Yatsugatake Chushin Kogen National Park Mt. Takabocchi Highlands Overview Mt. Takabocchi Highlands sits in the eastern part of Shiojiri City on gently sloping terrain. From the summit’s 360-degree viewpoint, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Northern Alps, Lake Suwa, the Southern Alps, and Mount Fuji. Seasonal Highlights <Spring–Summer> The highland is popular for easy observation of diverse alpine plants such as rhododendron (Renge tsutsuji) and geranium (Hakusan fuuro). From early summer to autumn, grazing dairy cows create a pastoral, otherworldly landscape. <Autumn–Winter> From mid-October, you can often see majestic sea-of-clouds formations. Camping and Outdoor Activities Since 2021, responding to the recent outdoor boom, growing workation demand, and increased interest in environmental protection, outdoor initiatives have begun, including development of camping areas so visitors can enjoy the highland in many ways. Visitor Notes for Mt. Takabocchi Highlands There are no water facilities such as cooking water taps, so please bring your own water. Toilets are available, and vending machines sell drinks including water. Basic Information Recommended Seasons June (rhododendron), June–October (cow pasturing), late October–December (sea of clouds) Address Kataoka, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture Access Access to Mt. Takabocchi Highlands 13 km from Shiojiri IC *Closed for winter roughly early December through late April For car navigation *Gake no Yu Route Search for Gunjo-kaku (〒399-0071 6114-235 Kataoka, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture Tel: 0263-58-2140). It is about 7 km and a 15-minute drive from Gunjo-kaku. *Higashiyama Route If “Mt. Takabocchi Highlands” is not registered, use Higashiyama Community Center (Tel: 0263-56-2485) as a landmark for the Takabocchi entrance from Japan National Route 20. Address: 869-4 Former Shiojiri Higashiyama, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture. Parking First Parking Lot (adjacent to Kusakazuba racing field, free) Second Parking Area (Toppouguchi, free) Toilets Available at the First Parking Lot and the Second Parking Area Contact 0263-88-8722 (Shiojiri City Tourist Information Center)