Guide
Chausuyama Kogen is a beautiful highland area situated between Mt. Chausuyama (the highest peak in Aichi Prefecture at 1,415m) and Mt. Hagitaro, located on the border of Toyone Village in Aichi and Nebu Village in Nagano. This area is a renowned resort destination where visitors can enjoy vastly different natural landscapes throughout the year. The scenery transforms beautifully with the seasons: vast fields of pink moss phlox in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and a serene snowy landscape in winter. The area is well-equipped with lift systems that allow you to easily access high-altitude viewpoints to gaze out over the surrounding mountain ranges.
The region is nestled within a rich natural environment designated as a quasi-national park. While the area has long been protected for its natural beauty, it has been developed into a modern tourism resort. Chausuyama Kogen also serves as a cultural hub; for instance, the 'Chausuyama Kogen Museum' hosts permanent exhibitions of photography by Shinzo Maeda, whose work focuses on the Okumikawa region, sharing the local landscape through an artistic lens.
There are several key highlights depending on the season. The most iconic is the 'Sky Flower Corridor' accessible via a sightseeing lift leading toward Mt. Hagitaro. During the spring season, the area is blanketed in approximately 330,000 moss phlox plants, creating a breathtaking sea of pink. In winter, it serves as a vital ski resort for the Aichi region, offering skiing and snowboarding. Other spots include Yahazu Pond, rest houses for relaxation, and the unique 'Starry Sky Cafe,' where you can enjoy the night sky from a high altitude.
Activities vary significantly by season. In spring (early May to early June), the moss phlox is at its peak, and most visitors use the lift to enjoy the views from above. Summer is perfect for outdoor leisure such as hiking, mountain biking, boating, and go-karting. Autumn brings colorful foliage to the mountains. Winter (late December to mid-March) is the prime season for skiing and snowboarding. Additionally, the 'Starry Sky Cafe Tenku' opens only once a month, offering a rare opportunity to view the stars from a high-altitude setting. Please check specific operating hours for facilities like BBQ areas or ski slopes before visiting.
There is a wide range of activities available. During the warmer months, you can enjoy renting mountain bikes, mountain boards, or participating in boating, canoeing, and go-karting. Well-maintained hiking trails are also available. In winter, the area transforms into a ski resort for skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. If you wish to enjoy a BBQ, designated areas are available through a reservation system. Please note that since this is a quasi-national park, strict rules apply regarding the use of fire and designated areas.
There are several hot spring facilities and sightseeing spots near Chausuyama Kogen. For example, 'Yu-land Paltone' is located nearby and is often visited in conjunction with the plateau's activities. The Chausuyama Kogen Museum also offers a way to appreciate the local scenery through photography, adding depth to your highland stay.
As a high-altitude area, appropriate clothing for the season is essential. For winter skiing or spring/autumn hiking, please bring warm layers and clothing that allows for easy movement. Because this is a quasi-national park, strict rules regarding fire are enforced; BBQing is only permitted in designated areas, and smoking is strictly prohibited outside of designated zones. Regarding payment, please note that most facilities do not accept credit cards or IC cards—cash is required for most transactions. Additionally, there are no convenience stores, supermarkets, or ATMs in the immediate vicinity, so please prepare any necessary supplies and cash in advance.