REPORT

Japan’s summers have become so fiercely hot in recent years that a new term, kokusho-bi, has been coined to describe days when temperatures exceed 40°C. By contrast, the summit of Iwatake (pictured), surrounded by beautiful beech forest, is a wonderfully comfortable place to spend the summer. Average daytime highs from June through August are 5 to 10°C lower than in urban areas, and the lower humidity makes the air feel noticeably more pleasant. This morning was no exception, with cool, refreshing air and an atmosphere that made it easy to linger.
[IWATAKE GREEN PARK]

The Glacier Deck has been expanded toward the Yoo-hoo! Swing this summer (first photo). HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR (pictured) faces west and is covered by black shade sails, creating plenty of shade, particularly in the morning. For an even more refreshing break, try either the Lychee Grapefruit or Iced Chocolate from THE CITY BAKERY, both of which are available as limited-time summer specials through 9/24 (Thu.).
[HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR]

Four shaded seating areas with tarps and chairs have been set up on the southern slope overlooking the rice fields of Hakuba Village (pictured), while parasols have been added to the tables and chairs on the lawn in front of Skyark. The large canopy at Skyark Deck Cafe also provides a comfortable place to enjoy food and drinks out of the sun.
[IWATAKE GREEN PARK]

Today I met a family from Osaka Prefecture (pictured) who told me, “We’re spending two weeks traveling around Nagano Prefecture while escaping the summer heat. Today is the second day of our two-night stay in Hakuba, and we’ve just been enjoying the views from HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR.” Activities such as ring toss, slacklining, and Teqball are also available free of charge at Hakuba Hitotoki-no-Mori.
[Hakuba Hitotoki-no-Mori]

　
＊Activity hours will be extended from 7/18 (Sat.) to 8/30 (Sun.)!
　　
[Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort Information]
*Season … Apr. 23 (Thu.)－Nov. 15 (Sun.), 2026
*Hours … 8:30 a.m.－5:00 p.m.
*Price … Entrance Fee (Gondola and 5-sen south line fee included) / Adult: JPY2,900, Child: JPY1,600, Pet: JPY800
*MTB PARK Entrance Fee 1 Day Pass (Gondola and 5-sen south line fee included) / Adult: JPY6,000, JPY4,000

*Hakuba Iwatake will be reported 1－2times a week
*Request for the original data of our photographs

reported by Snownavi