Hijiri Highland (Nagano Prefecture) Complete Guide｜Thorough Explanation of Access, Tourist Spots, and How to Enjoy All Four Seasons
Hijiri Highland (ひじりこうげん), which spreads across Omi Village in the Higashichikuma District of Nagano Prefecture, is a natural and abundant highland resort located at an elevation of approximately 900-1,000 meters. This area, which spreads at the foot of Hijiri Mountain (elevation 1,447 meters), possesses a unique geography nestled between the Chikuma River and the Shinai River, and is known as a tourist destination where diverse activities can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons. This article will convey all the charms of Hijiri Highland.
What is Hijiri Highland? Basic Information and History
Overview of Hijiri Highland
Hijiri Highland is located in Omi Village, Higashichikuma District, Nagano Prefecture, and is designated as a nature-rich area called “Hijiri Mountain Highland Prefectural Park.” Centered around Hijiri Mountain, which is the origin of its name, Hijiri Lake (ひじりこ) and vast highland areas spread out. It is positioned almost midway between Nagano City and Matsumoto City, with good access from both cities.
The characteristic feature is the diverse natural environment that takes advantage of elevation differences. The cool climate characteristic of highlands, abundant greenery, and the Alps mountains visible in the distance captivate all who visit.
Development History with the “Omi Method”
Hijiri Highland’s development adopted a unique approach called the “Omi Method.” This is a method in which local residents take the initiative to balance nature conservation with tourism development, and without relying on large-scale external capital, it was noted as a sustainable development model that takes advantage of regional characteristics.
Through this method, Hijiri Highland has developed as a tourist destination harmonized with nature while avoiding excessive commercialization. The landscape, preserved through the hands of local people, continues to provide visitors with a quiet and calm atmosphere today.
Main Tourist Spots in Hijiri Highland
Hijiri Lake (ひじりこ)
Hijiri Lake, the central feature of Hijiri Highland, is a quiet man-made lake with a circumference of approximately 2 kilometers. The lake surface surrounded by low mountains shows beautiful expressions in each season, with particularly many tourists visiting during the fresh greenery season and autumn foliage season.
Activities to Enjoy at Hijiri Lake:
- Boating: You can enjoy a lake excursion in a rental boat
- Fishing: Flounder crucian carp and carp inhabit the lake and are popular with fishing enthusiasts
- Lakeside Walks: A walking path is maintained that goes around the lake
- Photography Spots: The mountains and sky reflected on the lake surface are excellent subjects for photography
Benches and rest facilities are also set up along the shore, providing an environment where you can leisurely enjoy nature.
Hijiri Highland Ski Area and Sky Rider
During winter, Hijiri Highland Ski Area operates and is enjoyed as a compact ski area with one open slope and three courses that can be enjoyed by both beginners and intermediate skiers. Its family-friendly atmosphere and lack of crowds are also appealing.
Particularly noteworthy is the Sky Rider (outdoor coaster) installed within the ski area. The prefecture’s longest course at 710 meters offers the thrill and exhilaration of descending a 120-meter elevation difference at once. It operates from summer through autumn, and riding while feeling the highland breeze will be an unforgettable experience.
Hijiri Mountain Hiking Course
Hiking up Hijiri Mountain (elevation 1,447 meters) is an activity you should definitely experience when visiting Hijiri Highland. There are multiple hiking routes with a variety of options, from courses easy for beginners to courses for enjoying serious mountain walks.
Highlights of the Hike:
- View from the Summit: A grand panorama of the Northern Alps, Central Alps, Yatsugatake mountain range, and more
- Rich Nature: Alpine plants that bloom with each season and bird watching opportunities
- Moderate Exercise Level: It is possible to reach the summit in approximately 2-3 hours one way
The trails are relatively well-maintained, but appropriate equipment and preparation are necessary. Especially in early spring and autumn, the weather can change quickly, so we recommend bringing warm clothing and rain gear.
Oike Campground
In the Hijiji Highland area, there is Oike Campground where you can experience camping in nature. In addition to tent sites, accommodation facilities such as bungalows are fully equipped, allowing even camping beginners to use them with peace of mind.
Characteristics of the Campground:
- At an elevation of approximately 900 meters, the highland climate makes it cool even in summer
- Basic facilities such as cooking areas and toilets are well-equipped
- An optimal environment for stargazing
- A safe environment suitable for family camping
Advance reservations are required, and during peak season (summer vacation period) early reservations are necessary.
Hijiri Highland Tourist Information Center
If you visit Hijiri Highland, the first place you should stop is the Hijiri Highland Tourist Information Center. Here you can obtain local tourism information, hiking maps, and seasonal event information. Since local staff respond kindly, even first-time visitors can feel assured.
Additionally, local specialty products and souvenirs are sold, where you can purchase products unique to Omi Village.
How to Enjoy Hijiri Highland in Each Season
Spring (April to June)
Spring in Hijiri Highland is a season of beautiful fresh greenery. As the snow melts, the mountains turn green, and various wildflowers and alpine plants bloom.
- Fresh Greenery Hiking: Young leaves just budding are beautiful
- Bird Watching: Active movements of migratory and resident birds can be observed
- Wild Vegetable Picking: Mountain vegetable picking experiences are also possible with guidance from locals (confirmation required)
Daytime temperatures are around 15-20 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal season for walks.
Summer (July to August)
Summer in Hijiri Highland provides the best environment as a summer retreat. Due to its high elevation, even when the plains are experiencing extreme heat, Hijiri Highland remains cool and comfortable.
- Camping: Camping in the cool highlands is exceptional
- Boating at Hijiri Lake: The breeze across the lake surface is pleasant
- Sky Rider: Summer operations offer exhilaration
- Stargazing: With clear air, you can enjoy a star-filled sky
It is the ideal season for family vacations and group summer trips.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons in Hijiri Highland. Many tourists visit during the autumn foliage season.
- Fall Foliage Viewing: Mid-October to late October is prime viewing time
- Autumn Foliage Around Hijiri Lake: Foliage reflected on the lake surface is spectacular
- Hijiri Mountain Hiking: Hiking while enjoying autumn foliage
- Photography: The best season for photography enthusiasts
During peak foliage season, it can become crowded, so visiting on weekdays or taking an early morning walk is recommended.
Winter (December to March)
Winter in Hijiji Highland is the season for winter sports. The snow-covered quiet highlands reveal a different charm.
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Enjoy winter sports at Hijiri Highland Ski Area
- Snowy Landscape Walks: Walking around Hijiri Lake covered in snow
- Hot Springs: Warm your chilled body at nearby hot spring facilities
The ski area, while compact, is designed with beginner and family-friendly features, allowing you to enjoy it comfortably with few crowds.
Cuisine and Specialty Products Around Hijiri Highland
Specialty Products of Omi Village
Omi Village is an agricultural area, and the following specialty products are particularly well-known.
- Apples: Apples grown in the highland climate with strong sweetness
- Buckwheat: Hand-pulled buckwheat made with locally produced buckwheat flour
- Wild Vegetables: Various wild vegetables are harvested in spring
- Local Sake: Nagano Prefecture-produced Japanese sake and wine
Recommended Restaurants
There are restaurants around Hijiri Highland that utilize local ingredients. Hand-pulled buckwheat noodles in particular have a good reputation and many tourists visit. Also, at roadside stations and similar facilities, you can purchase local vegetables and processed products, which are ideal for souvenir shopping.
Access Methods and Transportation Information
Access by Car
Car access is the most convenient way to reach Hijiri Highland.
Access from Major Cities:
- From Nagano City: Approximately 40 minutes (via National Route 19)
- From Matsumoto City: Approximately 50 minutes (via National Route 19)
- From Tokyo Area: Approximately 10 minutes from “Omi IC” on the Nagano Expressway via the Chuo Expressway
- From Nagoya Area: Via Chuo Expressway then approximately 10 minutes from “Omi IC” on the Nagano Expressway
Access from Omi IC is extremely good, and you can arrive at the Hijiri Highland area within minutes of exiting the expressway. Parking lots are equipped at each facility, and many places are free to use.
Access by Public Transportation
When using public transportation, the following route is typical.
- JR Shinonoi Line “Hijiri Highland Station”: Although the station name is “Hijiri Highland,” there is actual distance to Hijiri Highland
- From the Station by Bus or Taxi: Use bus or taxi from Hijiri Highland Station
If you don’t have a car, renting a car from Nagano or Matsumoto Station is the most efficient.
Parking Information
- Around Hijiri Lake: Free parking available (approximately 50 spaces)
- Ski Area: May become a paid parking lot during winter
- Campground: Parking for lodging guests available
During peak seasons (autumn foliage season, summer vacation period), congestion may occur, so arriving early is recommended.
Accommodation Facilities Around Hijiri Highland
Lodging Facilities Within the Highland
The Hijiri Highland area has the following accommodation options.
- Pensions and Private Lodges: Family-like atmosphere where you can enjoy local cuisine
- Campgrounds: Tent sites and bungalows
- Hotels: Resort hotels are scattered around Hijiri Highland
Accommodation Options in Surrounding Areas
Within a 30-minute drive from Hijiri Highland, the following accommodation options are also available.
- Inns Within Omi Village: Some facilities have hot springs
- Hotels in Nagano City: Wide selection from business hotels to luxury hotels
- Hotels in Matsumoto City: Convenient as a tourism base
Since the number of accommodation facilities is limited, early reservations are essential, especially on weekends and during the autumn foliage season.
Precautions and Advice for Hijiri Highland Tourism
Clothing and Items to Bring
As it is a highland area, clothing should be chosen considering that temperatures are lower than in the plains.
- Spring and Autumn: Warm clothing essential (early morning and evening can drop below 10 degrees Celsius)
- Summer: Even if daytime is warm, bring a layer as mornings and evenings can be cold
- Winter: Complete cold weather gear is necessary
- Common: Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen
If hiking, prepare appropriate mountaineering equipment.
Best Season
Hijiri Highland has charms in each season, but particularly recommended seasons are:
- Autumn Foliage Season (Mid-October to Late October): Most beautiful scenery can be enjoyed
- Fresh Greenery Season (May to June): Cool and pleasant to spend time in
- Summer (July to August): Ideal as a summer retreat
Surrounding Tourist Spots
Combining visits to surrounding tourist spots when visiting Hijiri Highland will make for an enriching trip.
- Roadside Station Sakaita: Local specialty products and fresh vegetables can be purchased
- Obasute Rice Terraces: Beautiful rice terraces selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Rice Terraces
- Zenkoji Temple (Nagano City): Approximately 40 minutes by car, a representative temple of Nagano
- Matsumoto Castle (Matsumoto City): Approximately 50 minutes by car, a National Treasure castle
Major Events and Festivals Held in Hijiri Highland
Various events are held in Hijiri Highland throughout the year.
Spring Events
- Mountain Opening: Safety blessing ceremony and hiking event
- Spring Nature Observation Walk: Bird and plant observation tours
Summer Events
- Stargazing Session: Star observation using telescopes
- Camping Events: Family-oriented camping experience programs
Autumn Events
- Autumn Foliage Festival: Local specialty product sales and folk performance presentations
- Harvest Festival: Experience events such as apple picking
Winter Events
- Ski Area Opening: First run of the season event
- Snow Festival: Snow sculpture contests and other events (held depending on the year)
Details and schedules of events can be confirmed on the Hijiri Highland Tourist Information Center or the Omi Village official website.
How to Maximize the Enjoyment of Hijiri Highland’s Charm
Hijiri Highland is not a large-scale tourist destination, but for that very reason, the beauty and tranquility of preserved nature remain. It is an ideal place for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and spend time at a leisurely pace.
Recommended Ways to Spend Your Time
- One-Day Plan: Hijiri Lake walk → Lunch → Sky Rider experience → Hijiri Mountain hike
- One Night, Two Days Plan: First day Hijiri Lake and Sky Rider, camp overnight for stargazing, second day Hijiri Mountain climbing
- Autumn Foliage Season: Early morning Hijiri Lake photography → Hijiri Mountain hiking → Relieve fatigue at a nearby hot spring
Consideration for the Community
Hijiri Highland is a natural environment protected through the efforts of local people. When visiting, please be considerate of the following:
- Take Trash Home: Be thorough in not polluting nature
- Plant Collection Prohibited: Do not collect plants without permission
- Maintain Quiet Environment: Refrain from loud voices and noise
- Contribution to Local Economy: Use local shops and restaurants
Summary: Have a Memorable Experience in Hijiri Highland
Hijiri Highland in Omi Village, Higashichikuma District, Nagano Prefecture, is a hidden gem where abundant nature and diverse activities can be enjoyed. The quiet waters of Hijiri Lake, the great panorama from Hijiri Mountain, beautiful scenery in each season, and the warm hospitality of locals. All of these provide visitors with special experiences.
With good access from Omi IC on the Nagano Expressway, Hijiri Highland is ideal for both day trips from Nagano or Matsumoto cities and leisurely sightseeing vacations where you can fully enjoy nature. On your next day off, be sure to visit Hijiri Highland and experience the cool air and beautiful nature of the highlands.
The Hijiri Highland Tourist Information Center provides the latest information, so it is recommended to contact them before visiting. Create your own special memories in Hijiri Highland, which shows a different face in each of the four seasons.
