Kurumayama-Kogen Highland in Nagano Prefecture is one of my favorite destinations for a scenic car date. The drive is stunning, with rolling hills and wide-open roads often featured in car commercials. Once you arrive, the beginner-friendly hiking trails offer incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and vast fields, making it perfect for a relaxing day trip. While the area is accessible most of the year, the roads close during winter months due to snow, adding to its seasonal charm.

Trailhead: Kurumayama-kogen Highland Trailhead

Hike Details:

• Distance: Approx. 4.5 km (round trip)

• Duration: 2 hours

• Incline: Gentle, suitable for beginners

The Route:

1. Starting Point at Kurumayama Kogen
   Begin your hike from the Kurumayama Kogen Sky Park. This area is well-known for its lush green fields in the summer and colorful flower blooms in spring and early fall. In winter, it transforms into a popular ski resort.

2. Mid-Hike to Kurumayama Summit (1,925m)
   The summit of Mt. Kurumayama offers stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding area, including the Japanese Alps, Mt. Fuji, and Mt. Yatsugatake. It’s a moderate walk from the trailhead, with gentle inclines and stunning scenery the entire way. The mountain is covered in grasses and flowers, giving it a pleasant, open feel.

3. Optional: Continue to Kirigamine Highlands
   For those looking to extend their hike, the Kirigamine Highlands offer a network of additional trails. This route provides expansive views of the Nagano countryside and its iconic wind-swept plains.

Accessibility & How to Get to the Trailhead:

• By Car:
  Kurumayama-Kogen is accessible via car, and the scenic drive up is one of the reasons it's often featured in car commercials. However, the roads are typically closed from late November to early April due to heavy snowfall, so plan your visit accordingly.

• By Public Transport:
  From JR Chino Station, take a bus to the Kurumayama-Kogen Highland area, about a 1-hour ride.

Seasonal Information:

• Spring and Summer: Ideal for hiking and enjoying the flower blooms across the highlands.

• Autumn: The fall colors make this one of the best seasons to visit, with cooler temperatures and vibrant red, orange, and yellow landscapes.

• Winter: The area turns into a popular skiing destination, and the hiking trails are not accessible. Roads to the area close from late November through early April.