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Skiing may be what people think of when they think of Hakuba and Nagano, but all four seasons have their own distinct charms in Japan, and Hakuba is no exception. The explosion of green emerging in spring is capped with the glorious blooming of cherry blossoms in early May. Summer brings warm, sunny days ideal for hiking, trekking, cycling and getting wet in some of the lakes and rivers of the area. Even during the hottest month, August, evenings are cooler here, unlike most other parts of Japan. With October comes cooler temperatures and the amazing colours of autumn, bringing many professional and amateur photographers to the area in search of that perfect shot.
Hakuba features three freshwater lakes; Aoki-ko, Nakazuna-ko, and Kizaki-ko. The use of outboard motors is completely banned on Aoki-ko, giving it some of the cleanest and clearest water in Japan and making it ideal for swimming, canoeing, fishing, windsurfing and other peaceful pursuits. The smallest of the three lakes, Nakazuna-ko, attracts fishermen from near and far due to its wide diversity of native fish, while Kizaki-ko is the most developed, and since engines are allowed, sports like wakeboarding and bass-fishing are popular.
During the warmer months, Hakuba’s major ski resorts (Happo-one, Goryu, Hakuba 47 and Tsugaike) operate lifts to allow access to higher elevations, where subsequent hiking trails open up the major peaks and a network of mountain lodges above 2500m that provide meals and accommodation for the adventurous visitor. At Hakuba 47and Iwatake resorts, the lifts allow access for mountain biking, with dedicated and well-maintained down-hill courses available. Short hikes to attractions such as Happo-ike for fantastic views are popular from the lifts at Happo, Goryu and Tsugaike, and the top ski run at Goryu becomes an alpine flower garden in summer. Above the gondola at Tsugaike, a further ropeway also takes you to a wetland that is designated as a national park.
The Green Season brings with it easy access to a myriad of locations that can pleasantly surprise and occupy visitors for weeks on end, so much so that many of our winter guests gradually become our summer guests. At Hakuba Happo Accommodation we will do our utmost to enhance your experience, whether that involves providing the best tips, simply pointing you in the right direction, or introducing you to one of the qualified activity operators in the area for some real adventure.
