Summer Info
The fall colors on the slope stretching below the Kaerazu-no-ken ridge (pictured, center) have progressed a little since my last visit and are now around 60 to 70% of peak. Although the season is running slightly ahead of last year, the colors will likely be at their best from the middle of next week through the three-day October holiday weekend. In the meantime, four straight days of clear weather have made for some truly impressive fall scenery.
[Happo-One Nature Trail・Happo Cairn to Happo Pond]
A long line had already formed at the ticket counter by 7:30 a.m. this morning (※If you want to head straight to the gondola, advance lift tickets are a convenient option!), and the Happo-One Nature Trail was noticeably busier than usual. The area around the No. 3 Cairn (pictured) was especially crowded. I overheard people taking a break saying things like, “What an incredible view!” and “I’m so glad we came today!”
[Happo-One Nature Trail・No. 3 Cairn]
The fall colors were beautiful, but the sea of clouds filling the eastern sky was just as impressive. The vast 360-degree views that make Happo so special were a powerful reminder of just how spectacular this landscape can be. A light, chilly breeze was blowing, and whenever I stopped for too long to admire the scenery, I quickly began to feel cold. (A windproof jacket is essential.)
[Trail to Mt. Karamatsu / Happo Pond to Shita-no-kanba]
As I entered the Shita-no-kanba forest (pictured), I heard more hikers coming up the trail exclaiming, “Wow, this is beautiful!” and “The atmosphere changes completely here.” Two visitors from Aichi Prefecture were among them and told me, “We always read your reports! The fall colors here are fantastic. We’re hiking up to Mt. Karamatsu today.”
[Trail to Mt. Karamatsu・Happo Pond to Shita-no-kanba]
＊The Karamatsu-dake Chojo Sanso hut will remain open through 10/12 (Mon., public holiday).
[Happo-One Nature Trail Opening Information]
*Period … 2026/5/30 (Sat.) & 5/31 (Sun.), 6/6 (Sat.) – 11/3 (Tue.)
*Hours … Happo Alpen Line: 8:00 a.m., Oct 3 – 4, Oct 12, Oct 17 – Nov 1 (Weekends) from 7:30 a.m., Kurobishi Line: 8:15 a.m., Oct 3 – 4, Oct 12, Oct 17 – 18 from 7:45 a.m., Oct 10 – 11 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!)
