A symbolic curl of Japan
Senjojiki Curl is located midway up Mt. Kisokoma in the Japanese Alps and is a popular spot at 2612m altitude. A curl is a semi-circular basin carved out by ice during the Ice Age some 20,000 years ago, and Senjojiki Curl is such a structure that is famous in Japan. Between June and August, the highland flora bloom everywhere to create a large carpet of flowers, and in October, the area is famous for its fall colors. There is also a nature trail that can be walked within 30-40 minutes, and visitors can climb up to the 2931m Mt. Hoken.
Japan’s first mountain ropeway
The Komagatake Ropeway that connects Shirabidaira Station and Senjojiki Station is Japan’s first mountain ropeway, and with a height difference of 950m, it is also No. 1 in that category as well. From the top, you can get that wonderful view of the 25m Higurashi Falls, fresh greenery and fall colors. Senjojiki Station is the highest station in altitude in Japan from where you can see Mt. Hoken and the grand Southern Alps right in front of you. The view from Kenga Pond is popular as a photo spot. Between June and August, you can take that one photo of the pond, Senjojiki Curl with its beautiful sea of flowers and Mt. Hoken in one shot.
Attractive scenery throughout the seasons
With its fresh new leaves and cherry blossoms in spring and the 38 waterfalls in Nakagosho Valley flowing with snowmelt water, Japan’s largest chain of waterfalls is a sight to see. The early summer between late June and early July provides the last place in Japan for cherries to blossom where you can enjoy alpine cherries while in the curl zone, highland fields of flowers including black lily and veratrum can be found. From early September to early November in the early fall, there are 3 levels of changing leaves spanning the change in altitude while during late fall between late October and early December, you can enjoy the scene of hoarfrost for just a month. In winter, the morning sun glistening on the frost-covered trees and the distinctive snow drifts that can’t often be seen on the plains are attractive.