NORIKURA TIMES September (Beginning of Autumn)

Norikura Highlands in autumn has a pleasantly cool morning and evening air, and the temperature during the day is just right for strolling. We will introduce ways to spend this time of year where you can enjoy the gradually changing colors of the trees.

The Mt. Norikura shuttle bus runs along the Norikura Echo Line to the Tatamidaira Bus Terminal at the top of Mt. Tatamidaira is located at an altitude of 2,702m and is an attractive tourist destination where you can enjoy hiking and casual mountain climbing at 3,000m.
In addition to Mount Norikura's highest peak, Kengamine, you can also choose the mountain you want to climb depending on your mood and the weather that day, such as Mount Daikoku or Mount Fujimi.
Norikura-dake, temperatures can be in the single digits, so please dress and equip yourself accordingly.

In some years, the autumn leaves on Mt. Norikura begin to change color as early as the last week of September. There are many spots along the Echo Line and near the hiking trails (from Katabigoya to Oyukikei/Katabigoyaguchi bus stop, and from Houtokureishin bus stop to Igahara Sanso) where you can enjoy the autumn leaves. Be sure to check out the highlights before heading out.

Fees

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

Timetable

Starting July 15, the schedule will be changed to A schedule, with 11 round trips per day and the first departure from Norikura Kanko Center at 6:10 a.m. (on sunny days; B schedule on rainy days). The first departure from Norikura Kanko Center will be at 6:10 a.m. (on sunny days.)
For details, please check the timetable below.
Alpico Transportation:https://www.alpico.co.jp/traffic/local/kamikochi/echoline/

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

Grouse on Norikura-dake

What you need to know about "Grouse."

Click here for more information about Tatamidaira Flower Garden.

"We went to Tatamidaira to look for pretty alpine flora."

Click here for details of Norikura-dake climbing route.

Norikura Mountain Climbing Route Guide

Enjoy the world of the sky at Norikuradake!

"Into the 3000-meter-high sky."

◆Stargazing

The Norikura Plateau, which stretches from about 1,200 to 1,600 meters above sea level, offers a clearer view of the stars in the clear air than on the plains.
There are many stargazing spots such as Norikura BASE and Ichinose, so please stay at Norikura Kogen and enjoy stargazing.

Click here for more information about stargazing at Norikura Kogen.
The sky is filled with stars."

◆ Bench making using thinned birch trees & guided tour

For the past two years, Norikura Plateau has been producing Kimama benches, which are made from birch logs felled as part of grassland regeneration activities in Ichinose, and which decay naturally without the use of nails or preservatives.
This year, we will once again invite participants to make benches, and in the afternoon we will hold a guided tour where you can learn about the history of Ichinose and the current efforts being made to make it a zero-carbon park.
Families are also welcome to join, so please invite your friends and family to join us!

Date and time: September 24th (Sun) 9:00-15:30
Meeting place: In front of Cafe & Gallery KURUMu in Ichinose, Norikura Kogen

■Schedule
9:00 Meeting place: Ichinose Cafe & Gallery KURUMu
9:00-9:30 Orientation & Explanation
9:30-12:00 Bench making
12:00-13:00 Break
13:30-15:30 Ichinose Guided Tour

■Participation conditions
4th grade and above

■Participation fee
Free Lunch box will be prepared here

■ What to bring
・Long sleeves and long pants
・Work gloves
·rain gear
・Water bottle
・Sports shoes
・Sunscreen
・Cold weather gear
・Snacks

If you would like to participate, please apply using the participation form below.
https://x.gd/3i8zc

◆Children's Alps Film Festival in Norikura Highlands

We will be holding a screening of a wonderful short animated film that both adults and children can enjoy under the starry sky of Norikura Highlands! Please feel free to join us with your friends and family.

Enjoy a movie on Friday night, and on weekends, enjoy the great outdoors at Norikura BASE, hiking, trekking, playing in the river, and more!

Date and time: Friday, September 22, 2023
Doors open: 18:00 Screening starts: 19:00~
Location: Fureai Park Norikura Rooftop Square
Participation fee: 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for those under 18

Organized by: Children's Alps Film Festival Executive Committee Co-organized by: Matsumoto Film Festival Project General Incorporated Association Cooperation: Supporters Azumino
Sponsored by: Matsumoto City / Matsumoto City Board of Education / Shinano Mainichi Newspapers / Shimin Times / MG Press

Please bring camp chairs or picnic mats and dress warmly.

◆ Guided walks and strolls

This is an event where staff from the Nature Conservation Center will provide commentary and guidance on walking spots in Norikura Plateau!
Why not take a stroll and enjoy the autumn atmosphere?
Please see the image for details such as the meeting place.

Advance reservations are required, so please contact the phone number below to apply.
Application deadline: (1) 30 minutes before the start of the day, (2) and (3) 5:00 PM the day before
Norikura Nature Conservation Center 0263-93-2045
OPEN 9:00-17:00 (Telephone from 8:30) Closed on Wednesdays
Organized by Shinshu Norikura Green Tourism General Incorporated Association

Norikura Highlands Local Sake Festival

This autumn, for the first time in several years, a local sake festival will be held where you can enjoy the cuisine of Norikura's landlady while tasting and comparing the finest sake from Nagano!

Date and time: November 18th (Sat)
Doors open at 12:30 13:00 Opening - 15:00 Closing
Applications open: September 1st
(Details will be announced as soon as they are decided)
Participation fee: 4,000 yen(*5,000 yen if not a member of the Norikura Tourism Association)

Organized by: Norikura Kogen Local Sake Festival Executive Committee
Application: Jizake Festa Executive Committee
Reservations: 090-8329-6357
Application hours: 10:00-18:00

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

Norikura Plateau, with its pleasant autumn air, is the perfect place to enjoy e-bikes!
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!

Lending office: 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
Lending hours: 10:30-15:30
Please see the calendar for business days.
https://norikura.gr.jp/content/norikura-kanko-annaisho/

How to enjoy e-Bike

eBike in the Sky.

From the Hill Climbing Guidebook

Norikura Hill Climb Recommendations.

◆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.
You can search for water supply spots with mymizu, an application that allows you to find free water supply spots throughout Japan.
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.

And now, we are pleased to announce that anyone is welcome to join our activities at the following two facilities on non-event dates. We look forward to your participation in activities that bring you closer to Norikura's natural environment!

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: 9:00-17:00
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: 10:30-15:30
Please see the calendar for business days.
https://norikura.gr.jp/content/norikura-kanko-annaisho/

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

◆Bear Appearance

Norikura-dake Tatamidaira area and along the Echo Line, bears continue to appear.
Please pay attention to the following points when climbing, biking, etc.

Carry a bear bell.
If you encounter a bear, do not make noise, do not yell, and back away quietly and slowly.
Act calmly and without provoking the bear.
Do not take photos or videos.

◆Hawk Migration

As September begins, the hawk migration will soon reach its peak at Shirakaba Pass, close to Norikura Plateau.
Shirakaba Pass is widely known as one of Japan's leading spots for hawk migration, where you can observe approximately 15,000 migratory birds, including eagles and hawks, passing through. Many birdwatchers monitor the migration route, and specialized staff make fixed observations every day according to the season, allowing you to enjoy the magnificent migration of hawks such as the Japanese grey-faced buzzard, honey buzzard, and sparrowhawk.

Learn more about hawk migration.
Let's go to Shirakaba Pass to watch the hawk migration."

Autumn in Norikura Highlands begins with the leaves turning red at the top of Mt. Norikura, and the best viewing time gradually shifts to the lower reaches. It's the perfect time to enjoy a soak in a hot spring in the cool morning and evening air. Enjoy an early morning stroll or gaze at the starry sky while listening to the sounds of autumn insects. Be sure to visit Norikura Highlands in autumn to soothe your summer fatigue.