Sightseeing

Kamikochi, just a bus ride away.

Gateway to the no-private-car zone

Kamikochi, known for Kappa Bridge and Taisho Pond, restricts private vehicles from driving directly into its center. Norikura Kogen sits just outside that zone, making it a convenient place to switch to the shuttle bus.

Lodging right in central Kamikochi is limited and tends to be expensive. Staying in Norikura Kogen lets you enjoy a quieter atmosphere at a more reasonable price.

Walk the grasslands, then relax at a cafe.

Ichinose Kusahara, 5 min by car from Misuzuso

Just 5 minutes by car from Misuzuso, Ichinose Kusahara is a grassland in Norikura Kogen with an easy boardwalk trail. No special gear needed — just a relaxed walk through open meadows with mountain views all around.

After your walk, unwind at Café Ichinohi, which looks out over the grassland. Take your time with a cup of coffee and enjoy the quiet.

Head for the summit, at Mt. Norikura.

Climbing season: late July – mid October

Mt. Norikura is known as one of the more accessible 3,000m peaks in the Northern Alps. During climbing season, a bus takes you up to Tatamidaira. Misuzuso is a convenient base for reaching the trailhead and bus stop.

Outside of climbing season, you can still enjoy the views from Norikura Kogen and the hiking trails at the base of the mountain.

Pedal your way up one of Japan's great climbs.

Norikura Echo Line hill climb

The Norikura Echo Line, climbing to Tatamidaira above 2,700m, is known among cyclists as one of Japan's premier hill-climb routes. Misuzuso sits close to the starting point — and there's no better reward after the ride than our hot spring.

Venture further, into the Hida region.

Via Route 158 and the Abo Tunnel

Misuzuso is also a convenient base for exploring the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture — Takayama, the Shinhotaka Ropeway, and Shirakawa-go. Taking Route 158 through the toll Abo Tunnel, it's about 1 hour 10 minutes to central Takayama, 50 minutes to the Shinhotaka Ropeway, and about 2 hours to Shirakawa-go.

Takayama's preserved old town, the Northern Alps panorama from the Shinhotaka Ropeway, and the UNESCO World Heritage gassho-zukuri village of Shirakawa-go — all within reach for a day trip by rental car or your own vehicle.

Look up, to a sky full of stars.

Clear night skies at 1,400m elevation

At 1,400m elevation and surrounded by mountains, Norikura Kogen has little light pollution and clear night skies. On a clear night, you can see a sky full of stars and the Milky Way.

Step outside after your bath and take a moment to look up at the quiet night sky.