Central Alps中央アルプス

Ice Age characteristics are still apparent on the mountain range. A ropeway with a 950-meter elevation.

The Central Alps are synonymous with the Kiso Mountains that stretch from the southwestern part of Nagano to the border of Gifu and Aichi. The principal peak that runs from northeast to southwest for 80 kilometers is the 2,956-meter-high Mt. Koma-ga-take (also known as Mt. Kiso Koma-ga-take), and it has many points worthy of note, including the Nou-ga-ike Pond, a treasure box of rare species of flowers situated in the northeastern part of the summit, as well as a part of the slope on the southeast called the Senjojiki Cirque that was scooped out by a glacier. The mountain range consists of 2,000-meter-high mountains, but it is relatively easy to climb, and day trips to the area are possible as well.

You can climb up from Komagane-kogen Highlands at the eastern foot of Mt. Koma-ga-take to the Senjojiki Cirque by ropeway from the Shirabi-daira Plateau. The ropeway takes you up a distance of 950 meters to the top station in 7 minutes 30 seconds, and from there you can enjoy hiking on a looped course that takes about 50 minutes to complete.

Also found at the Komagane-kogen Highlands is the Komagane Highland Museum of Art that exhibits art with distinct characteristics by artists such as Masuo Ikeda. Nearby are old temples surrounded by giant 100-year-old cedar trees, and Kozen-ji Temple with a garden of miniature hills and lakes.