eBike in the Sky

Hello everyone!

I'm Azumi from the PR team "Play Promise."
The weather is finally starting to feel like the rainy season is over and it's hot.
It's been raining all through the rainy season at Norikura Highlands, so I'm very happy to be able to soak up so much sun these days.

We understand that many people are traveling amidst many concerns due to the impact of COVID-19. At Norikura Kogen, each accommodation and facility is making an effort to take measures against COVID-19 and welcomes guests. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact each facility.

When you visit Norikura Highlands, we hope you will take a deep breath in the midst of nature, enjoy the bounty of nature, and recharge your energy.
Today, we would like to share with you some recommended activities that you can enjoy while feeling the refreshing breeze at Norikura Plateau.
Starting this year, e-Bike rentals have begun at Norikura Kogen!
Simply put, an "e-bike" is an electrically assisted bicycle.
You often see electric mamachari bicycles around town, but did you know that there are also electric-assist cross bikes that are perfect for enjoying outdoors?

This time, I went on a hill climb on the Echo Line with my friends from Fun Yakusoku, Kenny and Setsu, from the tourist center (1,400m above sea level) to the border of Gifu Prefecture on Mt. Norikura (2,700m above sea level) on an e-Bike! It felt more like cycling than hill climbing.

First, let's talk about the riding comfort of the e-Bike! It's hard to convey how amazing it is through photos or videos, so I recommend you try it for yourself. First, after the first one or two pedal strokes, you feel like you're riding a scooter! Your pedaling power, combined with the added power of the electricity, allows you to ride with incredible speed and ease. We were all impressed by how comfortable it is to ride on steep slopes, even more so than on flat roads.

The Echo Line road to Mt. Norikura is uphill all the way to the finish line!
The final sprint in particular is full of steep slopes and curves.
Even with such a long journey, I managed to reach the top while singing along!
Kenny and Setsu were also smiling and climbing easily.
It was a strange experience not to get out of breath even on steep slopes in areas where the oxygen was supposed to be thinning.
I was so full of energy that I could even go mountain climbing!

*Reservations can only be made online.

To get to the top of Mt. Norikura, you can take a mountain bus, hike, or bike.
Even if you ride a bicycle, it is extremely difficult unless you are extremely well-trained, and if your purpose was sightseeing, I don't think you would even consider riding a bicycle.
Even I, who was born in Norikura Highlands, thought that cycling to an altitude of 2,700 meters was something that I couldn't do unless I really pushed myself.
However, with the introduction of e-bikes, people who enjoy exercise can now easily get to the area around Mt. Norikura!
There are areas with great views along the way, so you can stop to hydrate, take photos, and spend your time without worrying about time, which is a perk that only cycling can offer.
The view from an altitude of 2700m was truly spectacular.

Everyone, there are now new ways to enjoy Norikura Highlands! I'm so excited that I'll be renting lots of things for myself.

This "e-Bike" can be rented by reservation and for one day at the tourist center.
Of course, since it is a tool for playing with nature, you need to be careful not to get injured. We have also included rental details, so please take a look.
Finally, I'd like to share some recommended ways to spend a day using an e-Bike, so please take a look!

Azumi's recommendation! Get some fresh air at Norikura Plateau on an e-Bike!

9:00 AM e-Bike rental reception begins at Norikura Tourist Center

After completing preparations such as fitting, we did some warm-up exercises and then cycled along the Norikura Echo Line.
Take your time and make detours along the way, hydrate, take photos and so on.

11:00 AM Arrive at the bus parking lot at Tatamidaira on Mt. Norikura. Leave your bike and enjoy the alpine plants in the flower fields of Tatamidaira. If you're feeling energetic, climb Mt. Fujimi or Mt. Maou to enjoy the view from the summit.

12:00 PM Head to the tourist center! *Adjust your speed carefully when going downhill and be careful not to get injured!

12:40 PM Arrive at the tourist center! Charge your e-bike. Have lunch at a nearby restaurant and enjoy dessert at a cafe.

1:40 PM Enjoy a luxurious afternoon hot spring bath at Yukemurikan

2:30 PM: Explore Norikura Highlands on an e-Bike! (Ichinose Garden, BASE Norikura, etc.)

3:30 PM Return to the tourist center and return the e-Bike.

Important points to note about e-bikes

* Be sure to take out insurance! (This does not apply to those who already have disability or accident insurance.)
*Battery power is easily consumed when pedaling, especially on steep slopes, so if you're riding on the Echo Line, be sure to adjust the power using the power button. If the battery runs out, it will be very difficult to go uphill.
*If you have any other questions, please contact the tourist center.
*Reservations can only be made online.
*A cancellation fee may be charged in the event of cancellation.
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