NORIKURA TIMES (Yo-Chun version)

This is the season when the soft warmth of the sun and the adorable chirping of birds bring a warm smile to your face.
After the snow melted, the bare trees were revealed in a brown landscape, but little by little, the green of young leaves began to appear.
This time, we will be bringing you some unique ways to enjoy this time of year and some seasonal information.

Starting Saturday, April 27, 2024, the Spring Mountain Bus is scheduled to open between Sanbontaki Falls on the Norikura Echo Line and the entrance to the Oyukikei Glacier and Katanogoya hut on Mt. Norikura.
There are snow walls about 10 meters high on the side of the road, and the contrast between white and blue creates a refreshing view.

Mount Norikura, which is over 3,000m above sea level, still has a solid layer of snow remaining, making it a great place to enjoy snow-covered mountain climbing or backcountry skiing. From the entrance to Katabigoya hut to the summit, you can see the Northern Alps and other distant mountains. Why not experience the special world of the mountain tops, where pure white snow still remains, while feeling the warmth of the spring sun?

The opening date may be slightly delayed depending on road conditions.
Please check here for details of Haruyama Bus from time to time.
https://www.alpico.co.jp/traffic/local/kamikochi/haruyama/

*The route between Igahara Sanso and Oyukikei/Kata no Koyaguchi is scheduled to start operating in late May (depending on the snow removal situation on the roads).
*From July 1st, a shuttle bus will be operating to the summit of Mt. Norikura (Tatami-daira).
For more information, click here:https://www.alpico.co.jp/traffic/local/kamikochi/echoline/

The skunk cabbages are reaching their peak in Norikura Highlands. They are the first flowers to signal the arrival of spring, and walking by a colony will give off a faintly sweet fragrance. In summer, the leaves grow to about 1m, taking on a more impressive appearance, but at this time of year you can enjoy the lovely, beautiful appearance of the skunk cabbages, which are about 30cm tall. Be sure to visit the skunk cabbage colonies on your spring stroll.

▼Click here for spots where you can see skunk cabbage in large numbers
https://norikura.gr.jp/2021/04/mizubasyou/

At this time of year, we recommend taking a walk around the plateau and feeling the breath of spring. If you look closely, you'll be able to find small sprouts and wild vegetables peeking out from the tips of branches and under fallen leaves.
Just the other day, when I was out for a walk, I came across a bunch of butterbur sprouts peeking out from the soil after clearing away fallen leaves.
Even during the harsh winter, various plants survive beneath the deep snow and sprout in the spring. During this time of year, when you can feel the vitality of nature, walking around the plateau gives you a surge of energy.

June 1st (Sat) and 2nd (Sun), 2024
A trail event will be held at Norikura Kogen to kick off the refreshing summer!
This event allows you to fully enjoy the exquisite trails of Norikura Kogen, including rogaining, mountain bike riding, and trail maintenance inspections and seminars!

▼More details here
https://navigation-for-all.jp/norikura/trailday_spring2024/

Click here to see accommodation options in Norikura Kogen.
https://norikura.gr.jp/plan/accommodations/

▼ Click here for information on Norikura Kogen events.
https://norikura.gr.jp/visit/events/

NORIKURA TIMES is updated once every two weeks by the Norikura Tourism Association Publicity Department's blog team. Members of the team, who love Norikura, take turns writing articles, and we provide seasonal information about Norikura Kogen as recommended by our members. Hino was in charge this time.
Please look forward to the next issue!