八方池

Happo-One changes beautifully with the seasons,
a place where quiet insects and fleeting wildlife reveal the mountain’s hidden life.

Named for the ridges spreading out from Mt. Karamatsu, Happo-One lies at the heart of Hakuba like a compass rose.

The hiking trail from Kurobishi-daira to Happo Pond is dotted with breathtaking viewpoints, offering panoramic views of eleven peaks from "Japan's '100 Famous Mountains'".
On clear days, Mount Fuji can even be seen from the First Cairn.

Above Kurobishi-daira lies Chubu-Sangaku National Park, where rare alpine plants and wildlife — including the Japanese serow and rock ptarmigan, both designated Special Natural Monuments — thrive in a protected alpine environment.

Happo Pond is a natural alpine lake formed when snow-driven sediment creates a hollow that fills with meltwater and rain.

In spring, the melting snow creates a serene, ever-changing scene — and on clear days, the Hakuba Sanzan peaks reflect in the still water like a "mirror in the sky," making it a truly breathtaking sight.

ROUTE

  • 01

    Follows a maintained boardwalkLeft Detour Route

    Recommended for: Those who prefer a leisurely walk and want to enjoy the scenery
    Approx. 90 minutes

    Slightly longer, with gentle slopes and well-maintained boardwalks for easier walking.

  • 02

    The Shortest RouteRight Loop Route

    Recommended for: Experienced or fit hikers
    Approx. 60 minutes

    Shortest hiking route, climbing straight up the ridge. The trail is steep and rocky, recommended for the ascent.

Access, Hours of Operation, and Fees for Happo-ike Sanso
  • HAPPO ALPEN LINE
  • KUROBISHI LINE

Alpine plantsFLOWER

Due to its unique serpentine geology, Happo-One is home to alpine plants that typically only grow above 2,500 meters. The area is also characterized by rare flowers and low-growing shrubs, which creates a distinctive alpine ecosystem.

One of the unique features of Happo-One is a phenomenon known as altitudinal inversion, where alpine plants that are typically found at higher elevations grow at lower altitudes, while species usually seen in lowland areas appear at higher elevations. Happo-One is home to as many as 347 species of alpine plants, including several endemic species that carry the name "Happo" in either their scientific or common names.

Flower gallery

  • 写真: キンコウカ
  • 写真: チングルマ
  • 写真: ワレモコウ
  • 写真: ニッコウキスゲ
  • 写真: ハクサンシャジン
  • 写真: タカネマツムシソウ
  • 写真: クリンソウ
  • 写真: コバイケイソウ
  • 写真: タテヤマリンドウ
  • 写真: イワシモツケ
  • 写真: ウラジロヨウラク
  • 写真: カラマツソウ
  • 写真: イワショウブ
  • 写真: クモマスミレ
  • 写真: ユキワリソウ
  • 写真: ヨツバシオガマ
  • 写真: シロウマアサツキ
  • 写真: ゴゼンタチバナ

CLOTHES

The trail to Happo Pond is relatively gentle and popular among beginners and children. However, do not be complacent; proper attire and equipment are essential to ensure safety and comfort during your hike.

As you climb, the temperature drops by about 0.6 °C every 100 meters, and wind can lower the perceived temperature by 1 °C for every 1 m/s. Dress in layers suited for both warm and cold conditions. Even in summer, long-sleeved, quick-drying base layers are recommended. Hiking can be more strenuous than expected — stay hydrated and take regular water breaks.

  • Accessories

    UV rays get stronger at higher elevations. Protect yourself by wearing a hat, covering up with clothing, using sunglasses and applying sunscreen. A neck gaiter or towel is also recommended to shield your neck. Don’t forget to bring rain gear in case of sudden changes in weather.

  • Shoes

    Trails can be slippery and muddy, especially after rain. Comfortable athletic shoes or hiking shoes/boots are recommended for better traction and safety.

  • Insect Protection

    Happo-One is home to various creatures, including insects that may bite or sting. We recommend using bug spray to protect yourself during your hike.

MANNERS

For a safe and enjoyable hike, please follow proper hiking manners.
为了能够安全愉快地登山,请务必遵守登山行为规范。

  • 01Take Your Trash Home
    请将垃圾带回家

    Please take all food waste and trash home with you.Items like leftover food and plastic, if left behind, can harm the local vegetation and disturb the delicate ecosystem.

    请将食物残渣和所有垃圾带走,不要随意丢弃。人工带入的食物、塑料等废弃物若遗留在山中,可能对植被与生态系统造成严重影响。

  • 02Share the Trail
    礼让同行

    Uphill hikers typically have the right of way. On narrow trail sections, please be courteous: communicate clearly and yield when appropriate.

    登山道通常以上山者优先。遇到狭窄路段时,请主动打招呼,彼此礼让,安全通行。

  • 03Help Us Protect the Environment
    请协助保护自然环境

    • To preserve the precious alpine flora, please stay on designated trails at all times. This includes keeping tripods and other equipment on the path as well.
      为了保护珍贵的高山植物,请不要偏离登山道。使用相机三脚架时也请遵守同样的规定。
    • Please do not collect plants, animals, or rocks. This area is part of a Special Protection Zone within Chubu Sangaku National Park, where maintaining the natural environment is strictly enforced.
      请勿采集动植物或石头。这里被指定为中部山岳国家公园的特别保护区域,以维持原有自然状态为原则。
    • To help prevent the spread of invasive species, use the seed-cleaning mats at trail entrances to clean the soles of your shoes before entering.
      为防止外来植物入侵,请在入山时使用种子清除垫,清理鞋底的泥土。

    Environmental Initiatives at Happo-One

  • 04Additional Information
    其他事项

    • The upper slopes of Happo-One are home to the rock ptarmigan, a rare and protected wild species in Japan. To help protect these sensitive animals and plants, please do not bring dogs or other pets into the area. Feeding wildlife is strictly prohibited.
      八方尾根上部栖息着被列为国内稀有野生动植物的雷鸟。为了保护这类对环境变化极为敏感的动植物,严禁将宠物带入山。禁止喂食野生动物。
    • Do not fly drones without prior permission.
      未經事先許可不得飛行無人機。
    • When using trekking poles, please ensure rubber tips are attached to avoid damaging vegetation and trails.
      如需使用无人机,必须事先获得许可。请提前联系中部山岳国立公园管理办公室进行咨询。
    • In case of emergency, dial 110 for police or 119 for fire and rescue services immediately. If you are injured or unable to move, please call for rescue assistance right away. Please note that private rescue operations may incur a fee.
      遇紧急情况,请立即拨打报警电话110或消防电话119。如因受伤或身体不适无法行动,请尽快请求救援。※呼叫民间救援队,救援费用需自行承担。

For Inquiries

Happo Information Center
Telephone: +81-261-72-3066