Mt. Norikura: Round Trip from Tatami-daira
-
- Duration
- 1Day / 3.5Hours
- Highest Point
- 3026m
- Elevation Gain
- 322m
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- Skill Level
- Fitness Level
- Gear Level
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.
Other Info
The trailhead at Tatami-daira is a tourist area with a restaurant and souvenir shop. From there you can also do hikes that are shorter than the route up Kingamine, making it accessible to everyone. Simpler hikes include a walk around the area's flower gardens, Mt. Mao (Maoh-dake), and Mt. Fujimi (Fujimi-dake). Mt. Norikura has long been considered a sacred mountain, and there are shrines at Tatami-daira and the summit.
Norikura Highland on the Nagano Prefecture side of the mountain has plenty of hot spring fed accommodation. There are also lots of hot spring inns at Hirayu Onsen at the foot of the mountain on the Gifu Prefecture side.
Notes
Tatami-daira can only be accessed by shuttle bus due to restrictions on private vehicles. The Tatami-daira Shuttle Bus runs from Norikura Highland on the Nagano side and Hirayu Onsen on the Gifu side.
As the Kengamine summit is not so large, during crowded periods you might not want to linger too long.
Best Time:July to October
If you go to this trail outside of the best season, you should pay attention to weather and trail conditions, as the mountain is located in a snowy area; there may still be snow on the trail in July, and it may start snowing from October. Snow mountaineering equipements and experience are required during the winter season.
Route Map
Elevation Map
Spec
- Duration
- 1Day / 3.5Hours
- Highest Point
- 3026m(Mt. Norikura)
- Elevation Gain
- 322m
- Horizontal Distance
- 5Km
- Skill Level
- Fitness Level
- Gear Level
On the Trail
- Sleeping
Katano-koya
- Eating
Tatami‐daira Bus Terminal
- Hot-Springs
Norikura Kogen Onsen, Yukemuri-kan