春～初夏に歩きたい新緑トレッキングルート5選

As the snow melts and spring arrives, plants that had been patiently enduring under the snow begin to sprout and flowers bloom one after another, as if they had been waiting for this moment. The momentum is fresh, strong, and full of energy. Locals love trekking during this time of year, when they can feel the joy of welcoming spring and the comfort of fresh greenery everywhere. We have picked up some of the most recommended routes to hike in Norikura in spring and early summer! Here are some of the recommended routes to take in Norikura in spring and early summer.

5 fresh green trekking routes to walk in spring and early summer

❶ Ichinose

Skunk cabbages herald the arrival of spring in Norikura Kogen. Ichinose, where the skunk cabbages grow in colonies, is one of the recommended trekking routes in spring and early summer. The skunk cabbage season is from late April to mid-May. After the skunk cabbage season is over, white flowers of plum, pear, and Japanese cinnamon bloom one after another, and azalea azaleas are at their best from mid to late June.

With the arrival of spring, plants are in a dizzying state of budding and growth. The ever-changing appearance of these plants seems to stand out even more when you are in the silence of a single serene place. Why not take your time, or change the day, and enjoy the fresh greenery and flowers of the season? The course extends from the Nature Plaza and Maime no Ike parking lot.
（Norikura Walking Guide D Course(See also.)

Duration: 2 hours
Approx. 4.5 km

Norikura is the home of Shirozukin!
Read "Skunk cabbage heralds spring in Norikura

Zengoro Falls - Ushidome Pond - Ichinose

Usually after GW, the plateau gradually becomes bright with fresh greenery and enters a pleasant season for trekking. This route is recommended for those who want to fully enjoy the fresh energy of the new greenery. Walking through the fresh green surroundings, visiting waterfalls and ponds, your body and mind will feel refreshed and fulfilled.

Along the "Acorn Path" leading to Zengoro Falls, the fresh greenery of the broad-leaved trees appears to shine through the sun, making for a pleasant stroll to the falls. After taking a splash at Zengoro Falls, go to Ushidome Pond via "Futari no Diai," which begins with a slightly steep climb. If the weather is clear, you can enjoy the view of Mt. Norikura reflected in the pond from the pavilion at Ushidome Pond.

After a short rest at Ushidome Pond, descend to Ichinose via the Whistling Path. It is a long descent, but you may want to walk while whistling as you are showered with fresh greenery. After the descent, you will arrive at Thistle Pond, where a quiet waterside spreads out and you can take a breather.

After leaving Azami Pond, walk toward the Nature Plaza via the Kohashi path. After that, you can either head toward the Tourist Center via the bike path or walk through the forest from the Nature Plaza to the Tourist Center via the Shirakaba-no-dairi (White Birch Path). Please bring your own lunch and food for a relaxing walk.
（Norikura Walking Guide E Course + α (See also.)

Time required: 3 to 4 hours

❸ Go to Miharu Iwa, which commands a panoramic view of Norikuradake.

A must-see during the season of fresh greenery is the route to the well-known "Miharu-iwa". Usually around the end of May, lovely Erinso's flowers bloom at the foot of the rock. Climbing up through the fresh green larch forest, you will see the spectacular view of Miharigan Iwa waiting for you.

Mihari-iwa is just the most pleasant place to look up at Norikura-dake (Mt. Norikura) and look out over the plateau below. The view is so special that it will make anyone want to shout with joy and stay forever. After admiring the view at Miharigan Iwa, you can turn back the way you came, or continue on the route to Shirakone Onsen (hot springs).

Please be careful when climbing Miharu-iwa, especially with small children, to avoid falling.

Time required: 1.5 to 2 hours

❹ The virgin forest path where you can meet fairies

The pure white gingko, known as the "fairy of the forest," usually appears in the virgin forest from the end of June to the beginning of July. Their appearance is very lovely, peeking out from among the fallen leaves and becoming more transparent in the sunlight filtering through the trees. Gingko is a decaying plant also known as "ghost plant. It has established a symbiotic relationship in this forest and is a fascinating presence that we enjoy. When it rains, the moss shines beautifully and the forest fairies seem to be delighted.

The diameter of the primeval forest is a quiet forest with a wilderness atmosphere, consisting mainly of conifers of kometsuga and shirabiso. Near the exit of the prefectural road stands a giant linden tree, affectionately called "Totoro no ki" (Totoro tree) by the locals. Flowers such as gozen-tachibana and maizuru-so (Japanese linden) bloom at the foot of the tree, making for a mysterious walk through the forest.

Time required: 1.5 to 2 hours

❺ Banjo Great Falls - Sengenbuchi Trail

This is the route to take when spring arrives. You can feel the power of nature flowing down the 40-meter-high Bansho Great Falls, where snowmelt from the mountains collects and falls in a single bound. After receiving the energy of the waterfall that seems to resonate throughout your body, return the way you came and head toward Sengenbuchi. Along the way, you will discover "slate sediments," which are cracks in the surface of igneous rocks that look like stone slabs stacked on top of each other.

Feel the flow of the Little Ono River and surrender yourself to the comfort of a relaxing time at Kotaki Falls and Sengen Fuchi. Senma-fuchi is a place where a small waterfall is located behind a dome-shaped pool. The name comes from the fact that a thousand cubic meters of firewood was washed down the Maegawa River, which has a separate stream, and ended up here. You may feel as if you are being carefully wrapped and received by nature.
（Norikura Walking Guide B Course (See also.)

Time required: approx. 1 hour
Approx. 1.2 km