LOCATION
NORTHSTAR is located in Norikura Kogen [ highland ], 1500 meters up the mountain. We are part of The Japan Northern Alps National Park. We are situated in central Honshu within 1 hour of Matsumoto and Takayama, 2-6 hours of major cities [ Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Toyama, Niigata, Nagano, Matsumoto, and more ]. Have a look at our map for driving directions.

MT. NORIKURA
Mt. Norikura is one of the younger volcanoes in the Northern Alps. It has several peaks, but the highest is 3026m [ Kengamine ]. You can shuttle guests to an elevation of 2700m [ Tatamidaira ] by bus or taxi. Public cars are not allowed access to the skyline road. Individuals must travel by bus or taxi. The road to the top is open from July 1st until the end of October. On the ridge there are snow fields, flower garden, and caldera lakes. We also use this area for rock climbing.

NORIKURA KOGEN SKI AREA
We use the ski resort almost every day in the winter season. It is a short 10 minute walk to the chair lifts, and a quick car drive to the center of the resort.

ZENGORO FALLS
The Zengoro waterfall is a 20 minute hike from NORTHSTAR. It is nearest waterfall to our lodge. We generally use this trail for our hiking course.

USHIDOME POND
From Zengoro waterfall, it is another 20 minutes to Ushidome Pond. This pond has one of the best views of the mountains in the area. On a clear, windless day, the water holds a perfect reflection of the mountain range.

BANDOKORO FALLS
Bansho waterfall is a 10 minute drive down the hill from NORTHSTAR. The waterfall is a short hike from the parking lot, but there are several other trails that follow the river and are very rewarding. Bandokoro is the tallest waterfall in Norikura, with a drop of over 40 meters.

SANBON-DAKI FALLS
Sanbon-daki is the point were three waterfalls meet at the same place. This waterfall was selected in “Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls”. The trailhead is a 15 minute drive up the mountain from NORTHSTAR. The falls are a 25 minute hike from the trailhead.

IGAYA RECREATION LAND
Igaya is a 5 minute car ride down the hill. Anything and everything in the realm of recreation: ski, snowboard, mallet golf, putter golf, slider, hand craft, barbecue, horse riding, fishing, cycling, etc. Ski field is smaller than the Norikura resort, and is not used by NORTHSTAR for ski and snowboard lessons.

ONSEN [ HOT SPRING ]
NORTHSTAR’s baths are not Onsen water, but we have an Onsen that is a 3 minute walk away. There are several Onsen baths close by: Yukemurikan [ ¥600 ], Seseraginoyu [ free ], Kyukamura Onsen [ ¥500 ]. Please talk to our front desk for discounted tickets to Yukemurikan.

NATURE CENTER OF NORIKURA KOGEN
The nature center is 3 minutes from NORTHSTAR on foot, right next to Sightseeing center. They have an extensive nature exhibit unique to Norikura. NORTHSTAR has teamed with the Norikura’s nature center to allow viewing of the Kubiwa bats.