Kayano-daira Kogen Comprehensive Information Center

Overview

Kayano-daira Kogen is a plateau spanning approximately 1500 meters above sea level, part of the Joshin'etsu Kogen National Park. Its primeval beech forest, with trees aged 200 to 300 years, truly deserves the title of "Japan's most beautiful beech forest." Two distinct wetlands add to its charm, each home to a variety of alpine plants. Kita-dobu Wetland is famous for its mass blooming of day lilies (Nikkō-kisuge) in early to late July, creating a spectacular orange carpet. Mina-dobu Wetland, though smaller, offers its own unique appeal with characteristic wetland plants and small ponds called chitō. Kayano-daira Kogen offers numerous trekking routes, catering to various fitness levels and time constraints. Even those with limited stamina can enjoy the beauty of the beech forest on gentler, low-elevation-change trails. The route from the Information Center to Kita-dobu Wetland is especially popular, with two options: the West and East routes through the primeval beech forest, allowing you to experience different perspectives on the way there and back. For those short on time, the route encompassing the Shinshu University Beech Primeval Forest Education Garden and Mina-dobu Wetland is a manageable 30-minute loop. Kayano-daira Kogen closes during winter due to heavy snowfall (nearly 3 meters!). Open from June to October, it offers a concentrated experience of spring, summer, and autumn, showcasing the vibrant seasonal changes in nature.