To Tatamidaira in search of pretty alpine plants

Flowers are one of the joys of climbing a mountain. Many people may feel a spark of joy in their hearts when they spot a beautifully blooming alpine plant. Mt. Norikura is also a treasure trove of alpine plants. If you climb to Tatamidaira, 2,700 meters above sea level, from mid-July to mid-August, you will find a vast expanse of alpine flower fields, also known as the "flower fields in the sky," which delights many alpine plant fans every year. Here we will introduce how to enjoy the alpine plants that can be seen around Tatamidaira.

If you go down the stairs next to the bus terminal, you will find a boardwalk that circles the flower fields. You can enjoy looking at the alpine flowers as you walk around the boardwalk for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Here we will introduce some of the most popular flowers that can be seen around Tatamidaira that you should check out before heading out.

Aleutiana

The Aleutian Geranium is a shrub of the rose family, growing to a height of just 5cm. It likes to bloom in wetlands found in mountainous areas and snowy valleys where there is ample water from melting snow. The flower's meaning is "pretty."

Best time to see: July to August

Aleutiana japonica (after flowering)

A distinctive feature of the Aleutian is that it appears as if it is blooming for the second time. After blooming, the style, also known as fluff, opens, which is where the flower's name comes from.

Best time to see: Around September

Yellow rhododendron

It is an evergreen shrub with curved branches that are less than one shaku long, hence the name "Shakunashi," which is a corrupted version of "Shakunage." The flower's meaning is "dignity."

Best time to see: July

Black lily

There are few plants that bloom black flowers, and this black lily is also a rare flower.Originating from Ainu legend"Love" andOriginating from a legend passed down in Toyama PrefectureThere is a "curse" that

Best time to see: July to August

White Anemone

The Hakusan Ichige (Hakusan Anemone) heralds the arrival of summer in Takayama. It was named after the mountain where it was first discovered, Mount Haku, which straddles Ishikawa and Gifu prefectures. Its flower language is "cleanliness" and "flower that brings happiness."

Best time to see: July to August

Diplocarpus nigricans

It is tall and its white spikes stand out. It does not bloom every year, only once every 3-4 years, but in a good harvest year, it is an overwhelmingly beautiful sight. The flower's meaning is "Watching over you from afar."

Best time to see: July to August

Koiwakagami

This is an alpine type of rock mirror. Its brightly colored flowers are distinctive, but as its name "rock mirror" suggests, its mirror-like leaves stand out throughout the season. The flower's meaning is "faithfulness."

Best time to see: July to August

Rock clover

It grows on gravel and rocky areas in high mountains. It looks like it has 10 petals, but there is a deep notch in the center, so it actually has 5. The flower's meaning is "first love" and "modesty."

Best time to see: August

Four-leaved stag beetle

It grows in rocky areas and grasslands in high mountains. Its name comes from the four whorled leaves. Shiogama refers to a furnace that makes salt from seawater, and the name is a play on words, "a salt furnace that is beautiful even down to the leaves (on the beach)." The flower's meaning is "seduction."

Best time to see: August

Aonotsugazakura

The shape of the leaves resembles that of the coniferous tree Tsuga, and the flowers are yellow-green, so it is called Aonotsugazakura (Blue Tsuga Cherry). It is a magnificent tree, only about 10-20cm tall. The flower's meaning is "timidity."

Best time to see: August

Rock bellflower

It produces bell-shaped, blue-purple flowers that bloom horizontally. It grows mainly on rocky areas and is named after the alpine species of bellflower. The flower's meaning is "sincere love."

Best time to see: August

Miyamadaikonsou

The name "Miyama Daikon Grass" comes from the fact that its leaves resemble those of radish.Grows in rocky and gravelly areas.In autumn, the leaves turn red, coloring the rocks until the new snow falls. The flower's meaning is "a flower that brings happiness."

Best time to see: July to September

*The flowering period varies depending on the climate and sunlight conditions.
*Alpine plant photos provided by Hideko Tsutsugi

Dicentra

A typical alpine plant in Japan,It is a pretty yet powerful plant.In order to obtain water and nutrients even in poor soil, and to prevent the sand from being washed away by melting snow,Its roots extend deep and wide into the earthThe jagged, fine leaves are there to collect moisture from the air, and they collect water from mist and other sources to supply to the roots. The flower's meaning is "flower out of reach."

Best time to see: July to September

Mt. Norikura is located in Chubu Sangaku National Park. While it may seem obvious, we should follow basic rules such as "don't catch any plants or animals," "stay on the hiking trail (boardwalk)," and "take your trash home with you" to enjoy hiking and preserve the beautiful nature for future generations.

Take the shuttle bus to Tatamidaira!

About the "Mt. Norikura Summit (Tatamidai) Shuttle Bus"

If you plan to observe flowers, make sure you have plenty of time!

Read "Into the Sky at 3000m"

Tips for what to wear when going to Mt. Norikura

Read "Guide to clothing and items for climbing Mt. Norikura"

If you are planning to climb Mt. Norikura

Read the "Mt. Norikura Climbing Route Guide"