Happo Pond, or Happo-ike, a stunning lake among the Northern Alps of Japan, is one of the most recognizable and beautiful destinations in Hakuba Valley. While Hakuba is known mostly as a world-class ski resort in the winter, in the summer it is rich in nature, known for its many hiking trails, campsites, and lakes and rivers that offer kayaking, rafting, and more. Among these, Happo-ike Pond is a must-see destination.
Accessible by a series of summer gondola and chair lift rides, followed by a 1-hour hike, Happo Pond is nestled among some of the tallest peaks in Japan. Located at just over 2000 metres above sea level, the clear pond water reflects the triple mountain peaks – known as ‘Sanzan’ - rising to over 3000 metres tall. On a clear day, the view is spectacular and offers some of the most iconic photography in Central Japan.
Access
Happo-ike can be most easily accessed from Nagano Station. From Nagano Station, take the ALPICO Hakuba Express Bus to Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal. The bus service operates multiple times a day from Bus Stop No. 26 on the east side of the station. It takes approximately 75 minutes to reach the Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal. To check the bus schedule, please refer to our ‘ALPICO Hakuba Express Bus Timetable’ page.
Next, from Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal, walk 1.5km to reach the gondola station, called Gondola Adam. From here, you can purchase a round-trip ticket to and from the top, including all 3 modes of transportation. In addition to Gondola Adam, you will take two chair lifts called the Alpen Quad Lift and Grat Quad Lift, before reaching the top station called Happo-ike Sanso.
From Happo-ike Sanso Station, the hike up to Happo-ike pond takes about 1 hour, depending on your level of fitness.
For those travelling from Tokyo, please see our "How to Get to Hakuba from Tokyo" page!
Other Information
- Please make sure to dress appropriately for alpine walking including good quality boots or shoes and appropriate clothing for the season, noting that mountain weather conditions can change quickly at any time of year. The trail to Happo-ike pond is mainly uphill, and consists of some rock paths as well as wooden boardwalks, so it is not wheelchair accessible or suitable for those with severe physical limitations.
- The trail to Happo-ike pond is accessible only in the summer season. The official dates vary each year, but it is generally open from the beginning of June until early November. Please be aware that snow may be remaining on the trails during some months, and the temperature may be significantly lower at high altitudes.