Heaven at the altitude of 2700 meters

Norikura Mountains has 23 peaks with the main “Sword” peak (3026m), 7 clater lakes, and 8 plains.  It is located at the southern part of the Northern Alps on the border of Gifu and Nagano prefectures. 

Japanese Alps with 3000m-class mountains is collectively called so including Northern Alps (Hida mountains), Central Alps (Kiso mountains) and Southern Alps (Akaishi mountains).

“Norikura” means “riding saddle” in Japanese, because the mountains shape looks like a horse saddle.   It is one of the most easily climbed mountains among the 3000-meter class and is popular for summer skiing from May to June.  Skiers climb the mountain with skiing boots on from Tatamidaira and glide down the snowy valley.

spring image via Wikimedia

Norikura Skyline is one of the two highest highways of Japan elevation-wise.  It leads people to Mt. Norikura Tatamidaira (2702m) from Hoonoki-daira (1234m) in Takayama City, Gifu Pref.  Another one is Norikura Ecoline from Sanbon-daki in Matsumoto City, Nagano Pref.

from the bus window

Since it is the specially designated as the protected area of National Park, Mt. Norikura Tatamidaira (2702m) is not accessible by private vehicles.  People must take the shuttle buses with wide windows.

The terminal, Tatamidaira, is beyond the pond.

Alpine flora is rich. 

白山一華/ハクサンイチゲ, or Anemone narcissiflora, blooms from June to August.

駒草/コマクサ,or Dicentra peregrina, is native to Japan and Siberia. They grow on the gravels and bloom large purplish pink flowers.

There is Cosmic Rays Observatory at the mountain top.   It must be fascinating to view the starry night sky or catch the first rays of the sun rising from the mountain.  

When I was there, air was 15 degrees Celsius, while people on the lower ground were gasping for fresh air in the scorching and swealtering heat of  35-38 degrees C.   It was heaven with sunshine, fresh, cool and crisp air, lovely flowers, and breathtaking views.

This post is connected to Our World Tuesday.