If you want to go for a walk in Norikura Kogen! 6 courses recommended by the proprietress

Norikura Highlands in the green season offers a refreshing breeze. You don't want to go mountain climbing, but you want to take a walk that's a bit challenging... If that sounds like you, we highly recommend the courses in the "Landlady's Recommended Norikura Walking Guide." Norikura Highlands is dotted with pleasant walking paths, and we'll introduce six courses recommended by the landlady's owners who enjoy walking every day.

If you're planning a stroll around Norikura Plateau!
6 courses recommended by the proprietress

Starting from Fureai Park, this 3km course passes through a natural path where you can hear the bubbling of underground water, and goes around two ponds and the historic Azusamizu Shrine. The highlights are undoubtedly the artistic sculptures and the beautiful view of Mount Norikura from the side of the main shrine.Azusamizu ShrineIt is.

In addition to Azusamizu Shrine, which was built as a mountain shrine on Mt. Norikura where the god Azusamizu resides and has been cherished as a base of mountain worship since ancient times, there is a legend about Oike pond near the starting point that will impress history buffs. It is said that the head of the raccoon connects to Gongen Pond in Norikura, the heart to Oike pond, and the tail to Lake Suwa.Dragon God LegendWhy not take a stroll and let yourself be carried away by the romance of the past?

Travel time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Distance: Approximately 3.3km

Starting from Otaki Parking Lot, the rugged and dynamicBansho Otaki WaterfallThis is a 1.2km course that takes you around small waterfalls along the Oono River. The highlight is the rock formations that peel off like boards.Tabular jointsThe view of Bansho Falls from the Otaki Observation Deck, surrounded by the mountainside. It takes about 10 minutes to get there by descending the stairs.

After enjoying the breathtaking force of the great waterfall, you will walk along the quiet path along the river. Soon you will come across a small waterfall, which, perhaps because of its modest size, will naturally bring you back to a state of calm.SengenbuchiThere is a mystical atmosphere that makes you feel as if you are enveloped in nature. Why not enjoy the coolness that is unique to Norikura Plateau while touring the waterside, whose appearance changes from moment to moment?

Time required: approx. 1 hour
Distance: Approximately 1.2km

Starting from Norikura Base, this 3.3km course takes you around two legendary shrines in the area and a spot called "Kamaba," said to be the home of kappa. The highlight is the shrine, quietly nestled amongst greenery.

Yaseo Shrineis dedicated to five gods, including those of water and the sun. One of these is Mitsuki Hidetsuna, the god of silkworms, and is connected to the legend of Hidetsuna that remains in the area. Another shrine along the course, Oyama Shrine, has a legend related to Tanabata. Why not let your thoughts wander to these ancient legends as you walk along the pleasant, green path?

Travel time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Distance: Approximately 3.3km

Starting from Nature Plaza, the Ichinose area was the catalyst for Norikura Plateau being designated a national park.Grassland LandscapeIt is a 4.5km course where you can enjoy plenty of things. There are several ponds with different expressions, birch treetops growing under the blue sky, various wild flowers that can be enjoyed in each season, lush grasslands where various butterflies and dragonflies fly, and the view of Mt. Norikura in the distance.Idyllic beautyis a major attraction.

They appear from late April to mid-MaySkunk cabbageThe highlight of this course is being able to enjoy the beautiful forests of Onnagoya and the surrounding areas of Omoibu Pond.Maime PondOn a clear day, you can also enjoy the upside-down reflection of Mt. Norikura. Looking around, you'll find a view that will delight your heart. Why not take a stroll and soak up the beautiful scenery of Ichinose?

Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Distance: Approximately 4.5km

Starting from Yamaboshi Parking Lot or Zengoro Falls Parking Lot, it is a popular spot for a casual stroll.Zengoro FallsとUshidome PondThis 2.6km course takes you around the area. From the viewing platform, you can see Zengoro Falls with Mount Norikura in the background, which is a spectacular sight. It reminds you of the formation of a plateau made from a volcano. If you go down close to the basin of the falls, you can enjoy an even more dynamic view while bathed in the mist of the falls. If you visit in the morning, you may be able to see a rainbow.

Leaving the waterfall behind, you will reach Ushidome Pond after a steep climb. From Azumaya, you can enjoy the beautiful view of Mount Norikura reflected on the water's surface. When the Japanese laurels bloom, the sound of frogs croaking creates a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Why not recharge your energy by touring the two highlights, the waterfall and the pond?

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
Distance: Approximately 2.6 km

Starting from Sanbontaki Parking Lot, this is a 1.7km round trip course to Sanbontaki, a scenic spot in Nagano Prefecture and one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls, representing Norikura.Kamoshika Path" is a cool coniferous forest where sunlight filtering through the trees feels pleasant. The chirping of small birds such as Japanese bush warblers and robins brings a sense of comfort.

At Sanbontaki, three streams with different water sources converge in one place, forming waterfalls with different appearances, allowing you to see all three waterfalls at once. This is a rare waterfall spot even in Japan. It is said to be a place where ascetics once practiced their training. Why not take some time to feel the spectacular spray of the falls up close and refresh yourself?

*The path to the waterfall is very rough, with tree roots and steps. Please be careful as there are some slippery sections.

Travel time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Distance: Approximately 1.7km

The six courses introduced this time are listed on "Landlady's Recommended Norikura Walking Guide" was created by the landlady owners who love Norikura Highlands so that more people can "experience the charm of Norikura on foot." Why not go out and search for the seeds of delightful discoveries that can only be made by touring on foot?

Ichinose Grassland Norikura Three Great Waterfalls

Norikura Hot Springs