigata prefectures (check for exact boundary area).
Established: 1936
Best months: Apr–May, Oct–Nov
Permits: For some areas
Base: Nagano

Joshin'etsukogen National Park spans high mountain plateaus and volcanic peaks across three prefectures, offering winter ski fields, summer alpine trails, and diverse flora and fauna.

Decide

Why go, which months, and what lives here when

At a glance

Status

Special national siteSecond‑largest park in Japan.

Size and age

1,480 km² (571 sq mi)571 sq mi (1,480 km²) · national park since 1936

Second‑largest national park in Japan, covering parts of Gunma, Nagano and Niigata prefectures (check for exact boundary area).

This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Nagano.

Why go

Mountain scenery across three prefectures.
Winter ski area at Shiga Kogen.
Spring alpine flora and autumn colours.

When to go

12-month verdict

JanGo
FebGo
MarGo
AprBest
MayBest
JunCaution
JulCaution
AugCaution
SepGo
OctBest
NovBest
DecGo

JanCold, good for winter sports.
FebSnowy, ski season.
MarEarly melt, fewer crowds.
AprBlooming flowers, mild.
MayGreen valleys, good trekking.
JunRainy season starts.
JulRain, possible trail closures.
AugRain, heat.
SepLate summer, clearer trails.
OctAutumn colours, cool.
NovFall foliage, low crowds.
DecSnow, ski season resumes.

Wildlife and nature calendar

Seasons shift by weeks each year

Wildlife and nature calendar for Joshin'etsukogen National Park
What	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Japanese macaquesMar–Dec	no	no	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes
Ptarmigan and alpine birdsJun–Sep	no	no	no	no	no	yes	yes	yes	yes	no	no	no

Arrive & move

Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are

Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map

How to get there

From Nagano

Shinkansen from Tokyo (≈79 min) then Nagaden Shiga Kogen express bus (≈1 h 10 min, ¥1,600).

≈2 h total

Open the page →

From Tokyo

Shinkansen to Nagano (≈79 min) then bus as above.

≈2 h 30 min

Open the page →

Zones and sectors

Zones of Joshin'etsukogen National Park
Zone	What is there	Access
Shiga Kogen area	Ski resort, hiking trails, alpine meadows.	Open with lift pass or trail permit.
Highland core	Mount Asama, Mt. Myoko, forested valleys.	Guided hikes recommended.

Sketch map

Approximate — not for navigation

Coordinates are from official park site; positions are approximate.

1Shiga Kogen base · Headquarters≈36.705, 138.498Map ↗
2Nagano Station · Ranger station≈36.649, 138.195Map ↗
3Mt. Asama · Summit≈36.553, 138.755Map ↗

Take the points offline

GPX waypoints · approximate

3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.

Coordinates are from official park site; positions are approximate.

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Show Top experiencesHide

Top experiences

TrailsModerate3–4 hShiga Kogen day hikeWell‑marked paths, lift access optional.

ViewpointsHard5–6 h round‑tripMt. Asama summitVolcanic terrain, start early.

TrailsEasyFull dayShiga Kogen ski areaJapan's largest ski resort, lifts and beginner runs; works as a winter trail experience.

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related

Entry fees and permits

JPY ranges · check

Fees for Joshin'etsukogen National Park
Item	Range	Per	Note
Park entry	Free	person	Check official site for current fee.

Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.

Park entry permit or guide

Ticket at park gate or via bus operator.

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more

Pets: Not allowed on trails.
Camping: Only in designated campgrounds.
Firearms: Prohibited.

Where to stay

Near the park

Shiga Kogen lodges

Mountain huts and hotels.

Near the park

Nagano city

Wide range of accommodation.

Safety

Avalanche medium

Check local forecasts, stay on marked routes.

Altitude sickness low

Acclimatise, stay hydrated.

How much daylight do you have?

computed for this spot

Date

Time out

Finding the local time zone…

Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.

Accessibility

Shiga Kogen lifts and main trails have wheelchair‑accessible sections.
Higher alpine routes are not suitable for limited mobility.

Visiting lightly

Use public transport to reduce emissions.
Stay in certified eco‑lodges.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to enter Joshin'etsukogen National Park?

The park entry fee is not listed on the English site; check the official website or ticket office for the current price.

What are the best hikes in Joshin'etsukogen National Park?

Popular day hikes include the Shiga Kogen loop (3–4 h) and the Mt. Asama summit trek (5–6 h). Multi‑day routes cross the highlands in summer.

When is the best time to visit Joshin'etsukogen National Park?

April‑May and October‑November offer mild weather and colorful scenery; winter is ideal for skiing, while June‑August can be rainy.

Can I reach the park without a car?

Yes. Take the Shinkansen to Nagano, then the Nagaden express bus to Shiga Kogen (≈1 h 10 min).

Is camping allowed in the park?

Camping is permitted only in designated campgrounds; backcountry camping requires a permit.

Deep dive

Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go

Show the detailsHide

Sources

Ask about Joshin'etsukogen National Park

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