TSUGAIKE NATURE PARK
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A pristine natural paradise above the clouds with spectacular views of the Northern Alps
The Tsugaike Nature Park is a specially protected nature preserve located in a pristine subalpine environment at the foot of the Northern Alps. Lying within the bounds of the Chubu-Sangaku National Park at an average elevation of more than 1,900 m, the area encompasses over 100 hectares of untouched wilderness made accessible by nearly 6 km of wooden boardwalks and dirt walking trails. A journey through the park takes you to numerous viewpoints and past various marshes, each characterized by the different colors and varieties of alpine flora that rule that section of the landscape. All the while, the peaks of the Northern Alps soaring 1,000 meters directly above the Nature Park complete the picture-perfect backdrop for a memorable visit.
The progression of alpine plants that flower and flourish in this unique environment is beautifully synchronized with the seasons. All that grows here must be remarkably resilient to survive the harsh winter that sees accumulations of up to 6 m of snow. Yet as temperatures warm and daylight hours are slowly extended during the spring, pools of snowmelt water provide the necessary environment to foster the growth of the first plants to emerge; mizubasho, or Asian Skunk Cabbage. These vast fields of white flowering mizubasho that peak in June herald the arrival of the summer “green” season. As the receding snows reveal more and more of the landscape, summer builds like a symphony of color, with hundreds of other alpine florae, including white cotton grass, orange daylilies, and purple irises blooming across the expanse of the park well into July and August.
Owing to the elevation of the Nature Park, temperatures here average a brisk 12°C cooler than those at sea level. Because of this, fall arrives early, ushering in a wholesale transformation of the area once more. This time, vibrant hues of reds, oranges, and yellows sweep across the hills and drape the once-green canopy in a warm autumnal blanket. The fall foliage peaks in late September and early October before winter again exerts its dominance, and the cycle begins anew.
Tsugaike Nature Park Entrance Fees (As of March, 2023)
2023 Season From June 10th (Sat.) to October 22nd (Sun.) Fees Adults: ¥320
Children: ¥260Walking, Hiking & Trekking Routes in and Around the Tsugaike Nature Park
Click here for the Nature Park map
Walking & Hiking Routes
in the Tsugaike Nature Park
In order to explore the Nature Park, a minimum of four hours is recommended, including approximately 2 hours for the round trip on the Panorama Way. There are multiple ways the park can be toured, and the 4 walking courses of different lengths listed below give you a general idea of the distances and times involved.
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1km Walking Course
Park Entrance to the ‘Mizubasho’ (Asian Skunk Cabbage) Marsh: Approximately 1 hour
An easy and relaxing walk along an elevated wooden walkway suitable for small children and the elderly. Visitors exploring this area will have opportunities to spot a variety of alpine flora, glimpse a small river fish known as Japanese Char in the crystal-clear creek, feel the cool breeze of the highlands, and be treated with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
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2km Walking Course
Park Entrance to the ‘Watasuge’ (Cotton Grass) Marsh: Approximately 1.5 hours
The Watasuge Marsh is located just beyond the Mizubasho Marsh. The marsh is characterized by its subalpine vegetation, with the beautiful and rare Paris japonica (known as kinugasaso in Japanese) flowering in abundance here. There is also a mysterious rock formation featuring a gap from which refreshingly cool air continually escapes from deep underground, so much so that the snow in the immediate surroundings lingers well into the summer.
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3km Hiking Course
Park Entrance to the ‘Ukishima’ (Floating Island) Marsh: Approximately 2.5 hours
This area of the park lies beyond the Watasuge Marsh and across the Kusu River, from where the trail gradually becomes a little steeper. In spots, you will leave the wooden walkway and travel on a dirt and rock trail, so it is best to come prepared with appropriate footwear when heading into the deeper recesses of the park. Daylilies dominate the landscape here in summer, while the vivid color changes of the foliage in autumn attract many tourists.
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Full(5.5km) Hiking Course
Park Entrance to the ‘Tenbo (Observation) Marsh: Approximately 4 hours
If you have the time and energy, it’s worth slowing down and enjoying the entire park at a relaxing pace. The marsh located at the extreme end of the Nature Park features an observation platform that offers a magnificent view of the large snowy valley of Mt. Hakuba, where snow remains year-round. Look closely, and you may even be able to see climbers shuffling up the snow, as the valley is a popular hiking route. Several other viewpoints, the fresh clear spring water flowing from the “Ginmeisui” water source, and the opportunity to observe the small carnivorous sundew plants growing near the Mosen Pond are some of the additional highlights of making the full trip. A word of caution: there are no toilets or other facilities beyond those at the Kusu River.
Trekking Destinations & Distances Around the Tsugaike Nature Park
Destinations (One-Way) | Time Required (Approx.) |
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Hiyodori-mine from the Nature Park | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Tenguhara from the Nature Park | 1 hour 20 minutes |
Hakuba Oike from Tenguhara | 2 hours |
Kazafuki Oike from Tenguhara | 2 hours 20 minutes |
Renge Onsen from Hakuba Oike | 2 hours 20 minutes |
Mt. Hakuba from Hakuba Oike | 3 hours 40 minutes |
Access to the Tsugaike Nature Park
Fees for the Tsugaike Panorama Way As of March, 2023 | Adults | Children |
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Round-trip (Including gondola, ropeway, and park entrance tickets) | ¥3,700 | ¥2,100 |
One-way (Including gondola and ropeway tickets) | ¥2,000 | ¥1,100 |
- In the interest of wildlife conservation, private vehicle access to the Tsugaike Nature Park is not allowed.
- Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more.
- Prices for children are applicable for elementary school students or younger.
- 50% off is available for those with disabilities. ID required.
- Pets are not allowed on the Panorama Way.
Tsugaike Panorama Way Details
Total Length: 5,320 m (Gondola + Ropeway)
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Gondola Lift Eve
Details Total length: 4,120 m
Max capacity: 6 passengers per carriageRide time 20 minutes (one-way) Operating section Tsugaike Kogen Station Shirakaba Station Tsuga-no-mori Station
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Tsugaike Ropeway
Details Total length: 1,200 m
Max capacity: 71 passengersRide time 5 minutes (one-way) Operating section Tsuga-Daimon Station Nature Park Station