Yunomaru Plateau Decorated by 600,000 State-Protected Azaleas and Grazing Landscapes: Qkamura Tsumagoi Kazawa Launches 'Renge-Tsutsuji Guided Walk' Starting June 8
Qkamura Tsumagoi Kazawa announced the launch of its 'Renge-Tsutsuji Yunomaru Plateau Guided Walk' program, starting June 8, 2026, coinciding with the peak blooming season of approximately 600,000 azalea plants. The weekday-exclusive program invites guests to explore the plateau with an expert nature guide.
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Yunomaru Plateau is colored by the state-designated natural monument, the Renge-Tsutsuji (Japanese azalea) community, and roaming cattle.
Located in Tsumagoi Village, Gunma Prefecture—known for its highland vegetables and as a sanctuary for devoted husbands—the resort hotel 'Qkamura Tsumagoi Kazawa' (Location: 1312 Tashiro, Tsumagoi-mura, Gunma; General Manager: Tsuyoshi Sekiya) will launch the experiential program 'Renge-Tsutsuji Yunomaru Plateau Guided Walk' on June 8, 2026, to coincide with the peak blooming of approximately 600,000 azaleas.
Participants will traverse the state-protected Renge-Tsutsuji colony, accompanied by a nature guide, while enjoying the backdrop of Mount Yunomaru and pastoral grazing landscapes.
◆ Yunomaru Plateau: A Sanctuary for 600,000 Azaleas
Yunomaru Plateau, set against Mount Yunomaru, turns vibrant red during the peak blooming season from mid- to late June.
Located about 15 minutes by car from Qkamura Tsumagoi Kazawa, the plateau sits at an elevation of 1,700–2,000m on the border of Gunma and Nagano Prefectures. It is renowned for numerous alpine flowers such as Dicentra peregrina and Scabiosa japonica.
When grazing began in 1904, cattle avoided the azaleas due to their toxic leaves, allowing the azaleas to proliferate into the massive community seen today. The area was designated a national natural monument in 1956 for its rare and beautiful scenery. Even today, cattle are released into the plateau in early summer, allowing visitors to enjoy the azaleas and pastoral scenes together.
◆ 'Yunomaru Plateau Tsutsuji Festival'
Summer lifts will operate during the festival, allowing easy access to the 'Tsutsuji-daira' area for hiking. Local specialty sales are also planned.
- Dates: June 5 (Fri) – June 30 (Tue), 2026
- Location: Yunomaru Plateau Lift area, Tsutsuji-daira
- Parking: Free parking for 1,300 vehicles available
◆ Program Overview: 'Renge-Tsutsuji Yunomaru Plateau Guided Walk'
The program includes shuttle transportation from the resort, followed by a guided nature walk to learn about the alpine plants and the plateau's ecology.
- Dates: June 8 (Mon) – June 26 (Fri), 2026 (Weekdays only)
- Time: 9:00 – 12:00
- Capacity: 9 people (min. 1)
- Fee: 1,000 JPY (June 8–10), 2,300 JPY (June 11–26), tax included
- Reservations: Required by phone by the previous day (0279-98-0511)
◆ Renewed Kazawa Information Center
Renovated in April 2026, the facility located 2 minutes' walk from the resort provides information on the nature and wildlife of Joshin'etsukogen National Park, serving as an ideal stop before or after hikes.
Located in Tsumagoi Village, Gunma Prefecture—known for its highland vegetables and as a sanctuary for devoted husbands—the resort hotel 'Qkamura Tsumagoi Kazawa' (Location: 1312 Tashiro, Tsumagoi-mura, Gunma; General Manager: Tsuyoshi Sekiya) will launch the experiential program 'Renge-Tsutsuji Yunomaru Plateau Guided Walk' on June 8, 2026, to coincide with the peak blooming of approximately 600,000 azaleas.
Participants will traverse the state-protected Renge-Tsutsuji colony, accompanied by a nature guide, while enjoying the backdrop of Mount Yunomaru and pastoral grazing landscapes.
◆ Yunomaru Plateau: A Sanctuary for 600,000 Azaleas
Yunomaru Plateau, set against Mount Yunomaru, turns vibrant red during the peak blooming season from mid- to late June.
Located about 15 minutes by car from Qkamura Tsumagoi Kazawa, the plateau sits at an elevation of 1,700–2,000m on the border of Gunma and Nagano Prefectures. It is renowned for numerous alpine flowers such as Dicentra peregrina and Scabiosa japonica.
When grazing began in 1904, cattle avoided the azaleas due to their toxic leaves, allowing the azaleas to proliferate into the massive community seen today. The area was designated a national natural monument in 1956 for its rare and beautiful scenery. Even today, cattle are released into the plateau in early summer, allowing visitors to enjoy the azaleas and pastoral scenes together.
◆ 'Yunomaru Plateau Tsutsuji Festival'
Summer lifts will operate during the festival, allowing easy access to the 'Tsutsuji-daira' area for hiking. Local specialty sales are also planned.
- Dates: June 5 (Fri) – June 30 (Tue), 2026
- Location: Yunomaru Plateau Lift area, Tsutsuji-daira
- Parking: Free parking for 1,300 vehicles available
◆ Program Overview: 'Renge-Tsutsuji Yunomaru Plateau Guided Walk'
The program includes shuttle transportation from the resort, followed by a guided nature walk to learn about the alpine plants and the plateau's ecology.
- Dates: June 8 (Mon) – June 26 (Fri), 2026 (Weekdays only)
- Time: 9:00 – 12:00
- Capacity: 9 people (min. 1)
- Fee: 1,000 JPY (June 8–10), 2,300 JPY (June 11–26), tax included
- Reservations: Required by phone by the previous day (0279-98-0511)
◆ Renewed Kazawa Information Center
Renovated in April 2026, the facility located 2 minutes' walk from the resort provides information on the nature and wildlife of Joshin'etsukogen National Park, serving as an ideal stop before or after hikes.
FAQ
レンゲツツジ 湯の丸高原ガイドウォークはいつまで開催されますか？
2026年6月8日（月）から6月26日（金）までの平日限定で開催されます。
湯の丸高原のレンゲツツジの見頃はいつですか？
例年の見頃は6月中旬から下旬にかけてです。
ガイドウォークの予約方法を教えてください。
前日までの電話予約が必要です。休暇村嬬恋鹿沢（0279-98-0511）へご連絡ください。
ガイドウォークの料金はいくらですか？
6月8日～10日はリフト利用なしで1,000円、6月11日～26日はリフト利用ありで2,300円です（税込）。
湯の丸高原にある鹿沢インフォメーションセンターとはどのような施設ですか？
上信越高原国立公園の自然や動植物について紹介する施設で、2026年4月にリニューアルオープンしました。休暇村から徒歩2分の場所にあります。