North Alps Panorama: Spectacular Scenery Woven by Snow-Remaining Peaks and Azumino Fields

Views of North Alps

North Alps (Hida Mountains) is Japan's largest class mountain area straddling Nagano and Toyama/Gifu prefectures, with many 3,000m-class mountains including Hotaka-dake (3,190m), Yari-ga-take (3,180m), and Tateyama range. Grand panoramas of North Alps can be seen from Azumino City and Matsumoto City, Nagano.

Spring Remaining Snow and Fields

North Alps seen from Azumino in spring (April-May) is beautiful with the contrast of gleaming white snow-remaining peaks and sprouting green fields. The scene of inverted Alps reflected in rice paddies after planting is particularly beautiful, popular as a photography spot.

Base for North Alps Climbing

Matsumoto City, Azumino City, and Omachi City are towns serving as bases for North Alps climbing, departure points for access to Kamikochi, Hotaka-dake, Yari-ga-take, and Hakuba-dake. During summer climbing season many climbers visit to thoroughly enjoy Japan's finest mountain area.