NORIKURA TIMES October (Deepening Autumn)

The mornings and evenings are getting chillier, and the plants all over the plateau are beginning to take on autumn colors. We'll introduce you to the seasonal produce of this time of year, when you can't take your eyes off the plants, whose colors are getting deeper and deeper in red and yellow with each passing day.

◆Echo Line

There are many spots along the Echo Line and near the hiking trails (from Katanogoya to Oyukikei/Katanogoyaguchi bus stop, and from Houtokureishin bus stop to Igahara Sanso) where you can enjoy the autumn leaves. Check out the highlights and be sure to head out.

Norikura shuttle buses running on the Norikura Echo Line are now available to the "Tatamidaira Bus Terminal" at the top of Norikura Mountain.

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

Timetable
Starting October 2nd, the operating schedule will change to Schedule C, with 10 round trips per day, with the first departure from Norikura Tourist Center at 7am (on sunny days. On rainy days it will be Schedule D).
For details, please check the timetable below.
Alpico Transportation:https://www.alpico.co.jp/traffic/local/kamikochi/echoline/

*Please note that temperatures on Mt. Norikura can drop into the single digits, so please be careful when choosing clothing and equipment.
*The Norikura Echo Line sunrise bus service will be suspended in FY2023.

If you want to take a walk to see the autumn leaves in Norikura
"Looking for my best spot to see autumn leaves."

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At this time of year, Ichinose is covered with swaying white ears of silver grass. In early October, as the autumn leaves approach their peak, the plants gradually turn red and yellow, and the green of the trees still retains a hint of summer's color, creating a landscape of various colors that can be enjoyed.

Ichinose's giant maple trees are a symbol of autumn foliage. They usually reach their peak between the second and third weeks of October. Why not take a stroll into the world of the beginning of autumn with a bottle of hot drink?

◆ 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.

(1) Guided walk (1 hour)

Ichinose: October 8th (Sun), 14th (Sat), 15th (Sun), 21st (Sat)
*Saturdays from 14:00, Sundays from 9:30
Participation fee: 500 yen (junior high school students and younger: 300 yen) Maximum 8 people

(2) Autumn Ichinose Walk

October 18th (Wednesday) and 22nd 9:30-11:30
Participation fee: 1,000 yen for adults, 500 yen for junior high school students and younger. Maximum 8 people.

(3) Enjoy a leisurely nature walk

October 25th (Wed) and 29th (Sun) 9:30-11:00
Participation fee: 400 yen for adults, 200 yen for junior high school students and younger. Maximum 8 people.

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

Reservations are running low! This autumn, for the first time in several years, we will be holding a local sake festival where you can enjoy the cuisine of Norikura's landlady while tasting and comparing the finest sake from Nagano!
To make a reservation, you must call the organizing committee directly. Please make your reservation early.

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

◆Blue Resort Norikura 23-24 season tickets will go on sale from October 1st

To purchase, please purchase a digital season pass through Go NAGANO Smart Pass.
Please see below for details

https://www.brnorikura.jp/news/78/

◆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
Rental hours: 9:00-15:30
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.

Autumn is short-lived in Norikura Highlands, but in early October, you can experience the deepening of autumn not only through the scenery, but also through the feeling of the wind on your skin and the scents carried by the wind. Furthermore, here at Norikura Highlands, you can enjoy hot springs that flow directly from the source of the mountain. Warm hot springs are even more enjoyable during the cold season. Why not soothe yourself with the luxurious comfort that can only be experienced during this time of year?