NORIKURA TIMES (Beginning of Winter)

The autumn leaves that painted the plateau red and yellow and brought smiles to the faces of visitors have now come to an end at Norikura Plateau. Looking up, the sky is now visible through the gaps between the bare trees.
The first snow fell just the other day, and we'd like to introduce some ways to enjoy this time of year when you can feel the arrival of winter.

Many different types of wild birds live on Norikura Plateau. At this time of year, you can easily see the wild birds that were previously hidden by the leaves flying from branch to branch. In the bright forests filled with white birch and oak trees, you can observe many wild birds such as jays and titmice.

▼Recommended items to bring
·binoculars
Bird calls

A bird call is a piece of wood with a hole drilled and a bolt screwed in. When you turn the bolt, it makes a cute squeaking sound that sounds like a bird's chirp, making it a popular outdoor item that allows you to communicate with birds.
At the trailhead opposite the Norikura Kogen Tourist Center, there is a capsule machine filled with bird calls. It costs 500 yen per turn, and the money collected is used as a donation to maintain the trails on the plateau.

Taking a walk and enjoying conversations with the birds can be a refreshing experience and you may make some unexpected discoveries.

As the days get colder, one of the must-see attractions at Norikura Highlands is the hot springs. Norikura Highlands has three types of hot springs, and you can enjoy different spring qualities depending on the inn you stay at.
Opposite the tourist centerYukemuri-kan" is a bright and spacious hot spring facility where you can see Mount Norikura from both the indoor and outdoor baths. The milky white hot spring water that naturally flows from the Ohi Silver Mine, which was developed by Takeda Shingen, will soothe your mind and body.

There are also other inns in Norikura Kogen where you can enjoy a day trip to the hot springs. Please check with each inn in advance if you wish to use one.

Day trip hot spring information

▼▼Click here for event information for Norikura Kogen▼▼

Why not enjoy the Norikura Plateau in winter with all your senses, listening to the birdsong and the sound of the wind, strolling through the silent forest, soaking in a hot spring while enjoying the freshly harvested soba noodles from this fall, and gazing at Mount Norikura?

NORIKURA TIMES is updated every two weeks by the blog team of the Norikura Tourism Association's Public Relations Department. Members who love Norikura take turns writing articles, delivering the latest information on Norikura Highlands recommended by the members. This time, Hino was in charge. Please look forward to the next one!