Yunomaru Plateau Decorated by 600,000 State-Protected Azaleas and Grazing Landscapes: Qkamura Tsumagoi Kazawa Launches 'Renge-Tsutsuji Guided Walk' Starting June 8

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.