Azumino National Park (Alps Azumino National Government Park)
For those wanting to experience the beauty of Azumino’s nature firsthand without risking the indignity of muddied shoes by taking on one of its mountain trails, visitors would be hard-pushed to do better than to pay Azumino National Park a visit. Spanning a considerable area of the base of Mount Jonen, the park commands a spectacular view of the Azumino valley below and features a remarkable number of attractions that highlight the natural beauty of the area. Nature displays, children’s craft-making, marshmellow dome (outdoor trampolines), Frisbee-golf, stilt-walking, woodland trails, soba making, lots of hiking trails and a hammock-relaxation area are just some of the features of Azumino National Park; and for those fortunate enough to visit during spring, the park’s many cherry-blossom trees provide an idyllic backdrop for hanami parties (Japanese-style cherry-blossom picnics).
| Japanese Name | Kokuei Alps Azumino Koen (国営アルプスあづみの公園) |
|---|---|
| Access | By car: 20 min. from Toyoshina Interchange. By train: 15 min. taxi ride (about 2000 yen) from JR Toyoshina Station or 24 min. bus ride from Hotaka Station (Japanese Map) |
| Admission | ¥400 for adults, ¥80 for Under-15s |
| Open | 9:30am - 18pm (Jul 1 - Aug 31) / 17pm (Mar 1 - Jun 30, Sep 1 - Oct 31) / 16pm (Nov 1 - Feb 29) |
| Closed | Mondays (but open on National Holiday-Mondays, closed next day instead), Dec 31 - Jan 1 |
| Address | 33-4, Horigane Karasugawa |
| Tel | 0263-71-5511 |
| Japanese Web page | http://www.azumino.go.jp/ |