NORIKURA TIMES End of May to June (fresh green and lingering snow season)

Norikura Plateau is in the midst of a beautiful season of fresh greenery, and the greenery deepens with each passing day. We will introduce you to the highlights of this refreshing and comfortable time of year.

It has been decided that the Norikura-dake Spring Mountain Bus, which runs on the Norikura Echo Line, will begin operation on the section between Igahara Sanso and Oyukikei/Kata no Koyaguchi on Saturday, May 27, 2023.
The extension to "Oyukikei/Kata no Koyaguchi" was originally scheduled for early June, but will now be carried out earlier than planned.
By extending the route to the Oyukikei glacier, it will be easier to access the approximately 10m high "Snow Corridor," and even at this time of year you can enjoy a stroll while touching or being surrounded by the snow walls.
We also recommend enjoying the remaining snow on Mt. Norikura by skiing or snowshoes.

[Note]

Please note that the Norikura-dake Spring Mountain Bus will be suspended from Monday, June 12, 2023 to Friday, June 23, 2023 due to road construction.

Fees

bus fare
Adult round trip ¥3,400 Child round trip ¥1,700
(Discounts for the handicapped are available.)
For more information, please visit the Alpico Transportation website.
(Link: (link) https://www.alpico.co.jp/traffic/local/kamikochi/haruyama/）
*From July 1st, a shuttle bus will be operating to the summit of Mt. Norikura (Tatami-daira).

For more information on the Snow Corridor, click here
"Take the Norikura Spring Bus to the coveted 'Snow Corridor'."

◆ "Mitsugashiwa" at Ichinose Loach Pond

At Norikura Plateau, the beautiful Mitsugashiwa flowers begin to bloom from late May.
Menyanthes trifoliata lives in ponds and wetlands and is characterized by three leaves that protrude from the water and hairy white flowers.
Ushidome Pond, Dojo Pond, and Azami Pond are home to clusters of Menyanthes trifoliata, and Dojo Pond in particular offers a beautiful backdrop for the Menyanthes trifoliata with Mount Norikura in the background. Be sure to look for them when you take a walk.

◆ Ichinose's Azalea Garden

Ichinose, a special scenic spot in Matsumoto City, is home to the Azalea Garden.
The Renge Azalea, which is usually at its most beautiful in mid-June every year, will bloom earlier this year and will be at its best from early to mid-June.
The Renge Azalea are known for their large petals, which paint Ichinose a beautiful orange hue. Against the backdrop of the remaining snow on Mt. Norikura, the orange of the Renge Azalea, the white of the birch trees, and the green of the new leaves create a harmonious landscape. Please enjoy this beautiful scenery.

For details on the fresh green trekking route, click here
5 fresh green trekking routes to walk in spring and early summer

◆ "Norikura Rogaining 2023"

Date: Saturday, June 10, 2023
Application period: May 8th (Mon) - May 28th (Sun), 2023
Rogaining is a sport similar to a treasure hunt, in which participants search for targets indicated on maps and photographs and collect points.
You can enjoy the game at your own pace and style, aiming for a high score within the time limit.
*For more details, click here (https://navigation-for-all.jp/norikura2023/）

◆ "Ichinose Azalea Garden Maintenance Work & Bracken Harvesting Event"

Organized by: Norikura Tenkuu Fan Club

Date: Saturday, June 3rd - Sunday, June 4th, 2023
Application deadline: Monday, May 29, 2023
Every year, the Azalea Garden in Ichinose, Norikura Highlands, is covered in a blanket of orange flowers.
In order to protect these azaleas, everyone will participate in cutting down pampas grass and pruning the azaleas under the guidance of the Nature Conservation Center staff and local members.
Thanks to everyone who participated, the flowers will bloom even more abundantly, allowing us to enjoy the beautiful scenery again next year.
*For more details, click here (https://m.facebook.com/events/192291496611584/?ref_source=newsfeed&ref_mechanism=feed_attachment&action_context=%257B%2522action_history%2522%253A%2522null%2522%257D）

◆ "Zengoro Falls Guided Walk"

Organized by: Shinshu Norikura Green Tourism General Incorporated Association

On this guided walk, you will visit Zengoro Falls, learn about the natural beauty of the area, and stroll along the trail while listening to your guide's commentary. It's a great opportunity to refresh yourself while enjoying the power of the falls and the beautiful surrounding scenery.

Date:　
June 3rd (Sat) 14:00~
June 4th (Sun) 9:30am
June 10th (Sat) 14:00~
June 11th (Sun) 9:30am
June 17th (Sat) 14:00~
June 18th (Sun) 9:30am

Meeting point:Zengoro Falls Entrance Parking Lot

detail:
Capacity: 6 people
What to bring: Rain gear, hat, jacket, drinks, etc.
Please apply in advance (on the day, please call the number below at least 30 minutes before the event)
*Registration begins 15 minutes before the start time
*Cancelled in case of rain
*Depending on the course conditions, the schedule may be subject to change or the time may be shortened.

(Contact information)Norikura Nature Conservation Center 0263-93-2045 Contact: Nakamura and Ando
9:00-17:00 (Telephone calls accepted from 8:30) Closed on Wednesdays

Norikura Highlands offers many opportunities to enjoy various events and the charms of nature. Please take part in these events and walks and enjoy the beautiful nature and scenery of Norikura.
*For prices and detailed information, please check the official website of each event or contact the organizer.

Photo by Takuro Yamamoto