In the northern area, you will find two spacious, family-friendly parks, Alps Park and Joyama Park, which are excellent destinations for cherry blossom viewing in the spring and panoramic views of the Japan Alps year-round. Apple orchards dot the hills near these parks and if you time your trip during the harvest season, you can try out apple picking for yourself at orchards like Yokoya Farm! The quiet farming valleys of the Shiga area, home to the Shiga Fossil Museum, are also located here in the north.