REPORT

“We had some light rain until around 9:30 a.m., but it’s clearing up now,” was the comment from a gondola staff member I spoke with this morning. The Ushiro-Tateyama Range picked up another round of snow overnight, following its first accumulation of the season on 10/28 (Wed.), leaving the ridgeline noticeably whiter. The fresh snow stood out beautifully against the blue sky, drawing excited reactions from visitors.
[HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR]

A couple from Chiba Prefecture had just finished taking photos at the end of the HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR deck when I spoke with them. “We came in summer last year, so this year we timed our visit for the fall colors. It’s absolutely beautiful. We’re really impressed! We’re staying at Kurobe View Hotel tonight and heading to Kurobe Dam tomorrow.” The line for photos stretched from behind the Glacier Deck (pictured, left) for another 100 meters or so.
[IWATAKE GREEN PARK]

After spending time in the chilly early-winter air, Soup Stock Tokyo’s hot French-Style Shrimp Curry (¥1,150) makes for a welcome way to warm up. Made with a rich shrimp-based stock, the curry has a pleasantly tangy flavor and moderate spice level that pairs especially well with the white sesame rice. A curry and soup set is available for ¥1,800, with dessert available for an additional ¥650.
[SKYARK]

I later left the crowds at HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR (pictured) and headed to Nezuko Forest, which is currently only open on weekends. The fall colors were already past their peak, but the quiet forest and fallen leaves crunching underfoot made for a pleasant walk. A family visiting with their dog greeted me before commenting, “We came out here because dogs are allowed. It’s such a peaceful place.”
[HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR]

　　　
[Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort – Opening Details]
＊Period … Apr 23 – Nov 15, 2026
＊Hours … 8:30–17:00
＊Fees … Admission (includes gondola and No. 5 South round-trip rides) / Adults ¥2,900, elementary school children ¥1,600, pets ¥800
＊MTB PARK fees … 1-day pass (includes gondola and No. 5 South) Adults ¥6,000, elementary school children ¥4,000
　
＊Hakuba Iwatake will be reported 1－2times a week.
＊Request for the original data of our photographs.

reported by Snownavi