Mount Norikuradake

What to know

Mount Norikuradake (乗鞍岳, Norikuradake) is a 3026-meter volcanic mountain straddling the border of Nagano and Gifu prefectures. Ranked among Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, it is the southernmost and third-highest major peak of the Northern Japan Alps. A popular hiking destination, it is relatively easy to climb thanks to buses that run almost to the summit.

One of Japan's highest roads leads to the Norikura Bus Terminal at 2700 meters above sea level, just a short distance from the peak. The road is closed to private cars, but buses and taxis carry hikers up from parking lots on both the Nagano and Gifu sides. From the terminal, it is a 30-minute walk along a gravel service road to a mountain hut, then another 60 minutes on a hiking trail to Kengamine Peak, the highest point of Mount Norikuradake.

Mount Norikuradake is a popular spot for autumn colors and one of the first places in Japan to see the leaves change. The alpine plants at higher elevations usually start changing in mid-September, peaking later in the month, with colors lingering into October as they descend to Norikura Kogen. The high elevation also keeps snow fields on the slopes late into summer, attracting adventurous skiers who hike up and ski down.

The road up Mount Norikuradake is closed in winter: from November to mid-May on the Gifu side, and from November through June on the Nagano side.

From July to October, buses run every 1–2 hours from the Norikura Kogen Tourist Information Center to the Norikura Bus Terminal near the summit (50 minutes, 2450 yen uphill, 2250 yen downhill). Seat reservations are mandatory and can be made online or at the ticket office at the Norikura Kogen Tourist Information Center. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi up the mountain (45 minutes, about 10,000 yen one way).

From mid-May through October, buses depart hourly (less frequently on rainy days) from Hirayu Onsen via the Honokidaira parking lot to the Norikura Bus Terminal (70 minutes, 1800 yen one way, 3400 yen round trip). Seat reservations are not possible. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi (1 hour, about 10,000 yen one way). Hirayu Onsen is reachable from Takayama in one hour and for 1600 yen by Nohi Bus.