Takashima City, located in the northwest of Lake Biwa, is full of beautiful nature in all four seasons.
In autumn, the metasequoia trees and other forests and villages of Takashima change into vibrant autumn colors.
Please come to Takashima for your autumn outing.
Autumn leaves
Late December~
It is located in the Kutsuki-Katsurakawa Prefectural Natural Park, in the northwest of Kutsuki, halfway up Mikuni Pass. It is said that beech trees are a barometer of mountain richness. In the past, beech forests developed in the cool climate of mountain areas 600-700 meters above sea level in Shiga Prefecture, but most of them have been cut down, and only a few remain today. [Main plants that make up the live cedar forest] ■ Tall and sub-tall tree layers beech, Mizunara, Sugar maple, Japanese horse chestnut, and Magnolia obtusa ■ …
Late December~
Located on the border between Shiga and Fukui prefectures, Onyu Pass is known as a spectacular spot. The best time to see the autumn leaves is usually from late October, but if the weather conditions are right, you can also see the spectacular sea of clouds in the early morning. For inquiries about the traffic conditions on major forest roads in Takashima City, please contact the Takashima City Forestry and Fisheries Division (0740-25-8512). For inquiries about road conditions on the Fukui Prefecture side (Kami-Negoro Line Forest Road), please contact Obama City Hall (0770-53-1111).
Early October ~
The autumn foliage on the mountains around Villadest Imazu is spectacular. There are spots to see autumn foliage in the area, such as a rock called Tengu Rock. *Please be careful when traveling on forest roads. Please check road conditions in advance. For information on the traffic conditions of major forest roads in Takashima City, please contact the Takashima City Forestry and Fisheries Division (0740-25-8512).
From mid-June
Momiji Pond spreads out to the right of the entrance to the forest road that leads to "Family Travel Village Villadest Imazu" through the Sanami community in Imazu Town. As its name suggests, in autumn the surface of the pond reflects the autumn leaves of the surrounding mountains beautifully and vividly. *Please do not cross the wooden bridge over Momiji Pond as it has deteriorated and is very dangerous.
9 late month - 10 middle of the month
It takes about 8 minutes by gondola from the parking lot at the base of the mountain to the summit, which is about 630 meters above sea level, where you will find an open space. This is a spot where you can enjoy seasonal flowers and views unique to Shiga, such as Lake Biwa, Takeshima Island, and Mt. Ibuki. Night gondola rides are also held regularly! There are also stargazing events and illuminations, so you can spend a fulfilling day here.
From mid-June
Koshoji Temple was founded in 1243 when Zen Master Dogen, the founder of the Soto sect, encouraged Sasaki Nobutsuna, who was residing in retirement in Kutsukisho, to build a temple while traveling from the capital to Echizen. From the temple grounds, you can see vast and magnificent views of the Azumigawa River and Kaminoyama. Kutsuki is said to be the place where the 1528th Shogun, Ashikaga Yoshiharu, stayed in XNUMX to escape the wars in Kyoto, and the XNUMXth Shogun, Yoshiteru, also stayed there for over six years, fleeing from the war-torn Kyoto. The Muromachi administration was carried out here, and XNUMX employees lived there. The quiet temple grounds…
Mid April
The temple is well-known for the fresh greenery that covers the grounds and the vivid autumn foliage. It was founded in the early 13th century, and from the Northern and Southern Courts period to the Muromachi period, it was highly revered by the Sasaki clan, the feudal lords of Omi Province. When Sasaki Genji went out to battle, he would pray to the altar of Oarahiko Shrine, which he revered as the guardian deity of his clan, for victory, and when he returned in triumph, he would give thanks to the altar. At that time, 12 targets and 12 horses were dedicated to the altar, and today, the event is held every year on May 5th...
Late December~
About 2.4 metasequoia trees are planted along the 500km-long Koaraji Makinosawa Prefectural Road that runs through Makino Pickland Agricultural Park. They blend in with the Nosaka Mountains in the distance and create a plateau-like landscape as an approach road to the Makino Plateau. The trees were originally planted by the Makino Town Fruit Producers Association in 56 as part of a project to develop the "Learning from Makino Soil" school farm. They have been lovingly nurtured by the association and other local people, and have continued to grow into a beautiful landscape.
Other colors
Late December~
Named for their blooming around the autumn equinox, red spider lilies (also known as manjushage) can be seen on the lake shore and rice field paths in Takashima City. Katsurahama Park in Imazu Town is one of the places where they grow in large groups over a wide area. The clusters look like a bright red carpet has been laid out. Katsurahama is seeing an increasing number of people coming with cameras, as wild radishes grow in spring and red spider lilies grow in early autumn with Lake Biwa in the background.
Late December~
Higanbana (also known as Manjushage), so named because they bloom around the autumn equinox, can be seen on the lake shore and rice field paths in Takashima City. They grow in large groups over a wide area at Katsurahama Park in Imazu Town, but they can also be seen growing in large groups here at Genjihama.
Late December~
Every year from late September to early October, white buckwheat flowers bloom like a pure white carpet at the foot of Mt. Hakodate, creating a scene of autumn in Imazu. These buckwheat flowers eventually bear fruit, which are harvested and turned into the famous Hakodate soba, a delicious treat. (The location of the buckwheat fields varies from year to year.) You can also try making authentic soba noodles at the Yumeno Experience Center, located in Imazu General Athletic Park near the buckwheat fields.