1 Day Tour Hiking to Happo-ike Pond and Hot Springs in Hakuba
Description
Enjoy a guided hike to the breathtaking Happo-ike pond in Hakuba, accessible from a series of gondolas and chair lifts. Then, visit beautiful Reisho-ji temple and the nearby onsen town of Omachi-Onsenkyo. Nestled among the Northern Japan Alps in Nagano, Hakuba Valley is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and clear blue lakes, and is known for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. The high altitude of the mountain ridges in Hakuba makes for some of the best hiking and trekking in all of Japan, with trails that can be accessed from chair lifts and gondolas that run year-round. Starting from Nagano Station, this tour will take guests up to one of the most iconic and breathtaking spots in Hakuba, Happo-ike pond, to see its mirror-like surface reflecting the nearby peaks. Afterwards, guests will visit a historic temple in the area, and have time in a traditional hot spring town, where they can enter a full hot spring, or an outdoor "ashi-yu" footbath.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Experience the majesty of Happo-ike pond, a picturesque lake among the Japan Alps in Hakuba. Your guide will lead you as you journey up one gondola and two chair lifts, followed by a 1-hour hike to about 2,000 meters above sea level. The pond is known for its mirror-like quality, reflecting the surrounding mountain peaks on a clear day. It is perfect for taking photos, and enjoying the refreshing cool air!
Visit Reisho-ji Temple, a scenic hillside temple overlooking Omachi Village. With its trees that change colors with the seasons, stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and unique wood carvings and architecture, this temple is the perfect place to learn about Buddhism in Japan while also enjoying everything it has to offer. Your guide will tell you about the history of the temple, some of its unique features, and you will have plenty of time to take photos.
Explore Omachi Onsen-kyo, a traditional "onsen" or natural hot spring town near Hakuba. Enjoying the hot springs is the perfect way to relax after a day of hiking and being out in nature. There are several baths that guests can enter, and your guide will have recommendations for you as well. For those who don't wish to enter a full hot spring, there is also an outdoor "ashi-yu" or hot spring footbath for guests to enjoy.
Highlights
What's included
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- There will be a significant amount of physical activity required; the hike from Happo-ike Sanso station to the Happo-ike pond takes about 1 hour and is about 230 meter increase in elevation. Anyone with a low-moderate level of physical fitness/activity can join the tour, and guests are welcome to hike at their own pace. However, it is not suited for those with severe physical limitations.
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for mobility-impaired travelers. Should you have any concerns about your ability to join the tour, please contact us to discuss prior to booking.
- In the case of extreme weather conditions, the destination may be changed from Happo-ike pond to nearby Tsugaike Nature Park, which offers flat boardwalks and trails that are less intense.
- This tour uses different forms of transport. Tours can be conducted by microbus, larger coach or train depending on the season and size of the group.
- The visibility of the mountains from Happo-ike pond is subject to change depending on the weather. On a clear day, all of the surrounding peaks can be visible, and are reflected in the pond. However, on a cloudy day, they may not be visible at all. The weather can change rapidly at high altitudes and clouds can appear or dissipate with no warning. Please be aware that the visibility is not ensured.
- Please note that the fall foliage at Reisho-ji Temple is not visible all year, but only during the autumn season in October and November.
- Infants (0-5) are free of charge.
- Booking cut-off time is an hour before the pick up time on the day.
- Please note, there may be possible changes in the itinerary/included experiences due to local events, weather, or other unforeseeable factors.
- This tour includes a 1-hour hike at high elevation and may not be suitable for guests with serious medical conditions.
