上高地・松本・飛騨高山へ。乗鞍周辺エリアの魅力。

No matter how many nights you stay at Norikura Highlands, there's never a shortage of fun. With natural scenery to enjoy every day, delicious food, hot springs you'll want to soak in again and again, and a wide variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain climbing, cycling, skiing, and snowshoeing, there are a variety of ways to enjoy the area throughout the year and in each season. Many people may feel that enjoying Norikura Highlands in all its different ways is enough. However, there are actually many other attractive areas nearby. If you're visiting Norikura Highlands, why not venture out a bit further into the surrounding areas? It's also a good idea to stay longer and use Norikura Highlands as your base to explore various places. This is sure to add a lot of variety to your trip. In this article, we'll introduce the charms of the diverse surrounding areas.

To Kamikochi, Matsumoto and Hida Takayama. Attractions of Norikura and surrounding areas.

❶Kamikochi

Kamikochi is one of Japan's most famousMountain scenic spotsLocated at the gateway to mountain climbing in the Northern Alps, you can enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery of the Yari and Hotaka mountain ranges. The views from Kappa Bridge over the Azusa River and Konashidaira are breathtaking. Just being there will envelop you in the majestic beauty of nature, and you will have a truly moving experience.

There are many ways to enjoy the area, such as enjoying sweets while strolling around the area, taking a guided walk to savor the history, or starting from Kamikochi and going on a serious mountain climb to Mount Yakedake or the Yari-Hotaka mountain range.

JAPAN ALPS KAMIKOCHI (external site)

Access to Kamikochi

Bus operation information (Alpico Kotsu)

❷Shirahone Hot Springs

Shirahone Onsen is "If you take a bath for three days, you won't catch a cold for three years.It is said that this hot spring has miraculous health benefits and is said to have been blessed with a mystical spring. It is unclear when the hot spring first opened, but it is said to have already been gushing forth when the Kamakura Highway (the shortest route connecting the Hokuriku region with the shogunate) was opened during the Kamakura period, giving it a history of over 600 years. The spring water is smooth as silk, milky white, and slightly acidic. It gushes forth from the eastern slopes of Mt. Norikura, and is a famous hot spring that has long been loved by famous writers and visitors seeking therapeutic baths.

One of the attractions of Shirahone Onsen is the ability to see the untouched scenery. Surrounded by lush green forests and the Yukawa Valley, Shirahone Onsen has a rustic atmosphere, allowing you to forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and fully enjoy the blessings of nature.

Shirahone Onsen (external site)

Access to Shirahone Onsen

Bus operation information (Alpico Kotsu)

❸Matsumoto

The oldest existing five-story, six-story castle tower in Japan, designated as a national treasure.Matsumoto CastleIn addition to the "Okinawa Castle," the castle town that formed around Matsumoto Castle during the Edo period still forms the foundation of the city today. Additionally, buildings that retain the appearance of the time, such as the former Kaichi School (Meiji), which is a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan, and retro shops can be seen everywhere.

Matsumoto is also blessed with water and fertile land, and has an abundance of fields. Another attraction of Matsumoto is the abundance of opportunities to enjoy seasonal cuisine. When it comes to food in Matsumoto, don't miss the simple, traditional flavors that still thrive, such as soba noodles, oyaki, miso paste, and sake. Matsumoto is also known as a "town of crafts," as it values handicrafts.Craft Fair MatsumotoやMay of CraftsThe whole town is filled with crafts, and craft fans from all over the country visit the town.

New Matsumoto Story (external site)

Access to Matsumoto city center

Bus and train operation information (Alpico Kotsu)

❹Azumino

The majestic mountains of the Northern Alps tower before your eyes,Idyllic rural sceneryAzumino is a place where springs spring forth from the Northern Alps.spring waterIt is also blessed with abundant food, including the best wasabi fields in Japan, fresh vegetables, delicious rice, and sake. One of its charms is the large number of hidden restaurants and cafes scattered around. Driving is pleasant, but we also recommend relaxing and getting some exercise by walking through the countryside or cycling. It will tickle your artistic spirit.Museums and places to enjoy with childrenThere are many things to do, making it a tourist area that anyone can enjoy.

From Azumino, which is the gateway to mountain climbing in the Northern Alps, you can hike across the panoramic Ginza of Mount Tsubakuro, Mount Jonen, and Mount Chogatake, all while admiring Mount Yari. The view of the Northern Alps from the plains of Azumino will make you want to take a deep breath. It's the best in the refreshing early morning hours, and at dusk when the setting sun illuminates the silhouette of the ridgeline! That's all there is to it!

Azumino Tourism Association (external site)

Access to Azumino

❺Okuhida Hot Springs

A hot spring village that spreads out against the backdrop of the 3,000m-class mountains of the Northern Alps.Hirayu, Fukuchi, Shin-Hirayu, Tochio, Shin-HotakaOkuhida Onsenkyo is a collective name for five hot spring areas. With over 100 hot spring sources, Okuhida Onsenkyo is a treasure trove of natural hot springs and is loved by many hot spring lovers. There are a variety of hot spring areas, from hidden hot springs to lively hot springs. Each hot spring has its own rustic open-air bath, allowing you to fully enjoy the thrill of bathing in the hot springs.

Okuhida Onsenkyo is also the starting point for scenic mountain destinations such as the Shinhotaka Ropeway, Kamikochi, and Norikura Skyline. Okuhida Onsenkyo is located across Mount Norikura from Norikura Plateau. By taking a little trip, you can not only experience the depths of the mountains, but also broaden the possibilities of your trip.

Okuhida Onsenkyo (external site)

Access to Okuhida Onsen

Bus operation information (Alpico Kotsu)
Norikura Plateau - Sawando BT

Bus operation information (Nohi Bus)
Sawando BT-Hirayu/Shinhotaka

❻ Takayama

Hida Takayama in Gifu Prefecture retains the atmosphere from the Edo period to the Meiji period.An atmospheric old townscapeor,Hida beef and Takayama ramenThe area is full of attractions, including local gourmet food such as these and natural spots. In addition, the ancient techniques, sensibilities and honest temperament of "making the most of wood" have been passed down, including the "Hida no Takumi System" which sent Hida woodworkers to build the capital 1,300 years ago, and even today you can experience the skills and spirit of Hida artisans in various places.

The Takayama Spring Festival is one of Japan's three most beautiful festivals.Sanno Festival" Autumn Takayama Festival "Hachiman FestivalOne of Takayama's attractions is being able to enjoy traditional festivals, such as the Takayama Festival, which has been registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Hida Takayama (external site)

Access to Takayama

Bus operation information (Alpico Kotsu)
Norikura Plateau - Sawando BT

Bus operation information (Nohi Bus)
Sawando BT-Takayama