Mount Kirigamine, Volcanic plateau in Nagano, Japan
Mount Kirigamine is a volcanic plateau at 1,925 meters (6,331 ft) with expansive grasslands and gentle slopes within the Yatsugatake-Chushin Kogen Quasi-National Park. The terrain is shaped by several volcanic cones and crossed by open hiking trails with unobstructed views.
The plateau formed from volcanic activity with its last eruption occurring around 750,000 years ago, leaving behind lava flows and volcanic domes. This geological past shaped the current landscape with its grasslands and gentle slopes.
The name Kirigamine comes from Japanese words meaning 'fog ridge', a reference to the mist that regularly blankets the grasslands across all seasons. Visitors notice this fog particularly in early morning hours, when it softens the views across the wide open slopes.
The Kirigamine Nature Conservation Center operates from April to November with educational exhibits, guided walks, and information about local plants and animals. Weather changes quickly here, so bringing rain gear and sturdy walking shoes is important for any visit.
This location holds a special place in Japanese aviation history as the birthplace of gliding in the country, with a glider runway built near Kowashimizu in 1932. The site attracted enthusiasts from across Japan and remains connected to that pioneering spirit.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
