REPORT

The fall color season is finally getting underway at Iwatake! This morning, riders began arriving in greater numbers at the Hakuba Iwatake MTB PARK from around 9:30 a.m. On “Turning Japanese” (pictured, center), which runs alongside the Hitotoki Downhill as it descends toward Hakuba Hitotoki-no-Mori, advanced riders caught the eye as they launched high into the air over the jump sections.
[Hakuba Iwatake MTB PARK]

The beech forest around the summit (pictured) is taking on more yellow by the day, giving it a noticeably brighter feel than in summer. Fall colors are currently at their peak between elevations of around 1,600 and 2,000 meters, while the foliage at Iwatake’s 1,289-meter summit is about 30–40% turned. Iwatake typically reaches peak color from late October into early November, around the same time snow begins settling on the Northern Alps.
[IWATAKE GREEN PARK]

Looking back to the start of the morning, I spoke with the photographer offering free photo shoots at HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR (pictured, red jacket), who said, “The sky is absolutely beautiful today! The weather also looks promising for the three-day weekend starting tomorrow, so be sure to take advantage of our photo service.” Visitors crossing the entrance bridge, passing through the building, and stepping out onto the deck could be heard exclaiming, “What a view!” and “Wow, this is incredible!”
[HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR]

Construction of a new lift in the summit area has temporarily changed the route of the Guided Buggy Cruise. Today’s ride made a round trip from in front of Skyark, via the top of the Central High-Speed Lift, to the upper section of HIKAGE (※Guests can also request a round trip to the Sawa Course). The buggy stops at scenic spots along the way for commemorative photos, and the guide will even take the pictures for you. A couple from Yamanashi Prefecture (pictured) told me, “It was thrilling and just so much fun! Our dog, Hajime, was riding in a buggy for the first time and occasionally froze in fear.” Pets can ride along free of charge.
[IWATAKE GREEN PARK]

　　
[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