NORIKURA TIMES (Autumn arrival edition)

With the end of Obon, the mornings and evenings at Norikura Highlands are now cool and pleasant. The daytime heat has eased, and the temperature is just right for spending time outside. In this article, we will introduce ways to spend time at Norikura Highlands that are unique to this time of year.

At this time of year, we recommend climbing Mt. Norikura.Tatamidaira Bus TerminalYou can easily take a bus to the mountain and enjoy the mountain scenery at an altitude of around 3,000 meters.
From Tatamidaira, you can see the highest peak of Mt. Norikura.KengamineYou can access mountains such as Mt. Fujimi (3,026m above sea level), Mt. Daikoku, and Mt. Fujimi, and each offers different views, so it's a good idea to choose the mountain you want to climb depending on your mood and the weather that day.
You can also enjoy the sights of Tsurugaike and other places without having to climb a mountain.Stroll around TatamidairaIt is also recommended to do so, as you can enjoy the spectacular views that can only be seen in the alpine zone.

To get to Tatamidaira from the Nagano side,Echo Line", and from the Gifu Prefecture side, "Skyline" can be accessed.
The Skyline was closed due to a road collapse, but reopened on August 20th this year, allowing visitors to enjoy the road from both Nagano and Gifu prefectures.
This tourist route is called "Mt. Norikura" in honor of the "Rock Ptarmigan" that live on Mt. Norikura.Norikura Raicho RouteIt is also known as "Norikura Onsenkyo and Shirahone Onsenkyo on the Nagano side, and Okuhida Onsenkyo on the Gifu side, so it is recommended to try both hot springs. If you have the chance to visit, be sure to take the Ptarmigan Route and enjoy sightseeing in both Nagano and Gifu.

Located in Norikura Plateau,Ichinose Meadow" is a grassland where you can enjoy the wide sky and beautiful trees with Mt. Norikura in the background. It is easy to move around outside during the day at this time of year, so we recommend taking a leisurely walk through Ichinose. Recently, "Akebonosouand "ScabiosaThe cherry blossoms are starting to bloom, and you can feel the arrival of autumn.

We recommend taking a stroll through Ichinose Grassland and stopping by the cafe and restaurant "Local Food Cafe Ichinohi"and"Cafe and Gallery KURUMuThis is a course where you can take a break and fully enjoy the local bounty.
Both restaurants use traditional ingredients from Norikura and Nagano Prefecture. Local Food Cafe Ichinohi just opened in August this year! It was built with the hope of letting more people know about the richness of nature in Ichinose Grassland, and was made possible through crowdfunding from both within and outside the region.
From the large windows inside the store and the deck, which is currently under construction, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Ichinose Grassland and Mount Norikura, and take a break while feeling the pleasant breeze.

<Author's recommended menu>

■ First Day "First Day Plate"

Norikura's traditional vegetablesFlower beansand "Bansho cucumber」、wild vegetablesThis plate is made with plenty of ingredients such as these, allowing you to truly enjoy the bounty of Norikura. The great thing about this restaurant is that you can try a little bit of each dish. The dishes change with the seasons, so you can enjoy it no matter how many times you visit.

■KURUMu "Birch Soda"

It was discovered during landscaping work at Ichinose Grassland.”birch leaves”This is an original drink made with birch leaves. The soft birch scent will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated, making it the perfect place to take a break during your walk. Made with birch leaves that would normally be discarded after being cut down, this drink is truly kind to both nature and people.

If you visit Norikura Highlands, be sure to take a stroll through Ichinose Grassland and enjoy the local bounty.

■Children's Alps Film Festival in Norikura Kogen September 6th (Friday)
This event was held with the hope that children in the Norikura, Azumi and Nakagawa areas, who don't usually have many opportunities to watch movies on the big screen, will be able to enjoy movies on the big screen. Fun for both adults and children!
▼Details
https://kidsfilmfes.com/norikura/

■NORIKURA TRAIL DAY September 7th (Sat)
This is an experiential event where you can experience with all five senses the charm and enjoyment of the trails at Norikura Highlands! On the day, you will not only be able to actually go out and enjoy the trails, but there will also be talk sessions, workshops, and booths set up, so there will be plenty to see.
▼Details
https://norikura-trailday.localinfo.jp/

Once the Obon festival is over, the heat eases and you can feel the arrival of autumn at Norikura Plateau.hawk moth (any moth of family Cercopithecidae)" will also be available to watch, so there is plenty to look forward to in the coming months.

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