Takabocchi
Yatsugatake-Chushin Kogen Quasi-National Park

Takabocchi is situated in the west of Yatsugatake-Chushin Kogen Quasi-NationalPark. From here, people enjoy the 360 degree overlook of the Northern Alps to thenorth-west, Mount Ontake and Kiso Mountains to the south, and Yatsugatake
Mountains and Mount Fuji to the east.
At the end of May, part of Takabocchi becomes a grazing ground for dairy cows. Soon
after the cows’ arrival, 300 thousand plus Japanese azalea will come to a full bloom,
coloring the mountain red. The Japanese azalea will, together with other alpine
plants like “nipponicum” and “rosebays”, welcome visitors with their beauty.
Takabbochi is, however, most famous for holding its annual Takabocchi Local HorseRace, where the audience enjoys watching in exciting close proximity to the race.
Because of its geographical location, it is known as the highest ground to hold horseraces in Japan.
The view of the Northern Alps (Tateyama and Ushirotateyama mountains,
Tsubakuro, Otenjo, Jonen, Yari, Norikura etc.) which line up from
north-west to south-west, is enhanced by the view of Matsumoto Basin.
Numerous photographers adore the scenery of Takabocchi and call it“Japan’s number one shutter point.”(Picture taken of Lake Suwa and Mt Fuji)

Mt. Okuhotaka
3190m

Mt. Kitahotaka
3106m

Mt. Yari
3180m

Mt. Tsubakuro
2763m

Mt. Jonen
2857m

Mt. Gaki
2674m

Mt. Kaki 2674m

Takabocchi Attractions
As the grass turns green at the end of May, dairy cows come up to graze on
Takabocchi. It is the season that they have been anticipating.
Among the cows that come, many are expecting to give birth to their first calf.
It is said that they give birth to healthier calves and produce tastier milk
because of their stay on the spacious highland area of Takabbochi.
If you would like to visit them, they stay until the end of October, when theflower season ends.
In the middle of June, 300 thousand Japanese azaleas will bloom and theslopes of the highland will turn red. It is especially on days when the sky isblue and the clouds are white, that Takabocchi’s beauty is brought out to itsvery best. Takabocchi Kogen has been referred as “Maiden’s plateau” byvisitors.
Wild plants on Takabocchi

Nipponicum

Glabrifolius (cufod) Kitam

Longicalycinus

Scabios

Takabocchi, having an elevation higher than 1,600 meters, has become wellknown for holding the local horse race on the highest grounds in Japan.
The first race held there was in August of 1952. It was with the help of thepublic office that the Horse Lovers Club in Kataoka village (now ShiojiriKataoka) was able to complete the building of the race tracks.
Back then, the race was with farm horses owned by farmers. At the time
when no buses went up to Takabocchi, and cars were not common, both theracing farm horses and visitors had to climb to the top by foot!
After Shiojiri was inaugurated, the scale of the event enlarged and became
the biggest event in the city. Today, there are over 100 racehorses andponies that join the race. Children also have a great time at the event, andespecially love to participate in pony and horse carriage riding, and pet theanimals. It is an event that can only be offered in the pleasant environment ofNagano.

What does “Takabocchi” mean?
There are several definitions:
1. It means a giant, whom people referred as the“Dairabocchi” or “Deirabocchi”, who sat down to takea break.
2. In the Ainu language, “Bocchi” means giant orgigantic. In this case, it means high mountains ormighty mountains.

A little side trip…

Kikyogahara, famous for producing grapes and wine, is just a
30 minute drive away. Aroma of the sweet grapes will fill the air
in this area every September. Among all the wines produced
there, the multiple prize-winning wine in internationalcompetitions, “Kikyogahara Merlot”, is highly recommended.
Traveling an hour further south, you will enter the hometown ofKiso Shikki (Japanese Lacquerware) called “KisoHirasawa.” Situated right beside it is the biggest post town on
the Nakasendo highway, “Naraijuku." Please feel free to dropby for a visit!

3. It means a “kubochi” (depression) on a high place.
4. Takabocchi, which looks like a wine cork on top of
the mountain, can be described as “boccho” (stuckout), and this later evolved to "Takabocchi."Kikyougahara Wine

Shikki (Lacquerware)

Post town “Naraijuku”