NORIKURA TIMES (Spring edition for physical exercise)

Spring is in full bloom at Norikura Highlands, making it a pleasant season for walking. Why not take advantage of the warm sunshine and breeze and enjoy some activities at Norikura Highlands?

Did you know that there is a cycling road in Norikura Plateau?
Norikura Kogen's cycling courses range from beginner to advanced, with courses that run along beautiful forest roads with sunlight filtering through the trees, to courses with exposed rocks for experienced cyclists.

At this time of year, you can see new buds on birch trees and brightly colored azaleas.
The occasional chirp of the spring cicadas can be heard, which is light and bird-like, different from the summer cicadas.
Be sure to stop while cycling and enjoy the natural beauty that is only possible at this time of year.

You can bring your own bike or rent one.
There are bikes available, from full-fledged mountain bikes to electrically assisted cross bikes and mamachari bikes, so choose one that suits your level.
Electric mamachari bikes are easy even for beginners!

About Norikura Kogen Trails
https://trail.norikura.gr.jp/jwn/

About the MTB-only trail "NCMT"
https://trail.norikura.gr.jp/ncmt/

<Rental spots>
・Norikura Kogen Tourist Information Center
https://norikura.gr.jp/content/e-bike%e3%83%ac%e3%83%b3%e3%82%bf%e3%83%ab%e3%81%ab%e3%81%a4%e3%81%84%e3%81%a6/
・Norikura BASE
https://norikurabase.com/bike.html
・North Star Adventure
https://ridenorthstar.com/activities/bike/ebiketours/
*In addition to the above, rentals are also available at some accommodations.
Please contact the accommodation facility before staying overnight.

The Norikura Spring Mountain Bus is a sightseeing bus that travels along the Echo Line of Norikura, which reaches an altitude of 2,700 meters, allowing you to see the snow walls up close.
Starting Saturday, June 1st, the Haruyama Bus will extend its route to the Oyukikei Kata no Koyaguchi bus stop. (Until the end of May, the bus will run only to Igahara Sanso.)

The biggest attraction of the Haruyama Bus is the overwhelming snow walls. The sight of snow walls about 10 meters high towering on both sides of the road is truly breathtaking.
The contrast between the white snow walls and the blue sky is beautiful, making it a popular photo spot.

The snow walls of Mt. Norikura are a rare spot where you can experience the wonders of nature up close. Be sure to enjoy the magnificent scenery that can only be seen at this time of year.

The bus departs from the Norikura Kogen Tourist Center and heads to the Snow Wall via Sanbontaki Falls and Igahara Sanso.
For more information, please visit the Haruyama Bus website.
https://www.alpico.co.jp/traffic/local/kamikochi/haruyama/
Additionally, a shuttle bus will be running to the summit of Mt. Norikura (Tatami-daira) from July 1st. Please check here for details.
https://www.alpico.co.jp/traffic/local/kamikochi/echoline/

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, bringing you the latest information on Norikura Highlands recommended by the members. This time of year, Tomoka Suzuki is in charge. Norikura is bustling in many places, so we're really looking forward to it!
Please look forward to the next issue!