3000m級の天空の世界へ｜のりくら観光協会公式サイト

Generally, when people think of a 3000m mountain, many may imagine it as a difficult mountain that requires experience to climb. However, Mt. Norikura is the gentlest and most attractive 3000m mountain in Japan, and can be reached by bus from the Norikura Echo Line, the highest mountain in Japan, to Tatamidaira at 2700m. We will introduce ways to enjoy the sky, including mountain climbing, alpine plants, spotting Japanese ptarmigans, and watching the sunrise. Welcome to the world of the sky.

To the world in the sky at 3000m level

❶ To Mt. Kengamine, the highest peak of Mt. Norikura

Mount Norikura has been revered as a sacred mountain since ancient times, and one of its charms is its graceful shape. Mount Norikura is made up of 23 peaks, seven lakes, and eight plains. As soon as you start hiking from Tatamidaira, at an elevation of 2,700m, you'll spot alpine plants and a spectacular view will unfold before your eyes. On the way to the summit, you can enjoy the unique scenery of a volcano, including a crater lake. The view from the summit of the highest peak, Kengamine (3,026m above sea level), is a must-see. If there are no clouds, you can see the Northern Alps as well as Mount Ontake, Mount Haku, Mount Yatsugatake, and more, and experience the grandeur of nature.

At the top of Kengamine, there is Asahi Gongensha Shrine, and directly opposite it is Norikura Hongu Okumiya Shrine, and during the peak season many people visit to reach the summit. The journey from Tatamidaira to Kengamine to Katabi no Koyaguchi takes about three hours. There are few other mountains where you can so easily enjoy the world of the sky. However, you should still be careful. Please be sure to take sufficient care with your equipment, clothing, and the weather before enjoying the climb.

Regarding the climbing route,For more information, please click here. (External link: The Japan Alps)

Clothing and equipment are essential for mountain climbing！
Read "Climbing Mt. Norikura: Clothing and Equipment Guide"

❷ Mount Norikura is enjoyable even for beginner climbers

One of the attractions of Mt. Norikura is that there are mountains that can be accessed easily from the bus stop at Tatamidaira, without having to head all the way to Kengamine. Mt. Fujimi, Mt. Maou, and Mt. Daikoku are not much higher than Tatamidaira, so even small children and those who are not confident in their physical strength can easily take on the challenge. If you stop by on your way to Kengamine, you can experience a different atmosphere at the peaks.

Mount Fujimi

It takes about 10 minutes from Tatamidaira bus stop to the trailhead, and about 15 minutes from the trailhead.
The altitude is 2,812m. The difference in altitude from Tatamidaira is 110m.
Although the distance is short, the road is rocky, so caution is required.
From the summit, you can see the Yari-ga-take and Hotaka mountain ranges, Tatamidaira, the flower fields, Tsurugaike Pond, and more.

Maou-dake

This is the closest summit to Tatamidaira. The elevation is 2,760m, with an elevation difference of 60m from Tatamidaira.
Climbing Mt. Kengamine (the highest peak of Mt. Norikura) is for intermediate climbers, but it is also an easy mountain to climb even for those who are not so advanced.
It takes about 15 minutes to reach the summit.
The trailhead is next to the toilets at Tatamidaira.
If you're lucky, you might even encounter a "ptarmigan."

Daikokudake

The altitude is 2,772m, 70m higher than Tatamidaira.
After climbing Mt. Maou, you will head to Mt. Daikoku, from where you can see Mt. Yari and the Hotaka mountain range.
You can also see dicentra along the road.
The trailhead is next to the bus stop at an altitude of 2,716 m on the border between Nagano and Gifu prefectures. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the summit.
You can also see the sunrise from here.

3. Encounter alpine plants at Tatamidaira flower fields

The flower fields are just a short walk from Tatamidaira Bus Terminal. There is a well-maintained walking path, so you can enjoy the flowers while walking around the area on an easy path. A leisurely 30-minute walk is enough. From early July to mid-August, the delicate and beautiful alpine plants bloom one after another, delighting all who see them.

You can encounter fascinating flowers such as dicentra, aleutiana, rock gentian, Japanese lily, black lily, and white anemone. The sight of alpine plants blooming majestically in a limited time and place is inspiring and invigorating. Why not take a moment to contemplate these mysterious flowers?

Welcome to the flower garden in the sky！
Read "Going to Tatamidaira in search of lovely alpine plants"

❹ I want to see a ptarmigan!

Many people who go to Mount Norikura hope to see a ptarmigan! When they spot one on the hiking trail, it's like a light has been lit in their heart. Their lifestyle is also fascinating, as they change their clothes three times a year, are monogamous and never part with their partner, and burrow into the snow during the winter to escape the cold.

The ptarmigan is a special natural monument that has existed since the Ice Age. Also known as the "bird of the gods," it is a precious bird that has become an endangered species in recent years and can only survive in a limited habitat. It is easier to encounter ptarmigan on cloudy days than on sunny days. If you do spot one, please refrain from chasing it or observing it for long periods of time with a large group, but rather watch it quietly and gently.

❺ Watch the sunrise from Mount Norikura

The sunrise at Mt. Norikura is something you'll want to see at least once during the green season. The sun rising from the sea of clouds and mountain ranges casts a divine light. No two days are the same due to weather conditions such as clouds and wind, and a new sunrise greets you every day. The sky changes color from darkness to darkness, gradually emitting a glow and illuminating the earth... When you witness such a fantastic sunrise, your heart naturally trembles, and you feel a sense of gratitude towards nature and a sense of humility.

We've introduced ways to enjoy the 3,000m-class sky. What do you think? Mount Norikura is accessible by bus up to an altitude of 2,700m, making it a mountain open to many people. Why not give it a try and experience the world of the sky?

Check here for timetables for the Haruyama Bus, Norikura Summit (Tatamidai) Shuttle Bus, and more!

Alpico Transportation timetable