However, the peak of Mt. Norikura, Mt. Kengamine, is well-known for being a 3,000m-level mountain that is easy to climb, even for elementary schoolers. The reason is that the trailhead is located at the altitude of 2,702 meters and accessible by public bus, making it much easier and shorter to climb.

 
N-42 Mt. Norikura bus stop (aka Tatamidaira Bus Terminal), the highest bus terminal in Japan

Basic Info

Before starting hiking

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The wooden mailbox is right beside the area map.

Start from Tatamidaira

 

From the bus terminal, look for the stairs that lead you to the flower garden below. Follow the trail until you find the strikingly beautiful Kiezuga-ike Pond on the right, walk past the pond and you will see the trailhead to Mt. Fujimi appear on your left. Keep walking along the gravel path and you will find the Katanokoya Hut. It takes about 40 minutes from the bus terminal up until this point.

 
The stairway that leads you to the alpine flower garden below, the flower blooming season is around July – August.

Overlooking the Kiezuga-ike Pond on the way to climbing to Mt. Fujimi.

Take a break at Katanokoya Hut

Here at Katanokoya Hut, they have simple lunch menus such as curry rice, soba noodle, udon noodle, cold beverages and soft serve. We usually save it for the descending trip. The soft serve is even better after having conquered the peak. Those with weak knees can rent a pair of trekking poles for 300 yen. (1,000 yen for deposit is required.)

 

 

 

The Katanokoya Hut is located halfway to Mt. Kengamine, selling mountain climbing related gifts, as well as offering hot meals, cold beverages and snacks.

 

 

The Katanokoya Hut is located halfway to Mt. Kengamine, selling mountain climbing related gifts, as well as offering hot meals, cold beverages and snacks.

 

Creamy and sweet soft serve! Honestly, this would get a 10 out of 10 if it came with a sugar or waffle cone.

Heading to Mt. Kengamine

The real hike starts from here. The beginning is the hardest part as the trail is mixed with sand and small stones, making it very slippery.

The next section is the rocky area where you sometimes need to use your hands for balance. Gloves are not necessary but it’s better than wearing nothing. Keep an eye out for arrows and circles on the rocks for the right direction.

The second highest crater lake in Japan, Gongen-ike Pond!

Father and son enjoying a scenic hike in Norikura.

 

 

 

The left side is for climbing up and the right side is for descending.

 

 

Zoom in. There it is! The highest peak of Mt. Norikura.

 

 

Just a few meters before the peak, there’s a mountain hut that sells some drinks and souvenirs. Seeing the smile on the ojisan (uncle) owner’s face makes me wonder how it feels to be able to see the scenery from up there every day.

 

Mt. Norikura Summit Hut

 

Take in the panoramic view before the last climb to the peak.

 

After about an hour since departing from Katanokoya Hut, we’re finally at the highest peak of Mt. Norikura, Kengamine (3,026m). Like any other mountains in Japan, it is believed that gods are everywhere in nature so it’s not a strange thing to see a Shinto shrine appear out of nowhere in a place like this.

The Tatamidaira Bus Terminal is the highest bus terminal in Japan at an altitude of 2,702 meters. It is accessible from both Gifu and Nagano prefecture by the Skyline and the Echoline road.

乗鞍岳 (norikuradake)            Mt. Norikura (aka Mt. Kengamine)
剣が峰  (kengamine)               Mt. Kengamine
富士見岳 (fujimidake)            Mt. Fujimi
大黒岳 (daikokudake)             Mt. Daikoku
畳平 (tatamidaira)                   Tatamidaira Bus Terminal
肩の小屋 (katanokoya)           Katanokoya Hut
トイレ (toire)                          Toilet

To protect the natural environment, private cars are not allowed in the mountain top area. If you are traveling by car, please park your car at the Norikura Kogen Tourist Center (Nagano) or Honoki Daira parking lot (Gifu) and use public buses to reach the summit of Mt. Norikura (Tatamidaira).