Summer Info
The summer hiking season is now in full swing. Despite it being a weekday, a 50 to 60-meter line had already formed at the ticket counter before 7 a.m. (pictured). With an advance discount lift ticket, however, you can skip the line and head straight to the gondola boarding area. Those planning to visit during the Obon holiday period should purchase their advance discount tickets by the morning of 8/10 (Mon.)! (※Delivery takes 1 to 2 days.)
[Gondola Base Station]
The 7 a.m. gondola entered the clouds on the way up, then emerged above them at Kurobishidaira to reveal a magnificent sea of clouds below. “The sea of clouds was beautiful this morning. There are so many flowers along the trail, so we’re planning to take our time and enjoy them as we climb,” said a couple I met on the Boardwalk Course. Farther along the Happo-One Nature Trail (pictured), however, clouds drifting in from the west once again enveloped the trail in mist.
[Happo-One Nature Trail・Boardwalk Course]
A couple from Nagano Prefecture whom I met just before the Happo Cairn told me, “We always read your reports. Today, we’re planning to hike a little beyond Happo Pond. Hopefully this mist will clear…” While I was resting at the No. 3 Cairn, I began to hear excited voices rising around me, saying things like, “Oh!” and “The mountains are coming into view!”
[Happo-One Nature Trail・Happo Pond]
As the mist around the Hakuba Sanzan peaks lifted and blue sky appeared, I hurried to the viewing deck at Happo Pond. The opening lasted only around five minutes before the mist closed in again, but it was just long enough to capture the mountain ridgeline reflected on the surface of the pond (pictured). A couple from Hakuba Village whom I often meet told me, “July was so cloudy that we hardly saw the mountains at all. The forecast is for clear skies tomorrow, so we’re planning to climb Mt. Karamatsu. Let’s meet there next time!”
[Happo-One Nature Trail・Happo Pond]
＊From 7/11 (Sat.) to 8/30 (Sun.), the Kurobishi 3 Pair Lift will begin operating at 4:30 a.m. for sunrise viewing on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, 8/10 (Mon.), and 8/12 (Wed.) to 8/13 (Thu.).
[Happo-One Nature Trail Opening Information]
*Period … 2026/5/30 (Sat.) & 5/31 (Sun.), 6/6 (Sat.) – 11/3 (Tue.)
*Hours … Happo Alpen Line: Aug 8–16 and Aug 22, 23 from 6:30 a.m.; weekdays Aug 3–7 and Aug 17–21 from 7:00 a.m. Kurobishi Line: Aug 8–16 and Aug 22, 23 from 6:45 a.m.; weekdays July 21 – Aug 7 and Aug 17–21 from 7:15 a.m.
*Fees … Happo Alpen Line round trip / Adults ¥3,500 · Elementary school children ¥2,300 →Adults ¥3,200, children ¥2,000 with early-discount tickets! (No need to exchange at the ticket counter—bring it directly to the gondola gate!)
