Visiting Japanese cities is exciting, but exploring natural spots is just as much fun. In this feature, we introduce Mount Kurumayama (車山) in Nagano Prefecture, the highest point in the Kirigamine Volcano area of the Yatsugatake Chushin Kogen Quasi-National Park. With spectacular views, if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji.
Acces to KURUMAYAMA（車山）
There are buses to the Mt. Kurumayama hiking trail from Kamisuwa or Chino station on the Chuo train line, making it easy to visit from Shinjuku, Tokyo. Once there, you can take elevators to get to the top.
The chair lift to the top of the mountain operates from 9:00 – 16:00, and the lift down to the bottom operates until 16:30.
The round-trip ticket costs 2,400 yen for adults, 1,600 yen for elementary students, and 800 yen for young children. In addition to the round-trip ticket, there is also a one-way ticket, which you can buy if you want to climb on your own and take the chair lift midway.
Each chair lift has 3 seats.
After getting off the first lift, make sure to use the toilet as there are no toilets at the top.
Wonderful Scenery
The view of the mountains that you can enjoy while sitting in the lift is breathtakingly gorgeous.
In summer and spring, the slopes are lush green; in autumn, orange-brown; and in winter, snow white, when it turns into a fabulous skiing spot.
Despite its height, the mountain is easy to climb and even amateurs won’t have any trouble. Along the way, you can enjoy the sight of beautiful seasonal flowers.
Photo spots
Wooden frame: Kurumayama
Once you arrive at the top, you will see a wooden frame with Kurumayama engraved on it. This is a great photo spot as you can frame yourself or just the natural landscape with the blue skies beyond.
This is the view on a sunny summer day. Even though its summer, the temperature at the top is cool due to the gentle breeze.
At this point, you can also see the beautiful view of the city. There is also a photo spot called SKY TERRACE, which is a bit further.
Kurumayama Shrine
The peak is also home to Kurumayama Shrine, which is at a height of 1923 meters. Although it is just a few white torii (gate), you can take stunning pictures here and seeing shrines at this height is rare. So make sure to stop by.
Weather Radar Station
This structure with a white dome is a weather radar station.
SKY TERRACE
Since the terrain is quite rugged at the top, be careful as you walk along towards the SKY TERRACE.
And this is SKY TERRACE, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the mountains from every angle. There is also a deck, which opened in 2020, for you to take photos.
At this altitude, the peak is often level with the clouds.
Here, you are at an altitude of 1925 meters above sea level.
You can enjoy the atmosphere of the beautiful green expanse below
and views of the surrounding mountains around.
On a clear day, you can also see Mount Fuji.
The views of the mountain with clouds above is extremely relaxing.
You can also enjoy the view of the Shirakaba lake from here.
If you are a mountain lover or enjoy nature, this is a highly recommended trip from Tokyo.
Details
Official Website: https://summer.kurumayama-skypark.com/lift https://kurumayama.co.jp
