Mount Norikura, Volcanic mountain in Nagano and Gifu, Japan
Mount Norikura is a volcano in Nagano and Gifu that reaches 3026 meters and contains several crater lakes and wide volcanic highlands. The summit area is made of andesite and forms the third tallest point of the northern Japanese Alps, where alpine plants cover the bare slopes.
A Buddhist monk named Enkū climbed the mountain for the first time in the 1680s, when religious travelers sought out these peaks. William Gowland arrived in 1878 as the first Western visitor and documented the volcano's geological structure for scientific study.
The name Norikura translates to 'riding saddle' in Japanese, reflecting the distinctive shape of this peak included in the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains.
Buses bring visitors up to the Norikura Bus Terminal at 2700 meters, as private cars are not allowed on the mountain road. From there, marked trails lead to the summit, requiring about two to three hours of walking depending on fitness.
Snow fields on the northeastern slopes often remain into the summer months and allow skiing when most Japanese ski resorts have already closed. These natural snow runs attract skiers who want to ride on real snow even in June or July.
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