Himekawa River Source
姫川源流
The source spring and wetlands of the Himekawa, where white skunk cabbage blooms in spring and water crowfoot sways in summer, a popular nature walk in Hakuba.
The Himekawa River Source lies around Sanosaka in the southern part of Hakuba village. It is the source of the Himekawa, which flows into the Sea of Japan. Crystal-clear spring water gushes from the foot of the mountain and forms small ponds and streams, surrounded by deciduous forest and wetlands. It is listed among Japan's '100 Selected Waters.' From late April to May, the wetlands bloom with white skunk cabbage. In July and August, white water crowfoot flowers sway in the clear current, and trout can be seen in the water. The wooden boardwalk loop takes about 20-30 minutes, is free to enter, and has a nearby parking lot. Deep snow in winter usually makes it unsuitable to visit. You can continue on to Lake Aoki and Oyakai Marsh among the Nishina Three Lakes. It is about 8 km from JR Hakuba Station, roughly a 15-minute drive, or you can walk from the direction of Minami-Kamijo Station.
Opening hours
All day (avoid in winter when snow-covered)
Nearby sights
- Lake Aoki (Nishina Three Lakes)
- Hakuba Goryu & Hakuba 47
- Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium
- Oide Park & Suspension Bridge
- Hakuba Happo-one Snow Resort
- Happo Pond
- Hakuba Happo Onsen
- Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Harbor