Norikura – The highest road in Japan
Introduction
Norikura is thehighest road in Japan. The pass at the top is 2715m at the border between Gifu and Nagno Prefectures. Additionally it is closed to personal vehicule traffic year round and consequently both sides are very low on traffic (only busses and taxis can go through)
Climbing Norikura
Norikura is apprachable from both the Nagano and Gifu sides. Wabisabi finds riding up the Nagano side to be more enjoyable but also, once at the top descending part of the way down the Gifu side and riding back up can be quite enjoyable as the Gifu side is a bit more open near the top than the Nagano side.
Nagano Side
The Nagano side goes through a variety of different sections. From Norikura Tourist Information Center to Sanbontaki, the grade is just a few percent and is quite enjoyable. From the Sanbon-taki gate, the grade picks up a bit all the way to the top but is generally around 5-7%.
When you come upon Kuraigahara Lodge (the only open building on the route), you know you are about 2/3 of the way up. Kuraigahara sells snacks and drinks
Gifu Side
This first section of the climb from Hirayu is 5km through the forest going up switch backs and is generally uninteresting. However, once getting past the Norikura gate the route opens out and the views begin.
The Peak
The Norikura Hongu Shrine (乗鞍本宮）at the top offers a good place to visit once one gets to the top.
Upon arriving at the top, give a quick prayer giving thanks for the safe ride up to the top.
If one gets there during the hours when a monk is there one can get a go-shuin (御朱印) for their collection (pictured to the right)
Getting there
Nagano Side
The tourist information center is the main starting point on the Nagano Side. Some people go as far as sanbon-taki (Sanbon Falls) and start from there,
Riding
The Nagano side is accessible from Matsumoto. However, the climb up National Route 152 is generally not recommended, there are many norrow tunnels and during the popular fall season, the traffic on the road can be quite heavy, including many tour busses.
For an experienced rider, riding down 152 form Norikura back to Matumoto shouldn’t be an issue and during the fall season, a descending cyclist should generally be able to keep up with traffic.
Train
To get to Norikura on public transit. From Matsumoto, take the train to Shin-shimashima and from there it’s a bus on Alpico Kotsu. In order to take your bike up make sure it is in a bag (Taking your bike on the train), the bus up to Norikura also accepts bikes in bicycle bags
Driving
Starting from the Tourist center, the road generally has good views most of the way up. The tourist center has a variety of hotels to choose from and is a great jumping off point for a ride up Norikura. There is also plenty of free parking
Gifu Side
The Gifu side is accessible from Takayama.
