A Highland Rich in Alpine Plants
The Famous Yunomaru Azalea Colony
The most famous natural attraction of Yunomaru Highlands is the Yunomaru Renge Azalea Colony. Approximately 600,000 azalea plants bloom across the highlands, creating an extraordinary display of vivid red flowers.
The colony is designated as a National Natural Monument, and its peak flowering period is generally around late June. At this time, entire mountain slopes become covered with red blossoms, attracting photographers, hikers, and nature lovers.
The highlands are also home to vegetation characteristic of the subalpine zone. Wetlands and communities of alpine plants can be found in various locations, creating different landscapes as the seasons change.
Four Seasons of Mountain Scenery
In spring and early summer, flowers gradually appear as the snow retreats. Summer brings cool temperatures and lush green vegetation, making the highlands an excellent escape from the heat of the lower valleys.
Autumn transforms the landscape with colorful foliage, while winter covers the mountains in snow and turns Yunomaru into a popular destination for skiing and other snow activities.
Mountains for Hiking and Trekking
Mt. Yunosumaru and the Surrounding Peaks
Several mountains around Yunomaru Highlands are popular destinations for hiking and trekking. These include Mt. Yunosumaru, Mt. Eboshidake, Mt. Kagonoto, including both the eastern and western peaks, and Mt. Sampodake.
During summer, the high elevation provides pleasantly cool conditions for hiking. A variety of trails are available, making the area suitable for everyone from beginners looking for a gentle highland walk to more experienced hikers seeking longer mountain routes.
Even visitors who do not plan to climb a mountain can enjoy walking through the highland landscape, observing wildflowers, and taking in views of the surrounding peaks.
Outdoor Activities Throughout the Year
Summer and Autumn Activities
From spring through autumn, Yunomaru offers a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Hiking, trekking, nature observation, mallet golf, and highland farm experiences are among the activities available in the area.
The cool mountain air and open scenery make Yunomaru particularly attractive during the warmer months, when lower-elevation areas of Japan can become hot and humid.
Winter in a Snow-Covered Highland
In winter, the highlands become a snowy mountain resort centered on Yunomaru Ski Resort. The area’s high elevation contributes to dry, powdery natural snow, making it a popular destination for skiers seeking reliable winter conditions.
Yunomaru Ski Resort
High-Elevation Skiing on Natural Powder Snow
Yunomaru Ski Resort is located in Tomi City near the border between Nagano and Gunma prefectures. The resort spreads across both sides of Jizo Pass at an elevation of approximately 1,965 meters.
Its high altitude helps provide abundant, dry natural powder snow. The resort is known particularly for its intermediate terrain, while the variety of courses also makes it appealing to families and more experienced skiers.
A Variety of Ski Runs
The First A and B Courses are approximately 500 to 600 meters long, with a maximum gradient of about 28 degrees.
The Second through Sixth Courses offer a range of intermediate slopes measuring approximately 450 to 1,100 meters, providing plenty of variety for repeated runs.
The Kamoshika Course is a particularly long forest run of approximately 2,200 meters. Snowboarding is not permitted on this course.
The Rabbit Course is approximately 600 meters long and provides another option for skiers looking for a comfortable run.
Lift System
The resort is equipped with several lifts serving different sections of the mountain.
First Romance Lift: approximately 514 meters.
Second and Third Pair Lifts: approximately 466 meters and 603 meters.
Fourth Romance Lift: approximately 758 meters.
Fifth Triple Lift: approximately 514 meters.
Sixth High-Speed Capsule Lift: approximately 1,040 meters and equipped with a protective hood for improved comfort in snowy or windy conditions.
Understanding the Ski Area Layout
Two Skiing Areas Separated by a Public Road
One important feature of Yunomaru Ski Resort is its divided layout. The ski area consists of a western section on the Mt. Yunosumaru side and an eastern section on the Mt. Nishikagonoto side.
Nagano-Gunma Prefectural Route 94 runs between the two sections. Because of this road, skiers cannot simply cross from one side to the other while wearing their skis.
Visitors should therefore plan their skiing route in advance and decide which area they want to explore before setting out.
Restaurants and Resort Facilities
Places to Eat on the Slopes
Several restaurants are available around the ski area, making it easy to take a break during the day.
Restaurant House Family is located near the Second Slope, while Restaurant House Friend serves the Sixth Slope area.
Restaurant House Pair is located near the Fourth Slope, and Restaurant House Yunomaru is situated next to the Yunomaru Kogen Hotel.
These facilities provide convenient places to warm up, rest, and enjoy a meal between runs.
Getting to Yunomaru Highlands
By Car
Yunomaru Highlands can be reached by car in approximately 20 minutes from either the Tobu-Yunomaru Interchange or Komoro Interchange on the Joshin’etsu Expressway.
The mountain roads are accessible year-round, but winter visitors should be particularly careful because of snow and ice.
By Train and Taxi
From Shigeno Station on the Shinano Railway, Yunomaru Highlands is approximately 15 kilometers away. The journey by taxi takes around 25 minutes.
From Saku-Daira Station
For travelers arriving by the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Yunomaru Highlands is approximately 30 kilometers from JR East’s Saku-Daira Station. By car or bus, the journey takes approximately 50 minutes.
Winter Access and Snow Conditions
Prepare for Mountain Roads
Yunomaru Ski Resort is approximately 14 kilometers from the Tobu-Yunomaru Interchange and about 15 kilometers from the Komoro Interchange.
The final approach involves climbing mountain roads, so winter visitors should use winter tires or carry snow chains. Snow removal is carried out on the access roads, and parking at the resort is available free of charge.
Even when roads have been cleared, mountain weather can change rapidly. Travelers driving in winter should check road and weather conditions before departure and allow additional travel time.
The History of Yunomaru Ski Resort
From Early Skiing to a Modern Mountain Resort
Yunomaru has a long history as a skiing destination.
In 1928, a ski slope was first established on Mt. Yunosumaru, marking the beginning of the area’s development as a winter sports destination.
In 1961, Yunomaru Kanko Kaihatsu Co., Ltd. began developing the ski resort in earnest, laying the foundations for the modern resort.
In 1986, the resort’s first Romance Lift, the Fourth Lift, was constructed, further improving access to the slopes and expanding the skiing experience.
A Mountain Destination for Every Season
Yunomaru Highlands is a destination where high mountain scenery, alpine flowers, hiking, skiing, and local recreation come together in one remarkable landscape.
In late June, the National Natural Monument azalea colony transforms the mountainsides into a sea of red. During summer, the cool climate and mountain trails provide a refreshing escape, while autumn brings colorful foliage and clear highland air.
In winter, the same mountains become a snowy playground at Yunomaru Ski Resort, where the high elevation offers dry natural powder snow and a wide selection of courses.
Whether you visit to see the famous flowers, hike among the surrounding peaks, enjoy the cool highlands, or ski through fresh powder, Yunomaru offers a chance to experience the changing character of the Japanese mountains throughout the year.
Convenient access from the expressway and nearby railway stations also makes it easy to combine Yunomaru with other destinations in eastern Nagano. For travelers exploring the Ueda, Komoro, and Tomi areas, this beautiful highland resort is a memorable place to experience the natural side of Shinshu.