Highlands in Nagano Prefecture, Central Japan

In the highlands of Nagano's Mt. Kirigamine, visitors can enter a glittering and crystalline wonderland of Japanese larch trees covered in hard rime ice during the winter. This ice layers over the evergreen foliage, building up a hard coating that turns the entire tree white like a painted statue. In addition to the shimmering beauty of these trees, visitors can look forward to seeing “diamond dust” ice clouds and the ethereal light pillars reflecting off the ice crystals suspended in the air. Thanks to its gentle slopes and spacious plains, this area is an excellent retreat for family-friendly ski trips. The snowshoeing, hiking and cross-country ski trails nearby also provide opportunities for high-altitude training or leisurely adventures through the local wilderness. Gear rental is available at Kurumayama Kogen Ski Resort. On top of the ice-coated woods, the Kirigamine Highlands provide views of Mt. Fuji and the Japan Alps.

Tateshina Highlands are a plateau located in Chino City, Nagano Prefecture. Mt. Tateshina to the north and Mt. Yatsugatake to the east. It is part of the Yatsugatake Chushin Kogen National Quasi-National Park. Tateshina Highlands　consist of Tateshina Central Highlands, Okutateshina Hot Springs Village, and some of lakes such as Lake Shirakaba etc. Also Mt. Kurumayama in the western part is sometimes included as part of Tateshina Highlands.