Norikura Hill Climb
乗鞍ヒルクライム36°07′ N 137°34′ ERaceAug 29, 2027Dates projected
The Norikura Hill Climb is a 20.5 km uphill time trial on the Norikura Echo Line with 1,260 m of climbing to the Nagano–Gifu border, and suits riders who want to race to about 2,720 m on a road closed to traffic. The 2026 race on 30 August was cancelled for heavy rain, and entry fees are not refunded.
The race was long known as the All-Japan Mountain Cycling in Norikura, and the 2026 edition would have been the 41st. Riders start in waves from the Norikura Kanko Center and climb to a finish at about 2,720 metres on the prefectural border. Matsumoto's tourism site puts the field at about 4,000. The Champion class starts together, and every other class takes a timed slot by bib number.
In 2026 the organisers called it off before dawn when rain on the Echo Line passed 80 mm and triggered the road closure. Fees stay with the organiser whether the race is shortened or cancelled, so travel insurance with event cover is worth having.
Pack warm clothes in the luggage you hand over on Saturday, because finishers wait near the top until the road reopens and no water is handed out there. Wheels in a wheel bag go up separately and come back to the start after 12:30.
Worth knowing
- Racers need an SG or JCF helmet and gloves, and the rules ban music players and speakers.
- Count the Tour de Utsukushigahara in June as well, since finishers of both races score in the Matsumoto Hill Climb series.
Quick answers about Norikura Hill Climbよくある質問
How long is the Norikura Hill Climb?
The Norikura Hill Climb covers 20.5 km with 1,260 m of climbing, from the Norikura Kanko Center to the Nagano–Gifu border at about 2,720 m.
Was the 2026 Norikura Hill Climb cancelled?
Yes. The organisers cancelled the Norikura Hill Climb on the morning of 30 August 2026 after heavy rain passed 80 mm on the Norikura Echo Line.
When is the Norikura Hill Climb in 2027?
The Norikura Hill Climb runs on the last Sunday of August, which points to 29 August 2027. The organisers had not announced the 2027 date on 11 October 2026.
What are the opening hours of Norikura Hill Climb?
Norikura Hill Climb is open in 2026 the course was closed to all traffic, bicycles included, from 6:00 to 12:30. The final cut-off at the finish was 11:40.
How much does Norikura Hill Climb cost?
Prices at Norikura Hill Climb start at ¥12,000 per person (2026), about CAD 108 or USD 76 (October 2026 rates).
In the journal
