Trekking
Happo Pond
Happo Pond, a classic Japanese landscape, was selected as one of the 36 Most Beautiful Places in Japan.* At an altitude of 2,060 m, the beautiful pond reflects the Hakuba Sanzan mountains on its surface like a large mirror. When visiting Hakuba, be sure to save time for this spectacular mountain view. Access to the highlands is made easy with a gondola and a lift. *US CNN announcement
Happo-one Nature Study Trail
The hiking route leading to Happo Pond offers a spectacular view of the Hakuba mountain range. The south route with its wooden path is suitable for first time climbers, while the north route is a full-scale mountain trail where, depending on the conditions, you can hike above a sea of clouds.
Charming Alpine Plants
The Happo-one Nature Study Trail is home to 347 varieties of alpine plants and flowers in the summer. Happo Takane Senburi, a species endemic to Happo ridge, is known for its cute, small flowers, while Happo Waremoko is easily recognizable by its beautiful, deep red color.
The Beauty of Autumn
Around Happo Pond, the leaves begin changing at the end of September. As autumn progresses, the reds and yellows begin to cascade down the mountain, and within a month you’ll be treated to stunning autumn views.
Tsugaike Nature Park
Located in Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Tsugaike Nature Park is a treasure trove of alpine plants. At an altitude of 2,010 m, the marsh observatory is the only area in the region where you can get an aerial view of Hakuba Daisekkei, one of Japan’s three major snowy valleys. During spring, summer, and autumn, this park is a popular relaxation area. Most of the hiking routes have been renewed with wooden paths for increased accessibility, making it perfect for people of all ages.
A Treasure Trove of Alpine Plants
From early spring to summer, skunk cabbage begins blooming in Honshu. By summer, the area’s nearly 400 types of alpine plants attract visitors from all over. On rainy days, transparent white skeleton flowers can be seen, while in July, Japanese alpine cherry trees stand in full bloom.
Visitor Center
Enjoy the area, even on rainy days!
Try indoor activities such as bouldering and slacklining, and learn about the flora, fauna, and unique terrain of Tsugaike Nature Park.For inquiries regarding guided tours and more, contact Tsugaike Nature Park at 070-4091-5204 (Japanese).
MIKKETA!
A full-fledged natural environment education guide program, rare in national parks, is available. Throughout the year, exclusive guides introduce the attractions for each season, at no charge to guests. Wi-Fi is available throughout the park, and park navigation is made easy with a tour app. There are plenty of exhibitions and activity areas at the visitor center located near the entrance.
Mt. Kotoomi Trekking
Enjoy glacier watching and trekking at Mt. Kotomi! Kakunezato, recognized as the first glacier in Nagano Prefecture, is visible from the summit of Mt. Kotoomi.
Alps-Daira Nature Pathway
This pathway offers a 30-minute walk along the top of the Hakuba Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden. It is the starting point of the Mt. Kotoomi trekking route, and a great place to enjoy the nature of Hakuba. Here you’ll find many attractions such as Jizo no Kashira, which overlooks the Northern Japan Alps, and Jizo no Numa, which due to its special geology and serpentine soil is home to some rare alpine plants.
At an altitude of 2,007 m, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Northern Japan Alps and Mt. Goryu on your way to Mt. Kootomi. From late September to October, this trail is a superb place for autumn leaf viewing. (2 hours uphill, 1.5 hours downhill)
Kitaone Kogen Trekking
A gentle walking path 1,400 meters long and 40 meters up. Take a leisurely stroll while enjoying the view.
※Closed for the 2021 green season
Trail Walking
Enjoy a relaxing walk through the Nezuko Forest, where soft sunlight peeks through the leaves of the beech trees; Miharashi Trail which boasts three scenic lookouts; and the Canopy Walk, where you’ll get a view of the Northern Japan Alps from between the trees.
Kitaone Highland Observation Deck
After passing through the Komorebi Forest you’ll reach the observation deck. From here you can see the magnificent 3,000-m class Northern Japan Alps overlooking the Minamimatagawa River. With the river more than 2,000 m below the mountains, this is a rare scenic spot in Japan.
Iwatake Nezuko Forest
With giant, traditional trees over 200 years old, you will be impressed by the power of nature. Join one of the daily guided tours, hosted by dedicated staff who know the forest best. With an abundance of deciduous trees, this forest is perfect for autumn leaf viewing. Peak season is typically from mid to late October. The Beech Forest Park near the entrance offers an athletic area that the entire family can enjoy.
Kama-Ike Pond
Take a stroll on the 2-km pathway along Kama-Ike Pond and enjoy spectacular views of the mountains from between the trees. Located in Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park and surrounded by beech trees over 200 years old, Kama-Ike Pond is truly a hidden gem. Changing seasons bring budding flowers, fresh foliage, and autumn colors. With the sky reflected on the surface of the lake, this landscape is a sight to see.
Mt. Koguma Trekking
Enjoy superb views of Lake Kizaki from the observation areas, and grand views of Mt. Kashimayari from the trail. While koguma means bear cub, it is rare for bears to make an appearance on this trail. Just in case, though, be sure to carry a bell or something else to make a sound.