Happo Pond

This pond sits beside Happo-one Ridge, which extends from Mount Karamatsu in the Hakuba Mountain Range, and is known as one of Hakuba’s premier scenic spots. On clear days, the natural pond, formed by snowmelt and rainwater, creates a mystical and beautiful view with the three peaks of Hakuba reflected on the water’s surface.

From the foot of the mountain, take the Happo Alpen Line, which spans a total length of 3,445 meters with an elevation gain of 1,060 m. By transferring from the gondola to two lifts, you can reach the trailhead in Approx. 40 minutes. From the trailhead to Happo Pond, there are two standard routes. The left loop is mainly on wooden boardwalks with a gentle incline, and takes Approx. 90 minutes while you enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace. The right loop is the shortest route, climbing straight up the rocky ridge on a steep slope, and takes Approx. 60 minutes.

Scenic viewpoints are scattered along the course, offering views of 11 peaks from Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, and in good weather, you can even see Mount Fuji from the First Cairn. The area is also home to many rare plants and animals, including alpine plants found only here, Japanese serow, and rock ptarmigan.