Travel Guide Norikura-Kogen - Norikura Onsen

The Norikura-Kōgen Plateau is an access base for Mount Norikura-dake, away from the crowds of Kamikōchi. It remains famous because of the Norikura Skyline Road (closed from November to May) for which it is famous. It is the highest road in Japan, and it does indeed reach the foot of the mountain at Tatami-daira. It takes only 45 to 50 minutes to reach the top. The village of Norikura Onsen consists of a few hotels and guesthouses. From there, you can make some short and easy walks, marked out in English. One of the most pleasant is the one leading to the Zengorō-no-taki waterfall (about 40 minutes from the Suzuran bus stop). Facing west, this large waterfall will show you beautiful rainbows at sunrise and sunset. You can also go to Yukemuri-kan, a complex offering onsen and rotenburo with a view of the mountains (open from 9:30am to 9pm, except Tuesdays, ¥720).