Mt. Norikura: Round Trip from Tatami-daira

Start by following a well-maintained road bordered by alpine plants. A valley to the left keeps its snow until mid-August. Continuing through a stone pine belt, you'll reach Katano-koya mountain hut. There is a rest area in front, and you can have lunch inside.

The path continuing from there is gravel. Please take care while walking the gentle scree slope. The trail is demarcated with ropes, so it's easy to follow. As you proceed it gradually becomes steeper and covered with large igneous rocks. Once you pass the Norikuradake Chojo-koya shelter hut, you'll start the final ascent to the summit of Kengamine. There is a shrine with a torii gate at the top of the mountain, and you can get amulets and a shrine stamp there.

Mt. Norikura was formed by volcanic activity and a crater lake is visible from the summit. On clear days there's a great view that takes in peaks as spread out as Mt. Fuji (Fuji-san), Mt. Ontake (Ontake-san), and the Northern Japanese Alps.

Return via the same trail you ascended but be careful not to slip on the scree.