NORIKURA TIMES End of June to July (deep green season)

The season of fresh green leaves has ended and the Norikura Plateau has become much greener. With the addition of various plant colors, the Norikura Plateau has become even more vibrant. We will introduce the highlights of the plateau.

At Ichinose, the Renge Azaleas are in full bloom, painting the entire azalea garden a deep orange hue. On sunny days, the contrast between the shining azaleas, the blue sky, and the lush greenery is beautiful, and you're sure to be impressed by the vibrant scenery. Be sure to visit the azalea garden before the peak viewing season ends.

◆ Silver bellflower

Silver bells have begun to bloom on the Norikura Plateau. Written in kanji as "silver dragon grass," silver bells get their name from the way their white stems and flowers shine silver in the dim forest, drooping downwards. The best time to see them on the Norikura Plateau is from mid-June to early July. The areas where silver bells can be seen most often are the virgin forest and around Ushidome Pond. As they live in shady, damp places, they can also be seen on the roads leading to Bansho and Sanbontaki Falls, and the path between Sanbontaki and the Little Squirrel Path.

◆Sengenbuchi

At Senmagabuchi, located upstream of Bansho Falls, repairs to the promenade have been completed and the area is now open to the public again. Walking along the promenade, surrounded by trees and with moss spreading underfoot, will make you feel as if you have entered another world. Senmagabuchi Dome is made by carving out igneous rock and is surrounded by slab-like joints that look like overlapping boards. You will feel a mystical atmosphere as you are enveloped in the sound of gushing water and the cool air.

◆1017

At this time of year, you can see a variety of flowers in Ichinose. Wild roses bloom from late June to July. The white flowers are smaller than regular roses, measuring 2-3cm in diameter, and have a wonderful fragrance. If you spot one, be sure to give it a sniff. However, be careful as they have thorns. Other flowers that begin to bloom include yellow buttercups at your feet, Gunnai fuuro, and purple irises, known as Bansho flowers in Norikura Plateau, allowing you to enjoy the early summer scenery.

◆Eradication of invasive plants

Organized by: Norikura Plateau Miraiz Invasive Species Countermeasure Team

Date: Every Sunday (June 25, 2023 - July 2, 2023)
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM / 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
You can join anytime within the above times.

Meeting point: In front of Norikura Nature Conservation Center

Norikura Highlands is working to eradicate invasive species as part of its efforts to protect native plant species. Protecting native species also helps protect the plateau's ecosystem diversity. In this event, participants will join in eradicating invasive species around the Norikura Highlands Tourist Center and on the ski slopes. We look forward to the participation of not only local residents, but also many people who love nature, flora and fauna.

For more details, please see:
Facebook page "Norikura Invasive Species Eradication"
https://www.facebook.com/norikura.gairaisyu/
Or contact Tatsuto Sasaki of Sanoya at 0263-93-3306

Learn more about invasive species within the plateau.
"What you need to know about invasive species to protect Norikura's native species."

◆Trail maintenance "Workshop on trail maintenance using near-natural construction methods

Date of the event:
Saturday, July 8, 2023, 10:30-15:00 (scheduled)
Sunday, July 9, 2023, 9:30-14:00 (scheduled)

Meeting place: Zamoan parking lot, Ichinose Park, Norikura Kogen

Norikura Kogen has been working with local residents to maintain trails, and for the past three years, has been working to restore the ecosystem, "therecent natural constructionThe "Sidewalk Maintenance" project is a project to maintain sidewalks by the "A" program. In this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to inspect sidewalks that have been maintained in the past, learn the differences between sidewalks that need to be maintained, and experience the actual maintenance work. In order to create a sustainable trail environment, many people need to be actively involved. We look forward to the participation of many people who love mountain climbing and nature.

*For details and application, click here:https://gm20230708.peatix.com/

The Norikura-dake Spring Mountain Bus will be in operation until Friday, June 30, 2023. The route runs from the Norikura Kogen Tourist Center to the Oyukikei/Kata no Koya entrance. From Saturday, July 1, 2023, the Norikura Tatamidaira Shuttle Bus will begin operation, allowing access to Tatamidaira, the summit of Mt. Norikura.

Fees

Bus fare
Round trip for adults: 3,400 yen; round trip for children: 1,700 yen
(Discounts available for people with disabilities)
For more information, please visit the Alpico Transportation website.
(Link: https://www.alpico.co.jp/traffic/local/kamikochi/haruyama/)

[Note]

Due to road construction on the Norikura Echo Line, the Norikura-dake Spring Mountain Bus will be suspended from Monday, June 12, 2023 to Friday, June 23, 2023. Please note that the hiking trail will also be closed.

The season has begun, when you can enjoy the lush greenery of Norikura Plateau in a variety of ways, including hiking, walking, and cycling. We recommend waking up to the sounds of the early birds and taking a stroll beneath the dappled sunlight filtering through the deep greenery. During the day, you can release your mind and body and feel the energy of the deep greenery, and at night you can be soothed by the starry sky. Now is the time of year when the weather is pleasant throughout the day, so be sure to visit Norikura.