Shimonita Geopark

    Shimonita is home to dynamic geological features such as "Nenashi-yama (Atogura Klippe)," selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Geological Sites, and traces of volcanic activity from approximately 9.5 million years ago, offering a vivid sense of the Earth's dramatic changes. It also preserves historical and industrial heritage that made use of its unique terrain and underground resources, including the World Heritage Site Arafune Cold Storage.

    Shimonita Hydrangea Garden

    The garden features about 20,000 hydrangea plants and approximately 1,200 crape myrtle trees, making it one of the largest hydrangea gardens in the Kanto region.

    Fragrant Wind: “Kozu Farm Flower Festival”

    Free Kozu Farm Jersey Soft-Serve Milk Distribution (Limited to 1,000 servings), and more

    Welcome to Shimonita Town

    Shimonita Town Tourism Association

    Mount Myougi

    6 million years old mountain. Mount Myogi is a much older volcano compared to Mount Fuji.

    Shimonita Station

    Terminal Station of Joshin Dentetsu Railway

    Michi-no-eki Shimonita

    12 min walk from Sendaira Station (Joshin Dentetsu Railway)
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    Shimonita Highlights

    Current Highlights

    Free Admission Announcement at the World Heritage Site “Arafune Wind Cave”

    As part of the maintenance project in the Arafune Cold Storage Zone, renovation work will be carried out on the visitor pathway and related areas. ...

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    TOPICS & NEWS

    More Information

    Welcome to Shimonita Town

    Look / Eat / Buy / Stay

    Shimonita Geopark

    Selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Geological Sites. Rich in geological wonders, including volcanic activity from 9.5 million years ago and the World Heritage Site Arafune Cold Storage Ruins. Don’t miss it!

    Shimonita Journey

    Explorer Shimonita ! World Heritage ! The Blessing Of The Earth ! Industrial Heritage ! History & Food Culture !

    Michi-no-eki Shimonita

    Food court, sales of local specialties, road and tourist information, and a rest area.

    Nishi-Joshu Mobility

    Journeys to Nishi-Joshu uses public transportation used by local people.

    Local Specialities

    Local specialties and products of Shimonita Town.

    Event & Experience

    Here's a guide to events and experiences you can enjoy in Shimonita Town!

    Eat & Buy

    Eat and Buy ! Restaurants, specialties, lunch boxes, and souvenirs from Shimonita Town !

    Shimonita Sightseeing

    A treasure of nature! Enjoy in Shimonita Town! Learn! Play! and more!

    Accommodation

    Shimonita Accommodation & Hot Springs

    Shimonita Access

    Using car, train or public transportation

    Access from Karuizawa

    Approximately 35 minutes from Usui-Karuizawa IC, or about 5 minutes from Shimonita IC.

    Access from Nagano

    Exit at the Saku IC, take National Route 254 toward Shimonita/Tomioka, about 60 minutes.

    Access from the Tokyo area

    Take the Joshinetsu Expressway and exit at Shimonita IC. About 5 min

    Train – Joshin Dentetsu Railway

    From JR Takasaki Station, take the Joshin Dentetsu Railway from Platform 0 (approx. 50 minutes). Get off at Sendaira Station, then walk about 12 minutes.

    Access by Express Bus

    For detailed timetables and fare information, please refer to the official schedule.

    Shimonita Geopark

    In Shimonita, you can feel the dynamic changes of the earth with the "Rootless Mountain (Atokura Klippe)," one of the 100 best geological features in Japan, and the traces of volcanic activity that occurred approximately 9.5 million years ago. In addition, there are historical and industrial legacies that utilize Shimonita's unique topography and underground resources, including the World Heritage Site Arafune Wind Cave.

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    Shimonita Journey

    World Heritage ! The Blessing Of The Earth ! Industrial Heritage ! HISTORY & Food Culture !

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    Mt. Myogi Tourist Information

    6 million years old mountain. Mount Myogi is a much older volcano compared to Mount Fuji.

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    Nishi-Joshu Mobility

    Journeys to Nishi-Joshu uses public transportation.

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    Sightseeing around Michi-no-eki Shimonita

    Introduction to sightseeing in the surrounding area - nature, culture, and world heritage sites

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    Shimonita Official Social Media

    Here are all our official social media accounts.