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Mt. Norikura is easy to climb, but as it is a 3,000m peak, care must be taken. The weather on the mountain is changeable, and even if it is sunny in the morning, the weather tends to become unstable in the afternoon. Be sure to prepare clothing and items that can handle a variety of temperatures and environments. This article provides a guide for beginner climbers on what to wear and bring when climbing Mt. Norikura, mainly from July to October.

Norikura-dake Clothing and Personal Belongings Guide

❶ What to wear when climbing Mt. Norikura

The weather conditions on the mountain are completely different from those on the plains. If you are climbing Mt. Norikura, which is about 3000m above sea level, you should wear layers of clothing.Clothing that can withstand temperature changes of 15°C or more and weather changesWhen the wind blows, the perceived temperature drops significantly. Be sure to choose your clothing carefully to accommodate the changeable weather and temperature.

The illustration is an example.
Gear suited to the season, weather, and purpose of the climb.

❶ Hat	Prevents UV rays and heatstroke. Waterproof items are also safe to wear in the rain. A knit hat will help you cope with the cold in September and October.
❷ Zack	For day trips, a small 20-30 liter size would be appropriate. It's easier to use a backpack with a waist belt.
❸ Wear	Wear layers that allow you to adjust your temperature. Long sleeves and long pants are the basics. We recommend underwear made of quick-drying material. A windproof windbreaker is also necessary (rainwear can be used instead).
❹ Pants	Easy-drying stretchy pants. Avoid jeans.
❺ Socks	Hiking socks make your feet less tired. We recommend using materials that dry quickly.
❺ Climbing shoes	To prevent sprains, choose high-cut or mid-cut shoes. Trekking shoes, preferably waterproof.
❻ Pole	It helps with balance and walking. Recommended for those who are not confident in their physical strength.
❼ Gloves	Something windproof. If rain is expected, waterproof clothing is recommended.
8. Sunglasses	The sunlight in the mountains is stronger than expected, It is useful for UV protection.

*When there is still snow remaining, you will also need light crampons and gaiters (spats).

❷ What to bring when climbing Mt. Norikura

There's a surprising amount of stuff to bring with you when hiking.Preparation appropriate for the season, weather, and purpose of the climbPlease enjoy a safe climb.

❶ Backpack cover	It's a good idea to have a backpack cover in case of sudden rain.
❷ Rainwear	In addition to being waterproof, we recommend clothing that is breathable, allowing moisture to escape from inside the clothing.
❸ Winter clothing	Choose fleece, down, or other items depending on the season. When watching the sunrise, be sure to take precautions against the cold.
❹ Water bottle	Water can also be used to clean wounds. It's safe to have more than 1 litre.
❺ Bear Bell	Mount Norikura is a habitat for Asiatic black bears.
❻ Map and compass	This is necessary to determine which path you will take.
❼ Travel food	Mountain climbing consumes a lot of energy, Replenish your nutrients with foods called "field rations."
❽ Garbage bags	Bring a bag to collect any trash you produce during your hike.
9. Portable toilet	It's a good idea to bring it with you just in case. There is a vending machine at the tourist center.
❿ Sunscreen, tissues, towels, etc.	There is often no toilet paper, so tissues are essential. Toilet paper is also useful. Lip balm is also a good idea.
⓫ First Aid	Keep some regular medications such as headache medicine and stomach medicine on hand in case your health changes. Bring any medications you have for chronic illnesses and bandages for wounds.
⓬ Headlight	This is essential as it becomes difficult to see the road after dark and it can be dangerous.
⓭ Cash	Bring plenty of coins for toilet tips etc.
⓮ Mobile phone, health insurance card, etc.	Mountain climbing is always fraught with danger. It is a good idea to bring your health insurance card or a copy of it, as well as identification.

*If you are staying at a mountain hut, please also bring a change of clothes and toiletries.
※The hiking guide map for Mt. Norikura isDownload herecan.

\ Other infectious disease prevention measures /

❶ Mask	Wearing a mask may be required on the bus, as well as in the hut and concession stand.
❷ Hand sanitizer	Don't forget to prepare disinfectant and wet wipes so you can disinfect at all times.
❸ Zippered garbage bags	Please seal tissues and other trash in a zippered trash bag before taking them home.

❸ How to enjoy climbing Mt. Norikura safely

In the alpine zone, clouds and thunder can appear in the afternoon and the weather can change quickly, so it's best to check the weather forecast for the day in advance and try to descend as early as possible.
Also,Mountain climbing is at your own riskDepending on the weather and conditions, it can be dangerous.
Please follow the precautions below to enjoy a safe hike.

① Submit a climbing plan

Please be sure to fill out a climbing plan and post it in the climbing postbox. Climbing postboxes are located in front of Yurari and at Tatamidaira in Norikura Highlands.

※For more information about the mountain climbing plan,
Nagano Prefecture: "Submit your mountain climbing plan"(External link)

② A reasonable plan

Plan your trip with ample time. Choose a course that suits your physical strength, physical condition, and level. Lack of sleep and catching a cold are your biggest enemies.

③ Check the location of the toilet

There are almost no toilets along the course, so be sure to use the toilets at the locations shown on the map beforehand.
It's a good idea to bring a portable toilet just in case. There are portable toilet vending machines at the tourist center.

*As of July 2021, the public toilet at the back of Kata no Koya (towards the Cosmic Ray Observatory) has been removed for renovations.

4. Watch your step

There is a risk of tripping or slipping on wet trails and rocky areas. When descending trails, keep your hands free and walk with short steps.

⑤ Be careful of falling rocks

Be careful of what's above your head and what's below you! If a rock falls, shout "Easy!" to let people below know.

⑥ Weather changes

If the weather changes to bad, such as rain, thunder, fog, or wind, quickly go to the nearest road or parking lot and board the bus at the bus stop.

⑦ Hiking trail markings

The hiking trails are marked by red, white, and yellow signs or red strings. Make sure to check the signs on rocks, entrances, guardrails, etc. as you go.

⑧ Environmental Consideration

It is prohibited to walk off the paths or ropes, collect plants or animals, or leave cigarette butts or trash behind.

9. Be careful of altitude sickness

To reach Mt. Norikura, you travel by bus up to 2,700 meters, and it is said that you are susceptible to altitude sickness due to the sudden change in altitude. If you experience a headache or nausea, this may be altitude sickness, so please be careful.

*For more information on safe mountain climbing...
Japan Mountain Guides Association Safe Mountaineering 2021 Guidebook(External link)
A5 size (full color, 24 pages) (PDF: 11,394KB)