Happo-one is located in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture, and is one of Japan's most beautiful scenic spots, often referred to as the "Observatory of the Northern Alps." The natural observation route to Happo Pond at an altitude of 2,060 meters along Happo Ridge is a popular hiking trail. It takes only about an hour and a half one way with convenient cable car transfers, making it perfect for hiking beginners!
During the summer, the route is known as a treasure trove of alpine plants, and in the autumn, it's renowned for its fall foliage. At the end of the trail, the breathtaking reflection of the Hakuba Range in the mirror-like surface of Happo Pond is sure to leave a lasting impression.
What is Happo One, the Observatory of the Northern Alps?
A popular standard hiking route with the best views!
Happo One is an extension of the Tangusadake mountain ridge, located at the border of Nagano and Toyama Prefectures in the Northern Alps, Hakuba Mountains. It's famous as a skiing destination, but from summer to autumn, the hike to Happo Pond along the way to Tangusadake is highly popular.
The hiking route, "Happo One Natural Research Route," features wooden boardwalks and stairs, making it easy for even beginners to walk. Situated along the ridge, the views are spectacular when the weather is clear! You can get up close and personal with the stunning landscapes of the Hakuba Sanzan (Three Peaks), Kuzuryu-dake, Gotemba-dake, Shishidake, and other peaks of the Northern Alps.
Happo One: A Treasure Trove of Alpine Plants
Happo One is home to over 340 varieties of alpine plants, far more than other mountains. The months of July and August are particularly spectacular, with many species in full bloom, competing for attention.
Due to the unique geological conditions, you can see alpine plants typically found at altitudes above 2,500 meters along Happo Ridge and on the way to Happo Pond at an altitude of 2,060 meters. Examples include "Leontopodium japonicum" and "Swertia tetrapetala var. happoensis." If you're interested in alpine plants, this is a must-visit location.
Don't Miss the Fall Foliage Season!
Late September to late October is the best time for enjoying the autumn leaves and is highly recommended for hiking. The best times for viewing fall foliage are mid-September to late September around Happo Pond and Happo San, early to mid-October between Happo Pond Village and Kurobishi Flat, and mid-October to early November between Usagi Flat and Happo Cable Car Station. If you're lucky, you might even get to see the "Three-Tiered Autumn Leaves" of snow peak, mid-mountain red leaves, and the foothills covered in green leaves.
- Hakuba Happo One
- Address: Nagano, Kitaazumi District, Hakuba, Happo 4258
- Access: Drive 10 minutes from Hakuba Station.
- Official Website: https://www.happo-one.jp/
Take the "Hakuba Alps Line" to Reach An Altitude of 1,830 Meters!
Ride the cable car and enjoy an aerial stroll!
When walking the Hakuba Happo One Natural Observation Route, you typically start by taking the Hakuba Alps Line to reach the Happo Pond Village at an altitude of 1,830 meters.
The Hakuba Alps Line refers to both the 6-person and 4-person gondolas with a total length of 3,445 meters. You first board the "Adam" gondola from the Happo Station at 760 meters above sea level, and then transfer to the Alpine Quadlift and Grad Quadlift. This journey takes about 40 minutes to ascend to Happo Pond Village at an altitude of 1,830 meters.
One of the charms of hiking in Happo One is the use of cable cars for an aerial stroll. As you ascend, you can enjoy the gradually approaching views of the Hakuba Sanzan (Three Peaks), high mountain plants in the summer, and vibrant autumn foliage in the fall.
The nearby Kamaike Marsh is also a popular photo spot.
Kamaike Marsh (鎌池湿原) is located at Kurobishi Flat, at an altitude of 1,680 meters, which is the transfer point for the Alpine Quadlift and Grad Quadlift gondolas. Though the wetland is not large, if conditions are right, you can capture popular photographs of the Happosan reflecting in the water. It's beautiful both in the summer with yellow flowers and in the fall with colorful foliage.
- Hakuba Alps Line
- Address: 4258 Kitaazumi, Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano Prefecture
- Operating Period: June 3rd - November 5th, 8:00 AM - 4:50 PM
- Price: Junior high school students and above: 3,300 yen (one way 1,900 yen), elementary school students round trip: 2,100 yen (one way 1,150 yen)
- Official Website: https://www.happo-one.jp/trekking/alpenline/
You can also reach your destination via the scenic Kurobishi Line
If you're driving, it's recommended to take the Kurobishi Line. This approximately 9km long road with a 760m elevation gain will take you to the Kurobishi Parking Lot, which is your endpoint. During the latter part of the journey, you can enjoy fantastic views of the Hakuba Sanzan.
However, please be cautious as the road is narrow with many sharp bends. You can transfer to the Hakuba Alps Line from the Kurobishi Parking Lot by taking the Kurobishi No. 3 double chairlift.
There is a "Sea of Clouds deck" at the Peak Station, Heiling Ping Station. From 1,680m above sea level, you can see the White Horse Village below, and if the weather conditions are right, you can also see the vast sea of clouds in the early morning, which is very beautiful.
- Kurobishi Line
- Address: 4258 Kitaazumi, Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano Prefecture
- Operating Period: July 1st - late October 2023
- Official Website: https://www.happo-one.jp/kurobishiskyline/
- Kurobishi Line (Kurobishi No. 3 Double Chairlift + Grat Quad Lift)
- Operating Period: July 1st - October 15th, 2023, July and August 7:15 AM - 4:40 PM, September onwards 8:15 AM - 4:40 PM
- Prices: Junior high school students and above round trip 1,900 yen (one way 1,000 yen), elementary school students round trip 1,140 yen (one way 600 yen)
- Official Website: https://www.happo-one.jp/trekking/kurobishi/
Embark on the Hakuba Happo One Natural Research Route with Happo Pond as Your Goal!
Start your hiking journey from Happo Pond Village!
After descending from the four-person cable car, Happo Pond Village is right in front of you. The Happo One Natural Observation Route we're taking is a hiking trail from Kurobishi Flat at an altitude of 1,680 meters to Happo Pond at an altitude of 2,060 meters. Starting from Happo Pond Village at an altitude of 1,830 meters, it's about a 1.5 to 2-kilometer one-way walk that takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Happo Pond.
Along the route, you'll have the Hakuba Sanzan on your right (north side) and Gotemba-dake (五竜岳) and Shishidake (鹿島槍ヶ岳) on your left (south side).
- Happo Pond Village
- Operating Hours: Open year-round
- Services: Lunch, overnight stays, public restrooms
- Official Website: http://yamagoya.hakubakousha.com/facility/
Recommended hiking routes for ascending and descending: mountain path route and wooden boardwalk route
From the rear of Happo Pond Village to the Second Milestone, the route splits into two options: the "Mountain Path Route (direct ascent)" and the "Boardwalk (detour) Route." The mountain path route is a straight-line ascent along the ridge, and although it's the shortest route, it has steep slopes and loose stones, making it suitable for those confident in their physical fitness.
The boardwalk route is a relatively gentle slope with a wooden boardwalk starting in the middle of the trail. While it's a bit longer due to the detour, it's safe for children and the elderly, making it a good choice depending on your physical condition and the people in your group.
However, please note that the views along the mountain path route and the boardwalk route are different. If possible, I recommend hiking both ways, taking the mountain path route on the way up and the boardwalk route on the way down.
After passing the Second Milestone, Happo Pond is right there!
Happo Ridge has six milestones (markers indicating routes, peaks, etc.). As it is located on the ridge, each milestone offers beautiful mountain views.
Starting from Happo Pond Village and walking along the mountain path, the first landmark you'll encounter is Ishigami Well (Happozan) at an altitude of 1,974 meters. It's recommended to take a rest on the benches here. Near the second milestone (Breath Mark), there is a restroom, although it may not always be available, so be sure to check before setting off.
The mountain path route and the boardwalk route intersect at the second milestone (2,005 meters above sea level). Although the route to the next "Happo Milestone" is steep, it's a short distance from Happo Pond, so let's give it our best effort. From Happo-san at an altitude of 2,035 meters, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains, which is truly breathtaking! If you pass the Happo Milestone, Happo Pond is right there.
Come and Admire the Stunning "Hakuba Happo Pond"!
Happo Pond is a mysterious pond reflecting the Hakuba Sanzan!
"Hakuba Happo Pond" is a natural pond formed by collecting meltwater and rainwater at an altitude of 2,060 meters. Let's push a little further and climb to the third milestone at an altitude of 2,080 meters. From there, you can see the entire Happo Pond with the backdrop of the Hakuba Sanzan.
When there is no wind, the sight of the Hakuba Sanzan mirrored on the water's surface is one of Japan's most iconic mountain views. Be sure to take a walk around the pond from different angles. A wooden deck is set up at the best viewing point for "Upside-down Hakuba Sanzan (逆さ白馬三山)." When the wind is strong, the upside-down reflection of the Hakuba Sanzan may not be visible, but it's still equally beautiful.
Where is the best viewing point for "Upside-down Hakuba Sanzan"?
"Hakuba Sanzan" is the collective name for the three mountains in photos: "Hakuba Goryu-dake (白馬鑓ケ岳)," "Shiro-hadaka-dake (杓子岳)," and "Hakuba-dake (白馬岳)." The main peak, Hakuba-dake, is one of Japan's designated 100 Famous Mountains. If you want to admire the beautiful "Hakuba Sanzan," it's best to visit in July because there may still be snow on the pond in June. Even if you don't see the Hakuba Sanzan upon arrival, clouds move quickly, so just wait a moment, and you might get a glimpse.
You can also spot alpine plants and rare wildlife!
Since you've made it here, take your time to enjoy Happo Pond. Several benches are available by the pond for resting. The area naturally hosts various alpine plants such as Hepatica, Geum pentapetalum, and Scabiosa japonica var. alpina. If you have a handy plant guidebook, you can enjoy observing these plants. Rare species like Hynobius nigrescens and Zhangixalus also inhabit the area, so be sure to look for them.
The best time to admire the autumn leaves around Happo Pond is typically from mid-September to late September. The foliage along the trail is beautiful, but the most recommended area is around Happo Pond itself. The vivid green of Happo Pond, set against the yellow birch trees and red hawthorns in the surroundings, creates a stunning contrast.
- Hakuba Happo Pond
- Address: Kitaazumi, Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano Prefecture
- Access: Take a bus from Hakuba Station to Happo Station, then walk about 10 minutes to the cable car station. From there, take the cable car for approximately 90 minutes.
- Operating Hours: Open year-round
- Official Website: https://www.happo-one.jp/happo-ike/
When Returning From Happo Pond, We Recommend Taking the "Boardwalk Route"
Mount Karamatsu is highly praised as an introductory mountain in the Northern Alps!
Once you cross Happo Pond (the Third Milestone), this route becomes the official trail leading to Mount Karamatsu. The time required from Happo Pond Village to the summit is about 3 hours and 50 minutes for the ascent and approximately 3 hours for the descent (depending on walking speed). At the summit, which is at an altitude of 2,696 meters, you can not only see famous peaks of the Northern Alps like the Hakuba Sanzan, Tsurugi-dake, Goryu-dake, and Kashima Yarigatake, but also distant mountains such as the Central Alps, Southern Alps, and even Mount Fuji, offering breathtaking views.
Mount Karamatsu is quite popular as an introductory mountain in the Northern Alps because you can reach an altitude of 1,830 meters by cable car or ropeway! If you find climbing Happo Pond not challenging enough, why not give it a try?
Choose the easy-to-walk boardwalk route for descending!
For descending, the "Boardwalk Route" is recommended, well-maintained and convenient for walking. While the mountain path route offers excellent views of the Hakuba Sanzan area, it has many rough rocks, making it slippery and difficult to navigate when used for descending.
The boardwalk route is slightly below the mountain path route on the south side of the ridge, allowing you to enjoy views in the opposite direction of the Hakuba Sanzan. Along the way, there are viewpoints for Goryu-dake and Kashima Yarigatake, complete with tables and chairs, making it an ideal spot for rest.
Furthermore, the boardwalk route has even more alpine plants than the mountain path route! In the summer, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of Hakuba Village and vibrant alpine flowers as you descend.
"Hakuba Mountain Beach" is Perfect For Relaxing After Hiking!
A beach resort at an altitude of 1,400 meters
"Hakuba Mountain Beach（白馬マウンテンビーチ）" is a resort facility located on the rooftop of Happo Terrace, situated at an altitude of 1,400 meters. Happo Terrace is near the summit station of the Happo Cable Car "Adam." From the terrace, you can not only see Hakuba Village but also the Yatsugatake Mountains and Asama-yama, which are 100 kilometers away! How about unwinding here after your hike?
Hakuba Mountain Beach consists of two areas. One of them is the "Beach Rest Area." In this open space, you'll find beach umbrellas and beach chairs, creating the ambiance of a tropical beach resort. Entry is free, allowing you to relax freely. The other area features sauna facilities and hot tubs, where you can enjoy private tent saunas and hot tubs while taking in the natural scenery of Hakuba (additional fee, reservations required).
Recharge with unique cuisine and saunas/hot tubs!
The Beach Rest Area also has a bar where you can relax and enjoy drinks and food. They offer original beverages like "Hakuba Sky Blue Apple Liqueur," perfectly matching the beach theme, as well as dishes made with local ingredients, such as "Shinshu beef and domestic pork smoked cheeseburgers."
Just dining on the stylish terrace with breathtaking views alone is worth a trip to Hakuba Happo One!
- Hakuba Mountain Beach（白馬マウンテンビーチ）
- Operating Hours: Beach Rest Area 9:00-15:00, Sauna 10:00-15:30 (90 minutes per session, advance reservations required)
- Prices: Beach Area - Free, Private Sauna Packages - ¥5,500 per person, Private Sauna with Hot Tub Packages - ¥6,500 per person
- Official Website: https://hakuba-mountain-beach.com/
Summary
You can walk to Hakuba Happo Pond in comfortable sports shoes rather than hiking boots. Even in the summer, it's advisable to bring a windproof jacket because the temperature drops approximately 0.6 degrees Celsius for every 100 meters of elevation gain. It's said that the earlier you start your hike, the sooner you'll reach the summit to enjoy the beautiful views, so plan your trip to Happo Pond accordingly.
The "Happo One Nature Study Route" allows you to easily explore places like Happo Pond high above the clouds. I recommend taking a stroll at least once to appreciate the extraordinary scenery.
