Happo Pond
八方池
A high-altitude mountain pond at about 2,060 meters, which reflects the Hakuba Sanzan peaks on clear days. It is the most accessible scenic hike in the Northern Alps.
Happo Pond lies on the Happo-one ridge at about 2,060 meters. From Happo Station, take the 'Adam' gondola and two chairlifts to Happo Pond Lodge (about 1,830 meters), then follow a path with wooden boardwalks and stone steps for about 1 to 1.5 hours to reach the pond. On clear, windless days, the pond reflects Mount Hakuba-dake, Mount Shakushi-dake and Mount Hakuba-yari. Alpine flowers line the trail in July and August, and the slopes turn red with autumn foliage in early October. Strong hikers can continue to the summit of Mount Karamatsu (2,696 meters), which adds about 5 hours round trip, or stay overnight in the summit hut. The gondola round trip costs about 3,300 yen. It is more than 10°C colder on the mountain than at the base, so bring windproof clothing and hiking boots.
Opening hours
Cable car approx. 08:00–16:30 (approx. mid-June to late October)
Nearby sights
- Hakuba Happo Onsen
- Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium
- Hakuba Happo-one Snow Resort
- Hakuba Daisekkei & Mt. Shirouma
- Hakuba Goryu & Hakuba 47
- Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Harbor
- Tsugaike Nature Park
- Oide Park & Suspension Bridge