 
We will learm about Kurumayama Kougen by splitting it into 6 parts - scenery,
alpine plants, place, terrain, history and Venus line. After reading about
them you should know what kind of place Kurumayama is! |
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The scenery from the peak of Kurumayama is breathtaking. The North, Central
and Southern Alps, Yatsugatake Range, Mount Asama and Mount Fuji can all
be seen in the 360°panoramic view at the peak. |
 View
from the Peak |
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In the Green Season (the warmer months) 600 kinds of flowers bloom. In
June, 'Rengetsutsuji' (Azaleas) cover wide areas of the mountain. In July,
the whole mountain becomes yellow with Nikkokisuge (Lilies). In August,
Matstumushisou (a purple flower) appear around the mountain. In September
the grassy plains that were green begin to take on Autumn colors and Susuki
(Pampas Grass) creates a sea of gold that can be seen around the mountain.
Kurumayama really is a treasure chest of alpine plants. |
| Flower
Calendar |
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| In the center of Honshu, the Yatsugatake National Park joins Nagano and
Yamanashi Prefectures and includes Mt. Tateshina, Lake Shirakaba, Kirigamine and
Utsukushigahara. Mountain ranges, highlands, wetlands, vallleys, lakes and
ponds, meadows, hot springs and forests make up this beautiful area. The gentle
slopes of Kurumayama Kougen as a part of this beautiful, natural area have a
maximum height of 1925m and are seen beside the Venus Line. |
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Kurumayama Kougen, centered around Kurumayama (height 1925m) was formed
by volcanic activity evident in the volcanic rocks frequently found in
the area. Over the years, repeated volcanic eruptions have formed a terrain
which consists of a combination of varying degrees of both gentle and sleep
slopes. Kirigamine, Chouchoumiyama and Lake Shirakaba all form parts of
this volcanic highland. |
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The origin of the name 'Kurumayama' (which means wheel mountain in English)
is not known exactly but the most popular 2 theories are firstly that there
was a round formation of magma at the peak of the mountain that looked
like a wheel and secondly that upon looking at an old map of the area a
shape similar to that of a cart used in that time could be seen. |
| Kurumayama
Folklore |
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Venus Line which stretches from Utsukushigahara to Yashimagahara Wetlands,
Kirigamine Heights, Kurumayama, Lake Shirakaba, Tateshina Heights and Chino
is a refreshingly pleasant driveway through the mountains. Kurumayama,
the most beautiful part of this beatiful area has an abundance of nature
and alpine plants. |
| Venus
Line |
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