- Wild monkey park
- Nature & sights
- Museums & histricsites
- Hands-on activities
- Trecking tours
- Local specialties
- Sightseeing information
Hands-on Activities
Cherry Picking
From early June to early July, cherry orchards in Yamanouchi Town await visitors with trees loaded with red-ripe cherries. Come pick and feast on the fresh, savory flavor unique to cherries. Impress your palate and make your visit to the town of Yamanouchi unforgettable.
Blueberry Picking
A delightful harmony of tartness and sweetness, the local blueberries are large and juicy and are grown on well-drained southern slopes using the pristine waters peculiar to Shiga Kogen. Season: early July to early August.
"Kyoho" Grape Picking
These large and juicy "Kyoho" grapes are everyone's favorite. For a modest fee, visitors to vineyards can eat as much as they like within a specified time limit. Season: early to mid-August (for greenhouse variety); early September to mid-October (for outdoor variety).
Apple Picking
Many popular apple varieties ripen in succession from early to late autumn. Freshly picked, they are crisp and please the palate with their sweet-and-sour juice. Season: early to late September (for "Tsugaru" variety); early to late October (for "Jona-gold," "Shuei" and "Shinano Sweet" varieties); early to mid-November ("Fuji" variety).
"Soba" (Buckwheat Noodle) Making
Key ingredients for the Sugakawa district's renowned "soba" (buckwheat noodles) are fine-quality buckwheat flour, good water and a mountain vegetable called "yama-gobo" which is used as a binder. Equally important is to knead the dough thoroughly. Experienced local ladies guide the visitor attentively through the soba-making process. Completed after considerable time kneading with all your might, soba noodles are cut and boiled on the spot and ready to eat - the best possible way to enjoy. This hands-on soba-making activity is available year-round.
Bamboo Ware Making
The Sugakawa district in Kita-Shiga Kogen is home to the centuries-old tradition of bamboo ware making that dates back to the Edo Period. These bamboo items are characterized by their rustic charm. Try your hand at making a vase or an accessory box incorporating your own originality. Make your own distinctive souvenir. The bamboo ware-making program is available year-round.
