NORIKURA TIMES (Summer Mountain Season Arrives)

Norikura Plateau in July is cool in the mornings and evenings, and crisp and pleasant during the day.
The season for enjoying mountain climbing has arrived, with the Norikura-dake bus scheduled to start operating from July 1st.
Why not enjoy Norikura Plateau in a way that is perfect for this time of year?

Starting Monday, July 1, 2024, the Mt. Norikura shuttle bus will begin operating along the Norikura Echo Line to Tatamidaira, the summit of Mt. Norikura.
Tatamidaira is the highest bus stop in Japan, at an altitude of 2,716m.
As the altitude increases, the view from the train window changes and is spectacular.

From early July, alpine plants begin to bloom in the flower fields near the bus's final stop, Tatamidaira.
Anyone can enjoy seeing rare plants that would normally only be seen by hiking by bus.
The white anemone is already in full bloom, and the dicentra is expected to bloom soon. The alpine plants may bloom earlier than usual, so if you want to see them, please plan your visit early.

From Tatamidaira, you can also aim for the peaks of Mt. Norikura, including the main peak of Mt. Kengamine, Mt. Daikoku, Mt. Fujimi, and Mt. Maou.
The climbing times vary, with Kengamine taking an hour and a half one way and Maou-dake taking 15 minutes one way. It's nice to be able to choose the mountain you want to climb based on your physical strength and schedule.
On a clear day, you can see the Northern Alps, Mt. Asama, Mt. Yatsugatake, and the Central and Southern Alps from the summit.

Tatamidaira offers a variety of ways to enjoy yourself, from strolling through flower fields to mountain climbing.
For more information about the Mt. Norikura shuttle bus, please see the Alpico Kotsu website.

https://www.alpico.co.jp/traffic/local/kamikochi/echoline/

Early summer is the time when you want to take a walk along a waterfall or riverbank and feel the cool, refreshing air.
Located at an altitude of 1,800m, Sanbontaki Falls is a recommended place where you can feel the coolness all over your body.

There are various ways to access it.
You can get off at the Sanbontaki bus stop on the Mt. Norikura shuttle bus, or drive to Sanbontaki Rest House (located very close to the Sanbontaki bus stop).
The author's recommended way to get there is to ride an e-bike to Sanbontaki Rest House and then hike to the falls.

Cycling while feeling the breeze is a pleasant experience, and with an e-bike the pedals are light and it's easy to climb.

The hike from Sanbontaki Rest House to the falls takes you through a beautiful forest.
As you approach the falls, you can hear the sound of the river, cross a bridge over the clear river, and as you go further, the view suddenly opens up and the three waterfalls spread out before you.
Be sure to visit Sanbontaki Falls and experience the grandeur of nature.

E-bikes can be rented at the 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/
*Available for rental at some accommodations.
Please contact the accommodation facility before staying overnight.

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/

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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, Ishida was in charge.
Please look forward to the next issue!