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Escape to the central alps for stress relief.

By on August 29, 2022

While living life in Tokyo has its perks, urban life can actually take a toll on our physical and mental health.

Daytrippers in Japan have found a seasonal cure. Tucking themselves into buses to be scattered across the vast expanse of mountains away from the city, is a great way to combat stress.

According to the Geographical Survey Institute, there are a total of 17 topographic curls found in Hokkaido, Niigata, Toyama, Yamanashi, Shizuoka, Gifu, and Nagano. Of these places, Senjojiki in the central alps of Nagano prefecture seems to be the top choice for many Tokyoites because of a ropeway.

The Senjojiki Station located in Komagane city offers a close view of the Mt. Hokendake (2,931m) summit in the Central Alps. The inside of the curl is a treasure trove of alpine plants, and a popular hiking destination for summer and autumn trekkers.

The boarding point located on the foot of the Komagatake ropeway on Shirabidaira Station with an altitude of 1662m is accessible by a 45-min Suganodai bus ride from Komagane Station on the JR Iida Line. The mountain road to Shirabidaira Station is closed to vehicles other than the bus. However, it only takes about 3 minutes by car from the Komagane IC on the Chuo Expressway to the Suganodai Bus terminal.

The most pleasure to be had starts  from the bus ride. As you travel farther, the road becomes narrower and the altitude higher at every turn. Autumn views of this mountainous area of Japan is magical. The burst of vibrant red, yellow, green leaves, waterfalls is a wonderful sight to see. Not only does it captivate the imagination, it makes us feel better. Urban escapers will find a small dose of nature can really give them a psychological boost.

If the weather is nice, try hiking on the promenade inside the curl (about 40 minutes for one lap). The maximum temperature ere could go around 18 to 20 degrees Celsius in early autumn, so don’t forget to put on your warm clothes.

Autumn foliage starts around mid-September to early October near the Senjojiki Cirque, early to late October for the Ropeway area, and mid-October to early November in other areas.

As this is a favorite autumn activity by the locals, expect queues at the ticket gates. If you want to avoid the crowds, we suggest that you leave early in the morning and getting off by noon.

Limited to 40 groups per day, the Early Morning Specified Ropeway tickets are sold online. (only in Japanese)

(Operating dates: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from September 17th

(Sat) to October 10th (Mon/holiday)

Attached to Senjojiki Station is a hotel for those who want to stay overnight in case you have the weekend free to do some star gazing.

For more information in English, go to https://www.chuo-alps.com/lang/en/

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