The highland areas of Nagano Prefecture are well-known as ideal summer retreats for those seeking relief from the hot, humid weather of Japan’s major cities. As the number of extremely hot days and tropical nights in urban areas continues to increase year by year, more people are visiting the highlands surrounding the Japanese Alps, which Nagano is proud of, to escape the sweltering heat. Furthermore, due to the lower temperatures and humidity compared to the metropolitan areas, the affluent populous own vacation homes in this alpine region of the country, and live a dual-location lifestyle, enjoying nature and refreshing their minds and bodies during the summer.
Tateshina Highlands, located in the southeastern part of Nagano Prefecture, has long been known as a hot spring area and remains a popular summer resort destination to this day. The history of the nearby “Taki no Yu” hot spring, adjacent to Hotel de l’Alpage, is said to date back to the Sengoku period. From the Taisho to early Showa periods, it was medically proven that the cool air, abundant sunlight, ozone, hot springs, fresh water, and dry climate of Tateshina Highlands were effective in improving the health of frail children. As a result, health resorts were established, and medical professionals began purchasing vacation homes in the area.
In 1952, the man-made Lake Tateshina was completed, which spurred the rapid development of Tateshina Highlands as a tourist destination. The area evolved not only as a hot spring retreat but also as a highland resort. The region also features several other man-made lakes, such as Lake Shirakaba and Lake Megami. These lakes were originally created as warm water reservoirs for agricultural use because the natural water flowing from the Yatsugatake Mountain range was too cold to be used directly for irrigation. However, tourism facilities were developed in the areas surrounding these lakes, leading to their transformation as highland resorts.
Today, Lake Tateshina is home to a roadside station offering various activities, shopping, and day-use hot springs. Additionally, there is a country club where visitors can enjoy a relaxing round of golf against the stunning backdrop of the Central and Southern Alps.
From our hotel, you can reach Lake Tateshina in around 12-minutes by foot. On summer evenings, the quiet surface of the lake beautifully reflects the Yatsugatake Mountain Range and Mount Tateshina. In autumn, the vibrant colours of the surrounding forest and the trees encircling the lake are mirrored in the water, creating a magical scene.
Across from Lake Tateshina is Seiko-ji Temple, which was established by Toyota Motor Corporation in 1970 and is known as a temple that protects the commuters from roadside accidents. Additionally, this temple is situated in a highland area at an elevation of 1,200 meters, making it famous as a place where visitors can view “the latest blooming Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms in Honshu.”
This area is blessed with natural beauty, with vividly changing landscapes throughout the seasons, offering unique attractions and ways to enjoy each season. The cool, refreshing climate in summer makes it particularly ideal as a retreat from the harsh heat of the city.
