Located in (what is in winter) Iwatake Snow Field, Hakuba Mountain Harbor combines an observation deck and ‘City Bakery’ into one of the area’s most popular attractions. To access the Mountain Harbor, visitors must first ride the Hakuba Iwatake Gondola 'Noah' – an 8-minute ride – to the top station and walk from there. Leisurely trails lead you to the observation deck and bakery, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the North Alps.
The Mountain Harbor is located just around 1300 metres above sea level with multiple walking trails spanning-out in all directions. Autumn is a particularly stunning time of year as the landscape is transformed into a sea of amber, red, yellow and brown and the first dustings of snow cap the mountains. Hakuba Mountain Harbor is open from June to mid-November and then briefly closed before reopening for the winter ski season.
Access
Hakuba Mountain Harbor in Iwatake can be most easily accessed from Nagano Station. From Nagano Station, take the ALPICO Hakuba Express Bus to the bus stop "Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort". The bus service operates multiple times a day from Bus Stop No. 26 on the east side of the station, and it takes approximately 90 minutes to reach Iwatake. To check the bus schedule, please refer to our ‘ALPICO Hakuba Express Bus Timetable’ page.
From there, you can take the Iwatake Gondola "Noah" up to the summit station, about an 8 minute ride. At the top you will find the observation deck, bakery, the entrance to hiking trails, and stunning alpine views.
For those travelling from Tokyo, please see our "How to Get to Hakuba from Tokyo" page!
Other Information
- When visiting Iwatake, please make sure to dress appropriately for the season, noting that the temperature may be significantly lower at high altitudes, and mountain weather conditions can change quickly at any time of year. If you plan to hike, please wear appropriate clothing, including suitable hiking boots or shoes.
- Hakuba Mountain Harbor is open for the green season from June to mid-November, and then briefly closed before reopening for the winter ski season.
1-Day Tour from Nagano: Hiking to Happo-ike Pond & Hot Springs in Hakuba Valley
New Tour
1-Day Tour from Nagano: Hiking to Happo-ike Pond & Hot Springs in Hakuba Valley
- Spots:
- Hakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
If you are travelling in Japan in the summer and are looking for a beautiful outdoor destination with mountains, lakes, and hot springs—Hakuba is for you! Hakuba's mountains that are perfect for skiing in the winter are also perfect for hiking in the summer, offering some of the best trails in the country.
This tour visits Happo-ike Pond, a stunning alpine pond in the Northern Japan Alps, along with a beautiful temple and traditional hot spring town in Hakuba. This alpine adventure will introduce you to the best of what Hakuba has to offer in the green season.