NORIKURA TIMES (Norikura in Midsummer)

As the peak of the skunk cabbage and rhododendrons passes and the greenery deepens, the flowers of Norikura are beginning to change. In late June, you can see buttercups, Gunnai fuuro, irises, and more in Ichinose Grassland. It seems that all the plants are blooming early this year, so be sure to come early.

[Joyful Walks Norikura]

For more details, please see hereIchinose Meadow Trail(Orange route)'
https://trail.norikura.gr.jp/jwn/

The course takes just under three hours, but there are parking lots at each point and the elevation change is minimal. You can also just drop in at any spot that catches your eye. Feel free to explore at a pace that suits your stamina.

This trail takes you around five ponds. Early morning walks are especially popular as there is little traffic and you can walk while listening to the birdsong.
At this time of year, you can hear the chorus of tree frogs at Azami Pond.

・Azami Pond
・Osome Pond
・Loach Pond
・Maime Pond
・Remembrance Pond

We would also like to introduce two recommended spots that are outside the Ichinose Grassland Trail route.

[Stargazing Hill]

My personal recommendation for Ichinose Grassland is Hoshimi no Oka. It's located on the side of the road leading from the tourist center to the Ichinose parking lot. You can spend some quiet time enjoying tea, snacking on sweets, or reading a book while admiring the idyllic scenery.

[Virgin Forest Path]

The silver bells, Japanese anemones, and Japanese lily of the valley are in full bloom.

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.
Currently, you can go as far as the Oyukikei Kata no Koyaguchi bus stop.

Please check here for details of Haruyama Bus from time to time.
https://www.alpico.co.jp/traffic/local/kamikochi/haruyama/

From July 1st, the shuttle bus to the summit of Mt. Norikura (Tatami-daira) will finally be in operation!

Cycling between Sanbontaki and Tatamidaira will also be possible.
Please come by car or bicycle.

For more information, click here:https://www.alpico.co.jp/traffic/local/kamikochi/echoline/

◾️Let's prune Norikura SDGs Action Norikura Forest Creation

This is a nature conservation program at Norikura Plateau run by Matsumoto University students.

You can experience nature conservation through activities such as cutting down invasive plants, outdoor cooking, hiking, and making birch trivets.

Date and time: June 22, 2024 (Sat) 10:00-15:00
Location: Norikura BASE, in front of Cafe Shillon

For more details click here↓
https://norikura.gr.jp/content/0528/

◾️ "Norikura Highlands Nature-Friendly Festival" hosted by Norikura-born artist Azumi Takahashi

Date and time: Sunday, August 11, 2024 10:00-17:00
Location: Misuzu Onsen Auto Campground
Click here for details↓
https://norikura.gr.jp/content/20240601/

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 the articles and provide seasonal information about Norikura Kogen as recommended by the members. Nishioka was in charge this time.
Please look forward to the next issue!