Mt. Norikura opening

Mt. Norikura, which has been closed during winter, will be open again for visitors from May 15 this year. The Alpine route in Tateyama is of course famous for its snow wall, but though much lesser known, Mt. Norikura also offers a snow wall experience at the beginning of the season, but at a smaller scale. Given the unusually warm winter that just left us, it is worrying how thick the snow will be this year, but let's hope it will not be too disappointing. But anyway, Mt. Norikura has much more to offer as the season gradually moves towards summer. In July and August, it attracts many hikers aiming for the summit at more than 3000 meters, deemed one of the most easily accessible 3000-meter level mountains. See you on the trail!

To go there, you have to first take a bus from Takayama to Honokidaira through the Shinhotaka line, and then from there another bus will take you to Norikura at 2,700 meters above sea-level.
Please click on the following links for timetables:

http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/routebus/hirayu_shinhotaka_line.pdf
http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/routebus/norikura_line.pdf

See you on the trail!

 

Anbo wisteria garden

In 2014, the Ando wisteria garden in Furukawa city, which boasts five wisteria trees over 100 years old, was closed temporarily due to heavy snow that winter. But thanks to an unusually warm winter, this year the garden is expected to open its door to visitors coming to admire the wonderfully beautiful purple wisteria flowers.

The blossoms are expected to be at its peak in mid-May, so do not miss the chance to take a walk under this huge natural curtain of purple flowers.

The garden is 15 minutes' walk from Hida Furukawa station.