Mount Yokote
横手山
One of the highest peaks in the Shiga Kōgen area at 2,307 metres. Ride a chairlift to the summit for views of the Northern Alps and the clouds, and the mountain hut is said to be Japan's highest bakery.
Mount Yokote rises to 2,307 metres at the southern end of Shiga Kōgen, close to the border between Nagano and Gunma prefectures. It is the easiest high mountain to reach from National Route 292 (the Shiga Kusatsu Road). From the Yokotesan Drive-in at the base, it takes about 15 minutes by moving walkway and chairlift to reach the summit. On clear days you can see the Northern Alps, Myoko and even Mount Fuji, and sea-of-clouds views are common on summer mornings. The summit hut, known as the "highest bakery in Japan," is famous for its borscht served with freshly baked bread. Getting there: take a bus toward Shiga Kōgen from Yudanaka Station, which takes about 60 minutes to Yokotesan summit or Shibutōge Station. During winter road closures, you can only reach the summit by gondola from inside the Shiga Kōgen ski area. The mountain is more than 10°C colder than the valley, so bring a jacket even in summer.
Opening hours
Chairlift about 08:30–16:30 (varies by season; check the official website)
Nearby sights
- Ōnuma Pond
- Shiga Kōgen
- Higashidateyama Alpine Botanical Garden
- Jigokudani Monkey Park
- Shibu & Yudanaka Onsen
- SORA terrace (Ryuoo Ski Park)