About Mount Norikura
Mount Norikura is a stratified volcano in the southern part of the Hida Mountains in Japan, located at the border of Nagano and Gifu prefectures. It consists of 23 peaks, including Asahi-dake, Moriji-ten-dake, Fujimi-dake, and Pyeongbong-dake. The highest peak, Kensho, is 3025.6 meters above sea level, second only to Mount Fuji and Mount Ontake among Japanese volcanoes, and is the highest point in Japan’s central watershed.
The summit crater contains a volcanic lake, and the last eruption was near Ebidake more than 2,000 years ago, and signs of volcanic activity can still be observed. It is one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan, a treasure trove of alpine plants, and one of the favorite places for thunderbirds, designated as a natural monument in Japan, where visitors can experience the magic of nature to the fullest.
Although the altitude of Mount Norikura is more than 3,000 meters, it is relatively easy to climb and has been known as a mountain that can be climbed even in high heels, making it very popular among climbers. However, in recent years, in order to protect nature and prevent congestion during the tourist season, visitors must get off the bus at the base of the mountain and transfer to a local environmental bus to get to the parking lot.
How to get there
By car
Take Chuo Expressway and get off at Okaya JCT, then take Nagano Expressway and get off at Matsumoto IC.
Take Route 158 toward Kamikochi
Turn left at Maegawatari Bridge to Norikura Kogen
About 1 hour from Matsumoto IC on Nagano Expressway
By train
From Tokyo, take the Azusa limited express train.
From Nagoya, take the limited express Shinano.
From Osaka, take Shinkansen to Nagoya and use Limited Express Shinano.
Take the Chuo Line and get off at Matsumoto Station.
Transfer to Matsumoto Electric Railway to get to Niijimana, and then transfer to a bus to get to Norikura Kogen.
For more information about buses, please visit Alpico Kotsu.
http://www.alpico.co.jp/access/kamikochi/norikurakogen/
It is also possible to take an express bus to Matsumoto/Norikura Kogen instead of the train.
From Osaka to Matsumoto, Hankyu Bus and Alpico Kotsu operate buses.
From Shinjuku to Matsumoto, Keio Dentetsu Bus and Alpico Kotsu operate buses.
Tips
Norikura-dake Tatamidaira area, there are currently three places that can be climbed.
Maou-dake (elevation: 2763m)
Norikura-dake It is the easiest mountain to climb around Tatamidaira. It is maintained by promenade and stairs. Even though it is well maintained, please refrain from wearing sandals or high heels. It takes about 15 minutes from Tatamidaira.
Mt. Fujimidake (elevation: 2817m)
This is a good spot for sunrise. From Tatamidaira, pass by Tsurugaike Pond and climb via the prefectural border plaza. It takes about 30 minutes from Tatamidaira. The path up the mountain is sandy, so please do not wear sandals or high-heeled shoes. Please wear athletic shoes.
Daikoku-dake (2772 meters above sea level)
This is another recommended spot for sunrise viewing. Like Mt. Fujimidake, it is climbed via Tsurugaike Pond and the prefectural border plaza. It takes about 20 minutes from Tatamidaira.
Norikura-dake Tatamidaira Flower Garden
If you go down the stairs next to the bus terminal, you can reach the flower garden of Tatamidaira. Alpine plants bloom from mid-July to early August. Please note the following precautions when strolling through the flower garden: Do not stray from the wooden paths. Do not pick up alpine plants. Be careful with tripods when taking pictures. Do not step on alpine plants or put your tripod on the ground.
Please enjoy Norikura-dake Tatamidaira as much as you can.
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