Joshin-etsu-kogen National Park

Joshin-etsu-kogen National Park is comprised of two separate areas. To the north are Mounts Myoko (8,091ft/ 2,466m), Kurohima (6,736ft/ 2,053m), Togakushi (6,270ft/ 1,911m) and Iizuna (6,290ft/ 1,917m), to the east Mount Tanigawa (6,441ft/ 1,963m) and two active volcanoes, Shirane (7,094ft/ 2,162m) and Asama (8,340ft/ 2,542m; last eruption April 1982). In this eastern section are the extensive skiing areas of Suga-daira and Shiga-kogen (numerous lifts). With its clear lakes and open birch forests the plateau attracts many summer visitors. This part of the National Park is traversed by the Shiga-Kusatsu-kogen Ridge Highway, which connects Yudanka in the north with Karuizawa in the south, reaching a height of some 6,550 ft/ 2,000m.