THINGS TO DO HIKING Hakuba is located in the northern part of the Japanese alps which is the largest national park in Japan and considered to be the mountaineering and hiking mecca of Japan. There are hundreds of trails criss-crossing the mountain range and hikes ranging from short walks to multi day expeditions. The resorts of Happo, Goryu/47, and Tsugaike are open all season and offer a convenient entry point to higher altitudes. SHORT WALKS Happo Ike. Happo pond is a small pond situated at over 2100m on the crest of the ridge leading down from Karamatsu Dake. Amazing views of The three biggest peaks in Hakuba, Yari, Shakushi and Shirouma can be seen reflected in the water of the pond on a clear day. It takes about 40mins walk from the top lift of Happo to get there. Tsugaike. At about 1900m altitude, above Tsugaike ski resort there lies a high flat boggy area. In May after the snow melts the Mizubasho flowers and the whole area is carpeted in white. You can also see the unusual sight of fully leafed trees surrounded by snow in late May/early June. In summer the Nikko-Kisuge flowers and this time the whole place explodes with gold. The bog is reached by a20minute walk from the top of the Tsugaike ropeway. Kotoomi. This hike starts at the top of the Goryu resort gondola and follows the ridge up past Jizo no atama and the Jizonuma marsh where wild flowers bloom in July and August, finally climbing up the ridge to the summit of Kotoomi at 2009m. From the top there area mazing views of Kashimayari dake and Goryu Dake. Kamoshika trail. A short looped trail leading through deciduous forest with the chance of spotting Kamoshika (A kind of deer-antelope) LONGER HIKES Karamatsu Dake. A three or four hour […]