NORIKURA TIMES (End of Autumn Edition)

Autumn is deepening in Norikura Highlands, and the scenery of the autumn leaves is changing with each passing day. Here are some ways to enjoy the late autumn on the plateau and experience the changing scenery of nature.

In late autumn at Norikura Plateau, broad-leaved trees such as maples and birches have passed their peak, and finallylarchThe leaves turn yellow and cover the entire mountain. The yellow leaves of these larch trees spread all over the place, like a golden carpet. Unusually for a coniferous tree in the pine family, the larch trees turn yellow and fall in autumn, giving the plateau a heartwarming, quiet twilight atmosphere. We also recommend taking a leisurely walk through the calm and serene forest as the leaves fall and the sky becomes closer.

Hiking, cycling, and mountain biking through the highlands in late autumn are exceptional experiences. There are also hot springs to warm up your chilled body, so you can still enjoy Norikura Highlands in November.

Every year from early November, soba restaurants in Norikura Highlands start serving fragrant soba noodles.New sobaThe dish you can enjoy here is the precious "Bansho Soba" soba, a local variety cultivated in the Norikura Plateau. This soba is grown in the harsh environment of the plateau and with large temperature differences between morning and evening, so although the grains are small, the flavor is concentrated, allowing you to enjoy a fragrant and deep flavor.

New soba, harvested one to two months ago, is characterized by its exceptional aroma and flavor. We recommend starting with cold mori soba noodles to enjoy the soba's natural aroma. You can also enjoy the comforting flavor of hot kake soba noodles, simmered slowly in a delicious broth.

moreover,"Bansho Soba" is a rare variety with a low yield, so be sure to try it during this time of year. We also recommend taking a leisurely tour of the soba restaurants in Norikura Highlands, enjoying the different flavors of the soba and broth at each restaurant.

● [Saturday, October 5th - Sunday, November 10th] 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/

●[November 3rd (Sun) and 4th (Mon) 2024 (National Holiday)] Why not join us in maintaining the hiking trails at Sanbontaki Falls in the fall? "Let's Protect Norikura's Nature Together" Vol. 1 will be held!

In order to pass on the rich natural beauty of Norikura Plateau to the next generation, we will be holding a two-day hiking trail maintenance event with the aim of protecting the nature that nurtures the ecosystem.
(We have reached capacity)

detail:https://norikura.gr.jp/content/20241001/

● [Saturday, November 16, 2024] Local Sake Festa 2024

We gathered people from all over Nagano Prefecture to drink sake, talk, and taste! And we savored dishes made with local ingredients♪
This popular late autumn event brings local sake lovers together at Norikura Highlands!
(Only a few spaces left)

detail:https://norikura.gr.jp/content/jisake-festa/

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