NORIKURA TIMES End of July - August (Summer Mountain Season Arrives)

In summer, the sun shines brightly and the breeze blowing through Norikura Plateau is refreshingly refreshing.
We will introduce recommended spots and information for enjoying Norikura Highlands to the fullest this time of year, including day trips to the mountains, cycling on e-bikes, and hiking through cool forest trails.

Starting Saturday, July 1, 2023, the Mt. Norikura Shuttle Bus, which runs along the Norikura Echo Line, will begin operating to Tatamidaira, the summit of Mt. Norikura. *The bus will be suspended on July 1 due to bad weather.

At Tatamidaira, known as the "flower field in the sky," various alpine plants, including Gleifera aleutiana, Miyamabhai, Hakusan anemone, Koiwagami, and black lilies, are currently in full bloom.

From Tatamidaira, you can enjoy a variety of mountain climbing activities, from Mt. Daikoku, which can be reached in about 20 minutes and is easy even for beginners, to the more serious Mt. Kengamine, which takes about an hour and a half one way.
Now is the only time you can enjoy Mount Norikura with a light layer of snow remaining.
On a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji, the Hotaka mountain range, the Yatsugatake Mountains, the Southern Alps, the Central Alps, as well as Mount Ontake and Mount Asama.
Be sure to visit Mt. Norikura, where you can take a day trip by shuttle bus.

Fees

bus fare
Adult round trip ¥3,400 Child round trip ¥1,700
(Discounts for the handicapped are available.)

*Starting today, July 15, 2023, the operating schedule will be changed to Schedule A, with 11 round trips per day, and the first departure from Norikura Tourist Center at 6:10am (on sunny days. On rainy days it will be Schedule B).
For details, please check the timetable below.
https://www.alpico.co.jp/traffic/local/kamikochi/echoline/

Norikura Echo Line sunrise bus service will be suspended in FY2023.

"Go to Tatamidaira in search of lovely alpine plants」

Click here for details of Norikura-dake climbing route.

Norikura Mountain Climbing Route Guide

Click here for details of Norikura-dake climbing route.

"Into the 3000-meter-high sky."

Enjoy the world of the sky at Norikuradake!

◆Bansho Falls

A large waterfall at an altitude of 1,248m, spanning the Oono River, with a width of 15m and a drop of 40m.
Together with Sanbontaki and Zengoro Falls, it is known as one of the Three Great Waterfalls of Norikura, and the way the mist flows down, hitting the rugged black rocks, gives it a wildness not found in other waterfalls.
The waterfall observation deck is surrounded by a mountainside with slab-like joints where the bedrock peels off like slabs, and is a cool spot where you can get a close-up view of the waterfall and get splashed with water.

◆Sengenbuchi

A small dome-shaped waterfall that comes into view as you walk along the promenade upstream of Bansho Falls.
It is said that the name comes from the fact that when a load of firewood weighing 1,000 meters was set adrift in the Maekawa River, which separates into two rivers, it ended up here.
Just looking at the white streams of the waterfalls in multiple layers makes you feel cool.
If you're lucky, the sunlight may reflect off the water, creating a fantastical landscape.

◆Organ Bridge

The refreshing sound of the river can be heard about a 10-minute walk from the tourist center in the center of Norikura Highlands.
The name Organ Bridge comes from the origin of the name, which is given to a stream that flows into a small waterfall.
・The regularly-spaced rocks under the bridge resemble organ keys.
-The creaking sound of the previous bridge sounded like an organ.
- When crossing the bridge, the chirps of various birds and the rustling of leaves sound like music.
There seem to be various theories, such as:
Just by standing on the bridge, you can feel the coolness created by nature with your whole body.

◆1017

The Ichinose area, located at an altitude of 1,500m, is a popular spot with grasslands, birch trees, and clear, sparkling pond water.
The stream, which is fed by meltwater from the mountains, is a favorite water spot for local children.
As you relax and read a book while listening to the sound of the river, the occasional breeze brings a cool feeling. If you occasionally put your feet in the water, you can feel the coolness on your skin.

◆Azusamizu Shrine

Azusamizu Shrine, built in ancient times as a mountain shrine for the god Azusamizu in the Miyanohara district of Mount Norikura, is a power spot filled with majestic natural beauty.
The path leading from the torii gate to the back of the shrine is cool in the shade of the trees, and a small stream flows along the way, allowing you to experience the coolness with both your eyes and ears.
After climbing 93 steps, you will be greeted by a worship hall surrounded by greenery and featuring magnificent carvings. It is a popular walking spot for locals.

These recommended spots are also introduced in the "Landlady's Recommended Norikura Walking Guide" below. Please refer to it as a guide for your stroll.

Norikura Kogen," "If you want to go for a walk in Norikura Kogen, here are six courses recommended by the proprietress! Six courses recommended by the proprietress.
For more information on Norikura Walking Guide, click here.

◆Special project for summer 2023: Search for alpine plants and ptarmigans on Mount Norikura!

Date of the event:
July 22nd (Sat) 10:00-12:30
July 25th (Tue) 10:00-12:30

Why not go and see the flowers and birds that can only be found in the alpine zone?
This is a guided walk that will take you through the highest point in Japan that can be reached by car, Mt. Norikura and Tatamidaira (2,702m above sea level), where you will learn how to distinguish between pretty flowers and spot ptarmigans.

Meeting point: In front of the Tatamidaira Information Center on Mt. Norikura
Participation fee: 1,500 yen (insurance fee included)
Reservation required: Elementary school students and above, maximum 8 people (applications must be made by 4:00 PM the day before)
What to bring: warm clothes, rain gear, hat, drinks, portable food and snacks, etc.
*The tour may be canceled or changed depending on weather, bus operation status, etc.
*Details of the event will be provided at the time of booking.

For reservations and inquiries, please contact the Nagano Prefecture Norikura Nature Conservation Center at 0263-93-2045.
(9:00-17:00 Closed on Wednesdays, open every day from July 20th to August 22nd)

◆Bat Observation Event

Date of the event:
July 15th (Sun) 18:30-19:30
August 6th (Sun) 18:15-19:15

The brown bat, which is active in the summer on Norikura Plateau, has been designated as a rare wild animal in Nagano Prefecture and is being protected and researched.
This observation event for the brown bats is held in the evening when the bats emerge from their nests and take flight.
Would you like to see the powerful flight of a tiny bat?
We look forward to your participation!

Meeting point: Norikura Nature Conservation Center entrance
Capacity: 15 people. For elementary school students and above. *Elementary school students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Participation fee: 500 yen for junior high school students and above, 300 yen for elementary school students (including insurance)
Clothing: Long sleeves, long pants (avoid short sleeves and shorts), hat
*Please wear clothing that covers your skin to protect against insects such as bees and horseflies.
What to bring: Rain gear and flashlight (if available)
*The event will be held in light rain. However, if it rains heavily as of 5:30 PM on the day, the event will be cancelled.
* Advance reservations are required (reservations accepted until 12 noon on the day)

Organized by: Shinshu Norikura Green Tourism
For reservations and inquiries, please contact the Nagano Prefecture Norikura Nature Conservation Center at 0263-93-2045.
(9:00-17:00 Closed on Wednesdays, open every day from July 20th to August 22nd)
https://onl.la/TAbQ7cq

◆Rikura Picture Book Project

Since last November, we have been working on a project to create a picture book set in Norikura Highlands.Norikura Picture Book Project" has begun.
This book will be a picture book that both adults and children can enjoy, as it will serve as a trekking map where they can learn about the charms of the Norikura Plateau through the picture book and enjoy discovering them while actually walking.
And starting today, July 15th, we will be starting a crowdfunding campaign to create a picture book for two months!
This project aims to create picture books that will bring great realizations to readers.
We appreciate your support and participation!

Crowdfunding period
Publication starts: July 15, 0:00
Publication ends: September 15, 23:59

[Previous efforts]
・Project launch in November 2022
・May 2023 Norikura Walking & Picture Book Workshop

Future Initiatives

For more information, click here:https://rescuex.jp/project/76141

◆"Norikura Ptarmigan Route Day Event 2023

August 1st is Grouse Route Day!!
Mount Norikura straddles Nagano and Gifu prefectures. The name of the Norikura Ptarmigan Route, which connects the two prefectures, was announced on August 1, 2021.
To commemorate the day the name was announced, August 1st will be designated "Norikura Ptarmigan Route Day," and an event will be held at Tatamidaira on Mount Norikura.

Date: August 1st (Tue) 9:00-15:30
Event details:
・Norikura Ptarmigan Route Quiz Rally
・Special exhibition *Inside Tatamidaira Bus Terminal
Location: Tatamidaira, Mount Norikura
*Due to restrictions on private cars, please use the shuttle bus or taxi from Norikura Tourist Center to get to Tatamidaira.
*In 2023, you can only access Tatamidaira from the Nagano side.

Organized by: Ministry of the Environment, Chubu Sangaku National Park Management Office
Cooperation: Matsumoto City and Takayama City
Gifu Prefecture Chubu Sangaku National Park Revitalization Promotion Council
Certified NPO Shinshu Matsumoto Mountain Guide Association Yamatami
Norikura International Tourism Co., Ltd. Norikura Hakuunso
Japan Alps Guide Center General Incorporated Association

▶ 2023 Parent and Child Ptarmigan Tour

In addition, in commemoration of the Norikura Ptarmigan Route Day Event 2023, the certified non-profit organization Shinshu Matsumoto Mountain Guide Association Yamatami will be holding a parent-child ptarmigan observation event around Tatamidaira.Parent and Child Ptarmigan Tourwill be held.

Date: August 1st (Tuesday)*Advance reservations required.
1st session: 9:00-10:30
2nd session: 11:00-12:30
Meeting point: Norikura Tatamidaira Bus Terminal
Schedule: After a brief explanation at the bus terminal, the guide will take you to places around the Norikura Tatamidaira bus terminal where you are likely to encounter rock ptarmigan.
Examples: Around Mt. Daikoku, Mt. Maou, Mt. Fujimi, etc.
*This will be a hiking-style hike, so please bring shoes, clothing, rain gear, etc.
*We will try to finish the tour on schedule, but please understand that there may be circumstances where the tour may finish later than scheduled due to unavoidable circumstances.
Participation fee:
Adults: 4,000 yen (tax included)(1,000 yen donation for ptarmigan protection and 400 yen insurance fee)
Children: 1,000 yen(Insurance fee: 400 yen)
*This is a parent-child ptarmigan tour. Parents and children, including elementary school children, are welcome to participate.
*The participation fee includes a donation for ptarmigan conservation, guide fee, guide expenses, and mountain insurance.
*Transportation costs to the meeting place will be charged separately (at your own expense).
*Meet and disband at the location. Reception will be at Tatamidaira Bus Terminal. (Advance reservation required)
Each session requires a minimum of 4 people, with a maximum capacity of approximately 10 people. *Reservations must be made in advance. Reservations will close once capacity is reached.
Application deadline: Friday, July 28, 2023 　

For details on how to apply, what to bring, and what to wear, please see the website below.
https://onl.la/GP89khC

◆Norikura Kogen Nature Friendly Festival 2023

Organizer: Norikura Nature Week Executive Committee

Date and time: Friday, August 11, 2023, 10:00-17:00
Ticket purchase period: June 22, 2023 (Tue) 12:00 - August 10, 2023 (Thu) 23:59

In addition to live performances by artists including Norikura native Azumi Takahashi, there will be craft and food stalls, nature experiences, dance workshops, and a space for kids to have fun.
Come and experience the excitement of nature and music at Norikura Kogen, where you can feel the dynamic four seasons.

Venue: Misuzu Onsen Auto Camping Site (4085-238 Ajimu, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, 390-1520)

Appearance

<Live
Azumi Takahashi / Yosuke Uematsu / Yuho Yoshioka / Sarah Furukawa / HISA /
<Additional appearance confirmed!> Nakamura Kaho

<Dance Workshop
Azsa from NSDA

＜MC＞
Masahiro Murota from Yoshimoto Kogyo
*Time schedule for appearances will be announced at a later date.

TICKETS

▼ Advance Purchase
Adults ¥3,000 / Junior high and high school students ¥1,500 / Elementary school students and younger free

Same-day ticket
Adults ¥3,500 / Junior high and high school students ¥2,000 / Elementary school students and younger free

▼ Support Tickets
*Support tickets are for those who support this event.
The ticket will be purchased by adding a ”donation” to the general ticket price.
For all tickets,
Simple live streaming of the performance (live streaming from a cell phone, with 2-week archive)
A highlight movie of the festival is included.
Only 20 people will receive the original goods T-shirt at the event.
1,000 yen (Live streaming + movie only)
2) ¥5,000 ( Includes a ticket for a drink + admission ticket + live delivery + movie)
8,000 yen ( Includes a ticket for a drink + admission ticket + live performance + movie)
15,000 yen (Includes a ticket + limited edition T-shirt printed with signatures of all performers + live streaming + movie)

*For details and to purchase tickets, click here:https://norikura-natureweek-fes2023.studio.site

◆Norikura Hill Climb 2023

Date: Sunday, August 27, 2023
*August 26 (Sat.) Reception *Rain or shine (weather conditions to be discussed/rainfall, wind speed, temperature, fog, course conditions, etc.)
*Entries are no longer being accepted.

Location：Norikura Tourism Center, Nagano Prefecture
◇Start＝Norikura Tourist Center ⇒ Sanbon Falls (in front of the rest house) ⇒ Higahara Sanso-mae ⇒ Norikura Sightseeing Center
Goal＝Border between Nagano and Gifu Prefectures
Total length 20.5 km, elevation difference 1,260 m

The Norikura Hill Climb is held on the Norikura Echo Line, the closest bicycle road to the sky.
The goal elevation is 2702 meters, the highest elevation for a bicycle race in Japan, and the race is heated and exciting every year.
You will be able to experience the thrill of hill climbing and the rich and magnificent Norikura Kogen Plateau.

Official site: http://www.norikura-hc.com

Shuttle buses may be suspended or closed on the day of the event.

◆Norikura Kogen Zero Carbon Laboratory Recruitment for the second batch of students will begin on Monday, July 17, 2023!

Norikura Kogen is the first Zero Carbon Park certified by the Ministry of the Environment and a leading decarbonization area in Matsumoto City, and various initiatives are currently underway to make it a model region for realizing a decarbonized society. In order to accelerate these efforts, the "Zero Lab" was launched last year as a community-type laboratory where people from inside and outside the region can learn about zero carbon and share experiments and practices. Last year, due to the large number of applicants, we had to make a selection.
This year, we plan to begin accepting applications for the second batch of "Zero Lab" students from Monday, July 17, 2023. Please see the official website below for the 2023 curriculum and application procedures.

Official site:https://zerolabo.info/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/norikurazerolabo/

◆Take an e-Bike rental and enjoy Norikura Kogen to the fullest!

Outdoor activities are fun in Norikura Kogen in summer!
Enjoy the mountains and forests of Norikura Kogen with an electric-assist e-Bike rental.

Bike: Specialized Vado SL4.0
Specialized brand electric bicycles
Cross bikes are a cross between road bikes and MTB bikes, and are available in ultra-lightweight versions weighing as little as 15 kg!

Venue: Norikura Tourist Center
4306-5 Azumi-Norikura Kogen, Matsumoto City

Reservations: Please make reservations through the reservation site below.
https://norikura.urkt.in/ja/direct/offices/2445/courses

Inquiries: Norikura Kogen Tourist Information Center TEL: 0263-93-2147
4306-5 Azumi-Norikura-Kogen, Matsumoto City, Matsumoto 390-1520, Japan
Business hours: 10:00-16:00
Rental hours: 10:00-15:30
Please see the calendar for business days.
https://norikura.gr.jp/content/norikura-kanko-annaisho/

eBike in the Sky.

Check out the e-Bike riding report here

Norikura Hill Climb Recommendations.

From the Hill Climbing Guidebook

◆MYMIZU (information on water supply by bringing your own bottle)

Norikura Kogen is certified as a Zero Carbon Park with many activities and encourages visitors to bring their own bottles.
An app that lets you search for free water supply spots all over JapanmymizuYou can find water supply spots by searching "
In addition, we may be able to supply water to facilities that are not listed on the application, so please feel free to contact us.

mymizu official website:https://www.mymizu.co/

◆Would you like to participate in the extermination of invasive alien species?

Norikura Kogen, designated as a national park, is an area rich in nature where a wide variety of creatures coexist. This area, where a variety of native Japanese plants and animals survive, has recently been affected by non-native species (organisms that were not previously native to Japan).

Norikura Kogen has been focusing on extermination of invasive alien species, mainly by local residents.
We have also held events that are easy for visitors to participate in.

Now, anyone can easily participate in our activities at the following two facilities even on days other than the event.

Norikura BASE

(This facility has both hands-on activities and camping sites.)

3994-21 Ajimu, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, 390-1520 Japan
TEL: 0263-88-0300 (Telephone service hours: 10:00-16:00)
Operating period: April 23-November 6
Business hours: 10:00-16:00
Closed: Tuesdays (open every day during peak season)
Café Chillon closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays (open every day during peak season)
*Consumers who participate in invasive species eradication activities at Norikura BASE will receive 10% off at Café Cillon!

Norikura Kogen Tourist Information Center

4306-5, Ajimu, Matsumoto City, Matsumoto 390-1520 (in Norikura Tourist Center building)
TEL: 0263-93-2147
Business hours: 10:00-16:00
Reception hours: 10:00-15:30
Please see the calendar for business days.
https://norikura.gr.jp/content/norikura-kanko-annaisho/

We look forward to your participation in activities that will allow you to experience Norikura's nature up close!

「What You Need to Know About Invasive Species to Protect Norikura's Native Species."
Learn more about invasive species within the plateau.

Whether you enjoy activities, a workation stay, or photography, you can enjoy spending time in nature however you like, from "morning activities" such as getting up earlier than usual and brewing coffee by the pond, to "night activities" such as stargazing under the streetlight-free night sky.
Please come visit Norikura Plateau during this time of year.