A weekly series bringing you a sense of how comfortable the week ahead will be, from Ichinose at 1,600 meters above sea level. This week starts with summer skies and turns rainy in the second half. It’s shaping up to be a week around 10°C cooler than Tokyo.
This Week’s Weather and What to Wear
The first half of the week (Tuesday to Thursday) brings pleasant weather with plenty of sunny breaks. Rain moves in from Friday evening, and the weekend looks unsettled, with cloudy skies and occasional rain. In Tokyo that same week, highs are forecast at 29 to 35°C. The gap with Ichinose is about 10°C, cool enough that you’ll want a light jacket in the mornings and evenings. If you’re planning to walk over the weekend, don’t forget your rain gear.
*This is the forecast as of July 13, 2026. The second half of the week in particular may change, so please check the latest forecast just before you head out.
| Date | Weather | High/Low | A Word |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7/14 (Tue) | Sunny | 23°C/17°C | Perfect for a marsh walk |
| 7/15 (Wed) | Sunny, then cloudy | 25°C/15°C | The warmest summer day this week |
| 7/16 (Thu) | Sunny with occasional clouds | 23°C/16°C | A jacket for mornings and evenings |
| 7/17 (Fri) | Cloudy, then rain | 22°C/16°C | Umbrella needed from the evening |
| 7/18 (Sat) | Cloudy with occasional rain | 21°C/17°C | Rain gear recommended |
| 7/19 (Sun) | Cloudy with occasional rain | 21°C/16°C | Head to the visitor center on rainy days |
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency Weather Forecast (reference: Ichinose Family Ski Area pinpoint forecast, Outdoor Weather.jp)
This Week’s Events and What’s in Season
- Nikko day lilies at their best: At the Higashi-tateyama Alpine Botanical Garden (free admission), Nikko day lilies and other summer alpine plants are in full bloom. Take the Shiga Kogen Golden Line (Yama-no-Eki to Higashi-tateyama, round-trip 1-Day Pass, adults 3,000 yen) up to a flower garden at 2,000 meters.
- Genji fireflies at Ishi-no-yu: It’s the season to see these fireflies, a natural monument. For details, see our feature article.
- Shiga Kogen Nice! Photo Contest now accepting entries (through November 3): Once you’ve captured a summer scene, head to the entry page.
- Coming up: On Saturday, August 1, the Summer Festival Yamanouchi Dondon; from August 3, the Shiga Kogen Summer Concert; and the highland’s biggest summer festival, the Shiga Kogen Daija (Serpent) Festival.
Event Calendar
| Dates | Event / In Season | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| In season (through July) | Nikko day lilies and other alpine plants | Higashi-tateyama Alpine Botanical Garden | Golden Line |
| In season (mid-July) | Genji fireflies at Ishi-no-yu | Ishi-no-yu | Feature article |
| Daily through 8/16 (Sun) | Maeyama Summer Lift in operation | Suzurikawa | Operating info |
| Through 11/3 (Tue) | Nice! Photo Contest accepting entries | All of Shiga Kogen | Entry page |
| 8/1 (Sat) | Summer Festival Yamanouchi Dondon | Yudanaka Bosai Hiroba | Announcement |
| 8/3 (Mon) – 8/31 (Mon) | Shiga Kogen Summer Concert (7 shows, free) | Sogo Kaikan 98 | Announcement |
| Late August (planned) | Shiga Kogen Daija (Serpent) Festival | In front of Yama-no-Eki and elsewhere | Announcement |
Road, Lift, and Operating Info
- The weekday closure of Prefectural Route 502 (the Okushiga Koen Sakae Line) lasts through Friday, July 17. It’s a restriction due to bridge construction, and the road is open from Saturday, July 18. For details, see the restriction info article.
- The Shiga Kusatsu Kogen Route (National Route 292) is fully open. Check the latest road conditions here.
- The Maeyama Summer Lift runs daily through August 16 (8:45 to 16:10, adults 600 yen one-way). It’s the entrance to the pond-hopping course toward Shibu-ike and Shijuhachi-ike.
- For the operating status of all the summer mountain lifts, please check the Ropeway Association’s page.
- Carry a bear bell when hiking. Please also read our notice on wildlife safety.
A Word for This Week
In front of “Kaede-no-Yu,” the hot spring by Yudanaka Station, Nagano Prefecture’s first “PokéLid” (Pokémon manhole cover) has appeared (Tourism Bureau). The design shows Pokémon soaking in a hot spring. On your way to or from Shiga Kogen, take a look down at your feet at Yudanaka Station.
We look forward to welcoming you again this week in cool Ichinose.
Sources and Related Links