Chubusangaku National Park and the Northern Japanese Alps

Chubusangaku National Park encompasses the Northern Japanese Alps which stretch north to south through the prefectures of Niigata, Nagano, Toyama, and Gifu. The mountain range contains some of Japan’s highest peaks, such as Mount Oku-Hotakadake (3190 m), Mount Yarigatake (3180 m), and Mount Norikura (3026 m), and is said to be where recreational mountaineering began in the country in the early twentieth century. The park is a popular destination for mountain climbing and hiking, from casual nature walks to multipeak treks, with a vast network of trails and around 90 mountain huts, providing accommodations.

The mountains in the park range from 600 to more than 3000 meters in elevation, and the topography includes alpine wetlands, picturesque mountain valleys, and rocky volcanic peaks. Chubusangaku National Park stands out among Japan's national parks due to its elevational diversity, which plays a key role in supporting a vast range of plant and animal life. The Northern Japanese Alps have similarly fostered cultural diversity among the communities in the foothills of the mountains. The mountain range traditionally impeded travel between east and west, and as a result, different food cultures and customs developed.

Modern infrastructure has connected regions that were once isolated, facilitating easier exploration of the Northern Japanese Alps for visitors. Through consensus decision making, the rangers of Chubusangaku National Park are engaging local communities, businesses, and authorities to create a new travel ecosystem for the region—one that fosters mutual benefit, preserves local culture, and invites travelers to embark on a sustainable journey.

The Kita Alps Traverse Route—Slow travel in the Northern Japanese Alps

One way to experience the Northern Japanese Alps (Kita Alps in Japanese) and leave a positive footprint is to travel along the Kita Alps Traverse Route, which connects the cities of Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture and Takayama in Gifu Prefecture. The route passes through the southern part of Chubusangaku National Park and makes some of the most beautiful destinations in the Northern Japanese Alps accessible from Tokyo via Matsumoto, and from cities such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Kanazawa via Takayama.

After visiting Matsumoto Castle, consider catching a bus to Shirahone to bathe in the milky white hot springs. Near Shirahone, the alpine village of Norikura has cycle routes and bicycle rentals for exploring the ponds, waterfalls, and forests of the surrounding highlands. Convenient bus connections link Norikura with Shinhotaka, where a ropeway provides easier access to ridgeline hikes and peaks such as Mount Nishihotakadake (2909 m). From there, you can follow a trail descending into the Kamikochi valley and walk nature trails along the Azusa River. A final bus ride to Takayama allows for excursions to the famous village of Shirakawa-go and onward travel to Kyoto.

The route is the result of extensive collaboration among local communities, businesses, and government entities. Public transportation covers the entire route, with specific areas like Kamikochi and Norikura implementing car restrictions. Businesses and accommodations along the route offer eco-tours and guided activities that introduce aspects of the region from its biodiversity to the customs and traditions of local communities. Grassroots groups play a vital role in preserving the surrounding natural environment by assisting with trail maintenance, wildlife conservation, and other activities.

Planning your journey along the Kita Alps Traverse Route

How you travel the route and where you visit is up to you. With abundant public transport options, a vast network of hiking trails, mountain huts, and initiatives like bicycle sharing, you have the flexibility to tailor your own itinerary as you explore Chubusangaku National Park and the Northern Japanese Alps.

When visiting, please respect the rules put in place by the local communities and authorities for the sustainability of the region. These include the following:

• Not feeding wild animals
• Not littering
• Not bringing pets
• Not introducing alien species to the area
• Not picking or removing anything (plants, animals, etc.)
• Not cycling outside of designated areas (including on mountain trails unless specifically permitted)
• Using care when operating drones

Norikura Kogen—Japan’s first Zero Carbon Park

The alpine village of Norikura in the highlands of Norikura Kogen is at the forefront of sustainable initiatives. The community’s efforts aim to reduce the carbon footprint, conserve valuable resources, and foster nature-positive living and tourism in the area. Residents and businesses share a vision of creating a healthier, more connected, and sustainable community. This vision was shaped through dialogues with local authorities, and outlined in their community roadmap. In 2021, the Ministry of the Environment designated Norikura Kogen the country’s first Zero Carbon park, endorsing and supporting the community’s shift to electric vehicles and renewable energy as well as their other initiatives.

In recent years, the community has raised funds to maintain hiking trails in the Norikura Kogen highlands and train local guides. They also opened the country’s first public mountain bike trail within a national park. Maintaining and enhancing these trails relies largely on volunteer efforts and donations. The community hopes the trails will attract new visitors to the highlands, foster a deeper appreciation of the natural environment of Norikura, and inspire similar projects in other locations. Information on the trails and arranging guides is available on the Norikura Kogen Trails website.

E-bikes are available within Norikura for visitors to explore and tackle hill-climb routes to reach trailheads to the various waterfalls in the area. Restaurants and cafes in the village prioritize locally sourced, locally grown, and sometimes foraged ingredients such as wild mountain vegetables. Many businesses have eliminated disposable items and are reducing their use of plastics. Bringing your own flask can earn you discounts at coffee shops, and designated refill stations offer free drinking water. For a moment of relaxation, take a seat on one of the numerous benches in the village crafted from repurposed white birch logs and branches.

Hiking in the Northern Japanese Alps

The Northern Japanese Alps are renowned for hiking. A vast network of trails covers the mountain range, and around 90 mountain huts provide accommodations and facilities for hikers. The high mountain valley of Kamikochi is a popular place for hiking, with multiple trailheads leading to peaks up to and above 3000 meters. Day hikes are possible for several peaks, including Mount Yakedake, an active volcano with fumaroles that emit steam.

Numerous peaks around Kamikochi have ridgeline trails that connect to other peaks, offering the opportunity to enjoy multiday treks. The Omote Ginza Trail is a particularly scenic multiday traverse ending in Kamikochi. It begins in the foothills of Mount Tsubakuro in the city of Azumino, and traverses the peaks of Mount Tsubakuro (2763 m), Mount Otenshodake (2922 m), and Mount Yarigatake (3180 m), sometimes referred to as Japan’s Matterhorn for its distinctive pointed peak. The route covers a horizontal distance of around 40 kilometers and takes four days to complete. It has some steep, technical parts and is best walked with an experienced guide.

Trail maps and information about trail conditions, trail closures, and arranging guides is available at visitor centers in Chubusangaku National Park. These include Sawando National Park Gate, on the road leading between Matsumoto and destinations such as Shirahone, Norikura, and Kamikochi; Kamikochi Information Center and Kamikochi Visitor Center, both in Kamikochi; and Keyaki-Daira Visitor Center in Kurobe Gorge, Toyama Prefecture.

The trails in the Northern Japanese Alps, especially around Kamikochi, are maintained through cooperation between government agencies, mountain hut operators, private organizations, and hikers themselves. Through the Kita Alps Trail Program, hikers to Chubusangaku National Park can actively contribute to the upkeep of the trails by participating in guided trail maintenance experiences and through voluntary “cooperation fees.” The program is an important initiative to safeguard the mountain trails for future generations. It is developing a strong fan base among the hiking and local communities, and garnering increased support for the Northern Japanese Alps. If you make a donation of 500 yen (or an upwards amount in a denomination of 500 yen) to cover the cooperation fee, you can receive a Trail Program Support Certificate as proof of your support. The certificate is the size of a credit card and features illustrations of the region's most iconic mountains. The illustrations are created by local artists and change every year. Cooperation fee donations are accepted at designated mountain huts and online. You can get your certificate by presenting proof of your payment history at any participating mountain hut.

Giving back—Sustainable experiences in the park

Guided experiences are an informative and enjoyable way to explore Chubusangaku National Park, enabling you to learn about local culture and the natural environment of the Northern Japanese Alps. In Norikura, you can join mountain bike tours of the highlands or guided hikes of the Goshikigahara Forest by day, then savor local cuisine at Star & Moon Restaurant, a private outdoors dining experience that uses power supplied by an electric vehicle. Your dedicated wait staff will explain the menu and offer insights into the region’s terroir, for an immersive dining experience.

Wildlife conservation programs in the national park include observation tours to see animals such as the Rock Ptarmigan in their natural habitat. Funds from tours such as these go back into conservation activities. You can also learn about the wildlife and geological history of parts of the national park on excursions such as the Kamikochi Taishoike Pond Eco-Tour.

Other highlights range from guided multiday treks of peaks such as Mount Yarigatake to snowshoe excursions of Kamikochi and overnight stargazing in the Tateyama part of the park. Check with the visitor centers in each area of the park for a comprehensive rundown of the guided tours and experiences that are available, and for recommendations on other eco-friendly activities.