Norikura sightseeing route is nicknamed the "Norikura Grouse Route!

Mount Norikura, located at the southernmost tip of the southern region of Chubu Sangaku National Park, is beloved by many as a sacred mountain that straddles both Nagano and Gifu prefectures, with its highest peak being Kengamine at 3,026 meters above sea level.

There are two private car restricted roads leading to Mt. Norikura: the Norikura Echo Line on the Nagano side and the Norikura Skyline on the Gifu side. These roads are the highest in Japan that can be driven by bus, and allow you to easily enjoy the mountain scenery and nature at an altitude of over 2,500m.

These two roads connect near the summit of Mt. Norikura, and by passing through both prefectures, you can enjoy different views of Mt. Norikura and sightseeing in the foothills, but this fact is not widely known.

In 2021, the local community hopes that by using both roads in an integrated manner, people will be able to enjoy a more attractive sightseeing tour, and so they have come up with a nickname for this tourist route that will take you all the way to Mt. Norikura!

We hope you will enjoy the natural environment and hot springs at Mt. Norikura and its base to the fullest.

<The thoughts behind the route nicknames>

The rock ptarmigan, designated as a special natural monument by the national government and the prefectural bird of Gifu and Nagano prefectures, is a symbol of both prefectures and of Norikura.

One reason that so many ptarmigan can live on Mt. Norikura is that they can only live in alpine zones, but another major factor is that local people have created an environment that is easy for ptarmigan to live in while coexisting with nature. In other words, ptarmigan, an endangered species, is also proof that people and nature have coexisted in Norikura, and it is filled with the pride and feelings of the local community for Mt. Norikura, where it is relatively easy to encounter ptarmigan.

<Introduction to our efforts to help you enjoy Mt. Norikura in its entirety>

Up until now, visitors have been able to experience the charms of cycling, nature activities, hot springs, and more at Norikura-dake Tatamidaira and Norikura Kogen/Hirayu Onsen, respectively. With the decision on the route nickname now in place, we will be promoting ways to enjoy the route across both prefectures, making it an even more attractive tourist destination for our customers.

[Mt. Norikura Cross-Border Cycling Program]

eBIKEs (electric sports bicycles) will be available for rental at both the Norikura Tourist Center on the Nagano side and the Hirayu Bus Terminal on the Gifu side, and can also be dropped off at either location. A trial run of a forwarding service for baggage, cars, etc. is also planned for fiscal year 2021.

[Alpico Kotsu/Nohi Bus Alps Crossing Route Ticket]

This great value ticket allows you to make a detour on your way from the castle town of Matsumoto to Takayama, which has an attractive old townscape. You can choose your favorite course from three routes: Kamikochi, Norikura, and Shinhotaka Ropeway, so you can even pass through Mount Norikura!

>>Alpico Transportation Website

>> Nohi Bus website

[Mt. Norikura Exploration Game]

This is a limited edition gacha that can only be enjoyed in the areas around Mt. Norikura, such as around Tatamidaira, Nyukawa Town, Okuhida Onsenkyo, and Norikura Kogen. Proceeds from the gacha will be used to fund the cycling and revitalization of Mt. Norikura.
>>Learn more

●For other content information on unique ways to enjoy Norikura Plateau and Hirayu Onsen, please click here

>>Norikura Plateau Official Website

>>Okuhida Onsenkyo Official Website

>> Norikura Skyline Official Website

>> Norikura Echo Line Official Website

>> Norikura Tatamidaira Bus Terminal Official Website