Norikura Kogen

Norikura Kogen is a mountain resort spread across the eastern foothills of Mt. Norikura, located at the southern end of the Northern Alps. Set at elevations of around 3,937 to 5,906 feet within Chubu Sangaku National Park, it offers a wide range of outdoor activities amid beautiful nature in every season, from spring and summer when alpine flowers are in bloom, to fall with its vivid autumn leaves, and winter wrapped in powder snow.

At the vast Ichinose Meadow, colored by seasonal plant life, large and vivid azaleas reach their best viewing season in June, turning the entire meadow orange. Waterfalls shaped by the area's natural terrain are also worth seeing. Sanbon-daki Falls, selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls, Zengoro Falls, with a drop of 72 feet and width of 26 feet, and Bansho O-taki Falls, one of the largest in Norikura Kogen, are collectively known as the Norikura Three Waterfalls.

The area is also dotted with scenic spots such as untouched primeval forests, white birch groves, wetlands, and ponds. Another draw is its hot spring area fed by three different sources. You’ll also find plenty of places to stay, including ryokan inns and pensions, along with modern cafes and restaurants serving local ingredients.