Top 12 Natural Monuments around Mikuni-sammyaku

Amazing snow walls can be seen in the end of April and the beginning of May. One of the best hill climb routes in Nagano.

The Jigokudani Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen) is the main habitat of the snow monkeys and is located in Nagano Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo

Top tip! The center of Kusatsu is a charming onsen village known for its hot springs and traditional Japanese houses. Right next to the Sulfur Spring, one of Kusatsu's most famous onsen, is the Yubatake, a traditional Japanese sulfur spring that visitors can observe.

Shibu Pass is a well-known mountain pass in Japan, located at an elevation of 2,172 meters and representing the highest point of any national highway in Japan. National Highway 292, which runs through the Shiga Kogen region, offers cyclists a challenge and breathtaking views. The climb from Kusatsu to Shibu Pass is approximately 20 km long and offers an average gradient of 5-6%. The maximum gradient is 11%, making the ride even more challenging. The road is paved and provides a good surface for cycling. The gradients are challenging, but the views are breathtaking. The ride to Shibu Pass offers breathtaking mountain scenery and a variety of natural attractions. The Shiga Kogen region is known for its volcanic activity and offers a unique landscape. Shibu Pass is a highlight for cyclists and a must-see for anyone looking for a challenge. The views from Shibu Pass are breathtaking and offer views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

*Lake Haruna - A Paradise for Nature Lovers* Lake Haruna is a beautiful mountain lake in Japan, known for its natural beauty and tranquility. The lake lies at the foot of Mount Haruna, a 1,449-meter-high volcano in Gunma Prefecture. *Food and Drink Options at Lake Haruna* There are several options for dining at Lake Haruna. Here are some: - *Restaurants and Cafes*: There are several restaurants and cafes near the lake that offer traditional Japanese dishes such as sushi, ramen, and udon. Some of these restaurants also offer views of the lake. - *Food Stalls*: There are also several food stalls near the lake that offer snacks such as yakitori, takoyaki, and other Japanese specialties. - *Picnic*: Lake Haruna is also a popular picnic spot. There are many picnic areas near the lake, equipped with tables and benches. *Popular Dishes at Lake Haruna* Some popular dishes at Lake Haruna include: - *Wakasagi*: A freshwater fish caught in Lake Haruna, served in many restaurants in the area. - *Gunma Beef*: A well-known beef from Gunma Prefecture, served in many restaurants in the area. - *Traditional Japanese Dishes*: There are many traditional Japanese dishes served at Lake Haruna, such as sushi, ramen, and udon. *Conclusion* Lake Haruna is a beautiful place known for its natural beauty and tranquility. There are many options for dining, from traditional Japanese dishes to snacks and picnics. When visiting Lake Haruna, be sure to try some of the local specialties.

The 97-meter-high Kegon Waterfall (Japanese: 華厳ノ滝, kegon no taki) flows from Lake Chuzenji and is considered one of the three most beautiful waterfalls in Japan. There are two observation decks on site, one above and one at the base of the waterfall. The upper observation deck is open all day and free to the public, while the lower observation deck is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It can be accessed via a fee-based elevator.

The world-famous snow monkeys are at home here. In autumn there are of course fewer animals in their onsen than in winter. Nevertheless, we were able to observe three of the macaques.

Suginamiki Park was created to protect the Nikko Sugi Avenue and preserve local culture. The Nikko Sugi Avenue is a historically and academically significant site, designated as both a Special Historic Site and a Special Natural Monument by the national government. To protect the roots of the cedar trees, the surrounding area was made public property and developed into a park.