Higashidateyama Alpine Botanical Garden
東館山高山植物園
Take the Higashidateyama cable car to a hilltop garden at about 2,000 metres, where hundreds of alpine plants bloom in summer, with views over the lakes of Shiga Kōgen and the Northern Alps.
The Higashidateyama Alpine Botanical Garden sits at the summit of Higashidateyama, at about 2,000 metres in central Shiga Kōgen. It is an easy summer option. The cable car from Happo Onsen takes about seven minutes to reach the top. Paths wind through the garden, which displays hundreds of alpine species, including Nikkō kisuge (yellow day lily), Hakusan fūro and komagusa. The flowers peak from mid-July to early August. The summit viewpoint overlooks the lakes of Shiga Kōgen, and on clear days you can see the Northern Alps. A restaurant nearby is a good place to rest. Entry to the garden is free, but the cable car costs about 2,000 yen for a round trip, though check the official website for current prices. Getting there: take a bus toward Shiga Kōgen from Yudanaka Station, which takes about 35 minutes to Happo Onsen or the Higashidateyama cable car station. In winter the mountain becomes part of the Shiga Kōgen ski area, and the botanical garden is closed.
Opening hours
Summer and autumn, about 08:30–16:00 (depends on cable car operations)
Nearby sights
- Ōnuma Pond
- Shiga Kōgen
- Jigokudani Monkey Park
- Mount Yokote
- SORA terrace (Ryuoo Ski Park)
- Shibu & Yudanaka Onsen