Training Area Guide

Features of the training area

A New Facility in the Hida Ontake Kogen Highland Training Area
A center housing medically-based training equipment and lodging facilities,committed to promoting high-altitude training, health, and the revitalization of the local region.

The Hida Takayama Ontake Training Center, a new training facility in the Hida Ontake Kogen Highland Training Area, is now open. Housed in buildings that were once used by the former Hiwada Elementary School until the end of March 2008, the center is equipped with hypoxic chambers, blood lactate analyzer, and other medical training equipment (sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan). As well, the former classrooms and library have been converted into overnight guest rooms for visiting athletes. The center boasts easy access to the Hiwada Highland Athletic Field and has the potential for long-term stays. We encourage you to visit the Hida Takayama Ontake Training Center.

Hida Takayama Ontake Training Center Facilities Overview
Gero City Nigorigo Hot Spring Kogen Sports Recreation Center Overview

Gero City Nigorigo Hot Spring Kogen Sports Recreation Center Overview

Complete with two all-weather track and field grounds located at 1,700 m and 1,300 m altitude

The Hida Ontake Kogen Highland Training Area has all-weather track and field grounds located at altitudes of 1,700 m and 1,300 m. The two grounds are 17 km apart, approximately 20 minutes by car. In August 2007, the World Championships in Athletics were held in Osaka, and immediately before the event athletes and support staff of the French Athletics Federation visited the training area. They praised the facility, noting that “nowhere else in the world can you find two different all-weather track-and-field facilities, at this high altitude, and only 20 minutes away from each other.”

the Ontake Panorama Ground

the Ontake Panorama Ground

the Hiwada Highland Athletic Field

the Hiwada Highland Athletic Field

The Ontake Panorama Ground, which was opened in July, 2007, is located at an altitude of 1,700 m. It is very new and in excellent condition. It offers a 6-lane track and, true to its name, fabulous panoramic views of the 3,067 meter-high Mt. Ontake. Located at an altitude of 1,300 m, the Hiwada Highland Athletic Field has 3 full lanes (6 lanes on the 100m All-weather Running Course) surrounded by verdant lawns and natural scenery. The mountain streams that flow nearby are used as a “natural icing spot”, and are very popular with athletes. The ground also offers views of Mt. Ontake, but the beautiful Norikuradake takes center stage here.

Icing down in the river provides unexpected benefits!

The athletes below are icing down in the nearby mountain streams. The cold waters are a good substitute for traditional icing--and splashing in the river is more fun than ice packs. Spending time in the cool river water is an effective way to relax and unwind. Icing is important for cooling down and maintaining condition, and in the river, athletes get a dose of mental refreshment, too.

川遊び 1
川遊び 2

Optimal environment for high-altitude training

Located in the foothills around the 3,067-meter Mt. Ontake, the Hida Ontake Kogen Highland Training Area is surrounded by majestic mountains and natural scenery.

High-altitude training is a method of training in which athletes train and spend time at high altitudes, where the oxygen is thin, in order to boost cardiopulmonary performance. Marathoners such as Naoko Takahashi, who won gold at the Sydney Olympics, and Mizuki Noguchi, a gold medal winner at the Athens Olympics, achieved brilliant results with intensive, high-altitude training. The Hida Ontake Kogen Highland Training Area is made up of a variety of zones located between 1,200 m and 2,200 m, allowing training to be conducted at different altitudes.

Optimal environment for high-altitude training

Certified by the JOC as a center for improving track and field

Certified by the JOC as a center for improving track and field

In March, 2005, the JOC certified the area as a center for improving track and field performances.

The Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) certifies sports facilities in various disciplines as part of its mandate to raise the level of top athletes at the Olympics and other competitions. The Hida Ontake Kogen Highland Training Area is located between 1,200 m and 2,200 m in altitude, and is active in building and promoting facilities for high-altitude training, including all-weather track and field grounds, woodchip running courses, and more. The area hosts more than 10,000 overnight visitors every year.

Track and field athletes who competed at the Sydney and Athens Olympics stayed in the area, and because of this, the JOC formally certified the area in March 2005 as a center for improving track and field performance (certification period ended at the conclusion of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.) The certification led to the track and field national and junior teams prioritizing the use of the facility, enabling athletes to carry out more effective training. The JOC has positioned the area as a key facility for high-altitude training for track and field.

Training for a wide range of events

The area offers training opportunities for a wide range of sports events, with equipment and facilities available for volleyball and basketball, as well as soccer, baseball, and more.

The Hida Ontake Highland is an area of rich, untouched natural beauty. With a stunning backdrop of 3,000 m-high mountains such as Norikuradake in the north and Mt. Ontake in the south, it is an environment where athletes can find peace and relaxation, no matter what the season. Alongside the natural splendor, the area is at an altitude that enables athletes to engage in true high-altitude training, right here in Japan. It can be used for training not just for track and field, but a wide range of events, and for developing the condition of juniors who will be the athletes of tomorrow.

Training for a wide range of events

From the Hida Hiwada Gymnasium, which can accommodate volleyball, basketball, or six badminton courts, to the Okejitta Ground, which is available for soccer or baseball, the area offers training opportunities for a wide range of sports events. As well, the Suzuran Kogen Zone boasts the Ski Association of Japan (SAJ)-certified Suzuran Schanze ski jump (70 m and 50 m jumps) and cross country courses that are also certified by the SAJ.Until the year of 2013,

Sights and scenery around the Hida Ontake Kogen Highland Training Area

The four seasons of the Hida Ontake Kogen Highland Training Area and environs.

Takane Area

Takane Area 1

Takane Area 2

Takane Area 3

Takane Area 4

Asahi Area

Asahi Area 1

Asahi Area 2

Asahi Area 3

Asahi Area 4

Nigorigo Area

Nigorigo Area 1

Nigorigo Area 2

Nigorigo Area 3

Nigorigo Area 4

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