Yashima Wetland (Chino City, Nagano Prefecture) — Overview (History, Features, and Attractions)
Yashima Marsh is a high-altitude marsh that spreads across the highlands of Chino City, Nagano Prefecture, and is also known as Yashimagahara (Yashimagahara Marsh). Located at an altitude of approximately 1,600m, it is surrounded by mountains such as the Yatsugatake, Tateshina, and Kirigamine mountains. As one of Japan's high-altitude marshes, the marsh preserves its precious natural environment, and boardwalks are provided, allowing visitors to observe alpine plants in all four seasons and the unique marsh scenery up close.
Historically, it was formed by natural sedimentation and climatic conditions over many years, and has played an important role in the local ecosystem and watershed conservation.As a tourist destination, it is a popular spot for hiking, nature observation, bird watching, and photography, and is particularly attractive for its alpine plants in summer, cotton grass in early summer, day lilies in summer, and autumn leaves in autumn.
Highlights
- Well-maintained boardwalk: You can walk on the marshland and see the plants and peat up close. It's flat, so it's relatively easy to walk on.
- Alpine plant communities: You can see cotton grass, wild iris, Asian skunk cabbage (varies depending on the season), day lily, etc. (Best viewing time varies depending on the season).
- Magnificent mountain scenery: With the Yatsugatake mountain range and the mountains in the Tateshina area in the background, this, combined with the open feeling of the marshland, makes for a beautiful photo spot.
- Bird and insect watching: The marshland is also a habitat for migratory and marsh-dwelling wild birds, making it an ideal place for bird watching.
- Evening scenery and morning mist: The marshland changes its appearance with the early morning mist and evening light, creating a fantastical sight. It also serves as a base for stargazing.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest train station: Chino Station on the JR Chuo Main Line. From Chino Station, you can use public transportation or a car to get to the site.
- Bus: Regular buses and seasonal services (with increased frequency during peak season) run from Chino Station to the Yashima Wetland area. Operating times and frequency vary depending on the season and day of the week, so please check the timetable and special service information in advance.
- By car: Access the area from the Suwa/Okaya IC on the Chuo Expressway via national and prefectural roads. It takes about 30 to 50 minutes by car from the center of Chino City (depending on road and traffic conditions). There is parking available around the site, but the number of spaces is limited, so it is recommended to arrive early on weekends and during peak tourist seasons.
- Taxi: You can also take a taxi from Chino Station. This is convenient when public transportation is less frequent or when traveling in a group.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Walking along the boardwalk (round trip/circumnavigation): Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour (please allow 1 hour or more if you wish to take photos or take your time observing).
- If you want to extend your trip to the surrounding mountain trails or observation decks, there are hiking trails that take about 2 to 3 hours. Please plan your trip based on your physical strength and goals.
- If you are interested in photography and bird watching, half a day (3-4 hours) will be enough time to enjoy the trip.
Nearby spots
- Tateshina Plateau and Lake Shirakaba: Approximately 20-40 minutes by car. Plenty of hot springs and leisure facilities.
- Yatsugatake, Utsukushinomori, Kurumayama Plateau, etc.: There are several spots nearby where you can enjoy mountain scenery, hiking, and flower fields.
- Lake Suwa: About 30 minutes by car for sightseeing, hot springs, historical sites (Suwa Taisha Shrine), etc.
- Hot spring inns around Tateshina Onsen and Tateshina: Convenient for bathing and staying overnight after exploring the marshes.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: The parking lot and the boardwalk area are congested during the summer tourist season, the autumn foliage season, and on weekends. As congestion can affect nearby traffic, we recommend leaving early in the morning or visiting on a weekday.
- Manners: Wetlands are delicate natural environments. Please observe basic manners, such as staying on the boardwalk, not taking any plants or animals, and always taking your trash with you.
- Equipment: The weather in the plateau is changeable and cold, so please bring light windproof and cold weather gear, as well as rain gear. On sunny days, wear a hat and sunscreen.
- Insect and tick protection: Insects and ticks are more active from summer to autumn. We recommend wearing long sleeves and long pants, and using insect repellent spray.
- Barrier-free access: There are boardwalks, but there are steps and narrow areas. Wheelchair and stroller access is restricted in some places, so please check local information in advance.
- Use of drones, etc.: The use of drones and other unmanned aircraft may be restricted within natural parks. Please check the rules before flying.
- Seasonal precautions: In winter, roads may be impassable or closed due to snow and ice. If you are visiting in winter, be sure to check the equipment and road information.
Before visiting, it's a good idea to check the latest traffic information, weather information, and local opening and closing information (for parking lots and walking trails). Yashima Wetlands is a treasure trove of nature that changes with the seasons, so be sure to plan your visit well and enjoy nature to the fullest.
