Enjoy the great outdoors with your children! How to spend summer in Norikura Kogen

I want to fully experience the natural beauty of Norikura with my family this summer! But what kind of experiences can we actually have? What are the recommended ways to spend your time? This time, we will introduce some recommended ways to spend the summer, which is a must-read for families who are planning to stay at Norikura Highlands with their children from toddlers to elementary school students.

A popular activity is the adventure park, set up in the trees in the forest, at a height of 9 meters above ground. There are elements such as zip lines that will stimulate children's spirit of adventure (age and height restrictions apply). Even after plenty of fun, the exciting mountain activities continue. How about camping under a starry sky, where if you're lucky you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye? There is also a campsite with a magnificent view of Mt. Norikura. The whole family's impressions will be rewritten again and again during your stay... A special summer experience awaits.

For more information about Norikura BASE, please click here (official website)

Explaining what you can do at Norikura BASE!

Norikura Highlands is a great place to enjoy mountain biking, with cycling roads and trails for mountain biking. Why not take the whole family for an exhilarating ride across the plateau?

Click here to rent a mountain bike or book a tour

For more information about MTB in Norikura, click here

For those who want to enjoy MTB seriously
About NCMT (MTB-only trails)

Around Tatamidaira, there are peaks such as Mt. Fujimi, Mt. Daikoku, and Mt. Maou, which can be reached by foot in less than 30 minutes for adults. This is recommended for families who don't want to go full-scale mountain climbing but still want to enjoy the view from the summit with their children! If you're lucky, you might even spot a rock ptarmigan on Mt. Daikoku or Mt. Maou. If you're confident in your stamina, you can also take on the challenge of reaching the summit of Mt. Norikura's main peak, Mt. Kengamine (3,026m), which takes about an hour and a half one way. The view from the top of Mt. Kengamine is exceptional! On a clear day, you can see distant mountains (and even Mt. Fuji, if you're lucky!). Make Mt. Norikura your first 3,000m peak. It's sure to be a memorable mountain trip.

*Although Mt. Norikura is easily accessible, please prepare the necessary climbing equipment in advance. In the alpine zone, some people may become ill due to changes in air pressure. Please be mindful of your physical condition and the weather, and enjoy a safe and comfortable climb.

Click here to prepare the necessary items and tools for mountain climbing

Click here for information on the climbing route to Mt. Norikura

Click here for information about the shuttle bus to Tatamidaira

Here's what you can experience at Mt. Norikura

The paths to the waterfalls are also perfect for family hikes. Take a leisurely stroll and discover your favorite plants or listen to the birdsong.
*Please be careful as the areas around the waterfall and observation deck are both slippery.
Below we introduce the three famous waterfalls of Norikura.

◆ Zengoro Falls

This waterfall is said to have been named after a fisherman named Zengoro who was pulled into the basin by a char, and you can get a close-up feel of the power of the magnificent waterfall while being splashed with water near the basin. If you visit in the morning, you might even be able to see a rainbow sparkling in the morning sun, so it might be just the right place for a quick morning stroll.

Estimated travel time:
About an hour round trip from Zengoro Falls parking lot

◆ Sanbontaki Falls

One of Japan's 100 best waterfalls and a designated scenic spot by Nagano Prefecture, this waterfall is a rare spot where three waterfalls with different sources come together in one place, allowing you to see three waterfalls at once. The path leading from Sanbontaki Parking Lot to the falls is called "Kamoshika no Michi" (Kamoshika Path), a popular walking path where you can feel the cool, clear water up close and hear the chirping of birds everywhere. As you cross the suspension bridge and approach the falls, you will come across many rugged rocks, including wet rocks, which can be slippery. Please be sure to watch your step, especially if you are with small children.

Estimated travel time:
Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes round trip from Sanbontaki Parking Lot

◆ Bansho Falls

This is a large waterfall with a drop of 40m, and the sight of the water cascading down against the rugged black rocks is both rough and impressive. Another highlight is the "plate-like joints" where the rock face peels off like plates. To get there, you can go down the stairs and reach the observation deck in about 10 minutes. To return, you have to climb the same way you came, which takes about 30 minutes round trip. The "Sengenbuchi Promenade" that runs along the upper reaches of the waterfall is a refreshing walking path, so if you have time, it is recommended that you also enjoy it.

Estimated travel time:
Approximately 30 minutes round trip from Otaki Parking Lot
(Approximately an hour if you include the Sengenbuchi Promenade)

Some people may be put off at first by the crisp coldness of the melted snow water, but once you get used to it, the cool feeling is pleasant, and before you know it, you'll be completely absorbed in playing in the water. If you bring along some box glasses, it will be easier to spot the small fish. This is a favorite playground for local children.

In addition to the exhibits, there are also events planned that parents and children can enjoy together, such as bird watching, long-eared bat watching, walking observation events, and pine cone art and craft classes. Check the event information on the website and be sure to participate.

For more information about Norikura Nature Conservation Center, click here

Norikura Highlands is a field that can be enjoyed by all families, from beginners to advanced outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to be active or just relax, there are plenty of options for everyone, so your family will never get bored. How would you like to spend a summer day at Norikura Highlands with your family? Children grow up so quickly. Enjoy the exciting moments at Norikura Highlands in the summer, a time that can only be experienced at that time, with both children and adults enjoying the experience to the fullest.