Beautiful nature provides respite, outdoor activities
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Loading... - Aisyah Munaf
- 28 Apr 2023
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Nagano Prefecture is known for its mountains, hosting part of “the Japan Alps,” a term coined by a British man during the Meiji Era (1868 to 1912). Mountain ranges above 3,000 meters stretch north to south through central Japan over six different prefectures, drawing climbers, mountain lovers, skiers and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the world to one of the most scenic destinations in Japan.
Karuizawa, where the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting will be held from April 16 to 18, is one of Japan’s leading getaway destinations close to Tokyo. To its west are the Japan Alps, which can be explored through a variety of enjoyable trekking and climbing courses for both beginners and advanced climbers. After a day of exploration, one can rest at various hot spring resorts, such as Matsumoto’s Shirahone Onsen. In winter, people can enjoy Nagano’s abundant ski resorts, such as Shiga Highlands, one of the largest ski areas in Japan, known for its abundant snowfall, or visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, famed for the animals’ bathing habits.
Nagano Prefecture has nine national parks and quasi-national parks. Among them is Kamikochi, one of only two places in Japan designated as both a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Special Natural Monument by the Cultural Affairs Agency. Mount Yarigatake and Mount Okuhotaka in the Northern Alps, as well as Chubu Sangaku National Park, which straddles multiple prefectures, are also popular destinations.
Norikura Highlands
The Norikura Highlands are at the eastern foot of 3,026-meter Mount Norikura, about 80 minutes by car from central Matsumoto in Chubu Sangaku National Park. In June 2022, a new, easy-to-follow hiking and mountain biking trail called Joyful Walks Norikura and the Norikura Community Mountain Bike Trails was created there by improving an existent hiking trail. It is the first public trail in a Japanese national park to permit the use of mountain bikes. Read More…
