Within easy reach of Kamikochi, Mount Norikura – or Norikuradake – stands at 3026 metres above sea level yet offers comfortable and leisurely walking trails for anyone of reasonable fitness. In winter, Norikura Ski Resort offers around 20 trails and on clear days, beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. From late-spring through to summer the receding snow then reveals a beautiful landscape of walking trails surrounded by lush alpine meadows and flowers.

Norikura is known of its beauty, fantastic mountain vistas and snow corridor in spring and early summer. The mountain trails are directly accessible from Norikura Kogen – a highland resort town located a little lower down. Trails spanning-out from Norikura take visitors through verdant forests and onto rushing rivers and waterfalls.

Sanbondaki – a series of three waterfalls – is accessible on a trail from the Sanbondaki bus stop. Only a 25-minute walk through a particularly beautiful area of Norikura Kogen, the waterfalls are one of the true highlights of the region.

While temperatures through summer will still be hot, Norikura’s elevation offers relief from the extreme heat and humidity of cities like Tokyo; while autumn brings the stunning colours of the changing leaves. No matter when you visit, Norikura is a great place to escape the crowds and congestion of the city.

Information regarding accommodation in and around Mount Norikura can be found through our ‘Norikura Kogen Area’ and ‘Shirahone Onsen Area’ pages.