NORIKURA TIMES (Deepening Autumn)

The temperature in the mornings and evenings has dropped into the single digits, and it has become much colder in Norikura Highlands. This chill is causing the leaves to turn deeper in color with each passing day. Please use this article as a reference to make the most of the short autumn season at Norikura Highlands.

*The photos in this article are from the past.

The peak of autumn leaves has passed on Mt. Norikura from mid to late October, but due to the long, hot summer this year,Reizengoya hut to Sanbontaki areaYou can still enjoy the scenery of red, yellow, and orange autumn leaves. At this time of year, you can also see the carpet of deepening autumn leaves on the plateau below.

Starting October 15th, the bus schedule for Tatamidaira will change to Schedule C.If there is snow on the roads, restrictions may be placed on certain sections of the road. Please check the link below for details.

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

Towards the end of October, Ichinose Grassland will be at its best for viewing autumn leaves. If you time it right, you can enjoy the white snow caps around Mt. Norikura's Kengamine peak, the green of the conifers, and the autumn leaves in the grassland, creating a unique scenery that can only be enjoyed at this time of year.Three-tiered autumn leaves" You may see this.

▼ Autumn foliage spots

Large maple
If you go a little further into the grassland, you will come across a flat, open area with a large Japanese maple tree, affectionately known as the "big maple." This is a great photo spot, where you can see the impressive bright red maple and Mount Norikura towering in the background.

There is a handmade bench made from birch nearby, so you can sit down and relax while enjoying the view.

●Maime Pond
Located across the road from the Maimenoike Pond parking lot, Maimenoike Pond offers a panoramic view of Mount Norikura, birch trees, and the autumn leaves of the Renge Azalea reflected on the mirror-like surface of the water. The best time to visit is in the morning when there is less wind.

If you go a little further into the pond, the fiery autumn leaves of maple and birch trees will spread out above you.

●Azami Pond
Azami Pond is located about a 10-minute walk from Ichinose Parking Lot along a walking path. In contrast to the open view of Maimeno Pond, this quiet pond is located at the foot of the mountain and surrounded by tall trees. You can spend a peaceful time watching the birds swimming in the pond and being soothed by the chirping of various birds.

▼Clothing

In the mornings and evenings, temperatures can drop into the single digits. In addition to your jacket, it's a good idea to bring along accessories to keep your hands, feet, and neck warm, such as gloves, a neck warmer, and a knit hat.
The autumn wind is cold even during the day, and the temperature drops in the shade. Please bring a jacket so you can easily regulate your body temperature.
Bears are also more likely to appear during this time of year, so it is recommended that you carry a bear bell with you.

●Saturday, October 5th ~ Autumn Leaves Photo Contest

A photo contest is being held at Ichinose Grassland. The submission period is from Saturday, October 5th to Sunday, November 10th. The theme is "The autumn foliage scenery of Ichinose Grassland that we want to preserve for the future" Please apply while enjoying a stroll through the autumn leaves!

detail:
https://trail.norikura.gr.jp/autumn-leaves-photo/

●October 21st (Monday) Photo Walk

moreover,Photo walk for the first 15 people who submit a photo contestThe event will be held on Monday, October 21st. This is a rare opportunity to learn photography techniques while walking through the lush natural surroundings of Ichinose Grassland with nature photographer Susumu Yokota, who will be the instructor, and guide Takuro Yamamoto, who lives in Norikura Highlands! Please come and join us!

detail:
https://trail.norikura.gr.jp/photo-walk/

●Saturday, October 26th NORIKURA ZERO CARBON FESTIVAL
~Discover new ways to live and have fun starting from Norikura~

This event focuses on the "lifestyle" of Norikura, and is an opportunity to rediscover the Norikura way of life, which has been lived in harmony with nature, and to reconsider our lives today.

Using Norikura Plateau as a field, the event will include talk events with zero-carbon practitioners from various regions, a booth for Norikura Zero Lab's initiatives, product development and experiential content that utilizes the resources of Ichinose Grassland, businesses that are contributing to regional decarbonization, and ethical restaurants in Matsumoto City.

Please feel free to come by!

Date and time: Saturday, October 26, 2024, 10:00 (doors open 9:30) - 17:00
Location: Parking lot in front of Cafe and Gallery KURUMu
Address: 4307-1 Azumi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
detail:
https://zerolabo.info/fes?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZY3ZBIppegNgXlJyATFgqTjTwBURCbEhs_9O4_SIoXrMfyRKI-YIaosNo_aem_S9f2QV5xNCeKnHiqwfdhxw

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!