Visit Matsumoto

The Norikura Highlands lie at an elevation of 1,500 meters, at the foot of the imposing Mount Norikura. Natural seasonal delights and excitement await you here, all year round.

In spring, the highlands are surrounded by flowers such as white skunk cabbage and dazzling new greenery, and a 10-meter-high snow corridor is formed on the Echo Line toward Mount Norikura. Summer attractions on the cool highlands include climbing Mount Norikura, walking around the refreshing waterfalls, and exhilarating cycling. Fall sees brightly colored autumn leaves, making the whole mountain seem ablaze. And winter boasts superlative powder snow—the frozen Zengoro Falls, reachable with snow shoes, are a highlight.

Norikura’s three famous waterfalls— the Zengoro Falls, the Sanbondaki Falls, and the Great Bandokoro Waterfall—appear different in each season, and are famous for their mid-winter scenery. Warm your body in a highland hot spring and immerse your mind and body in the beautiful mountain landscape as you look up at a glittering starry sky.

The shuttle bus to Tatamidaira on Mount Norikura runs from July 1 to October 31 (services are suspended in heavy rain or snow). In summer, you can enjoy charming alpine plants such as dicentra and narcissus anemones. If you’re lucky, you may even encounter a rock ptarmigan.