What an incredible day hike in the Hakuba area of the Northern Alps in Japan! I absolutely loved this day hike. It definitely gets busy on the weekend, but that just makes it even more beginner friendly for those that don't want to hike alone.

I think getting to the Happo-ike Pond is super beginner friendly. It's slightly more moderate or intermediate going up to Mount Karamatsu, but still doable for those who want to feel adventurous without going on a more dangerous or technical trail.

I started at the Happo One area, got a ticket for the full return ride all the way and all the way down. They will punch your ticket on the way up. You can buy tickets online (search the "Happo One Gondola") or you can just buy them at the counter next to the gondola. The full ride ticket will cover the entire Happo "alpine route" with the gondola and two lifts after that to the top.

Info here:
https://www.happo-one.jp/en/trekking/...

Hiking route:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/japan...


I also know many people who hiked up from the trail further down the mountain, though you will need to have more time and possibly have a hut stay booked to allow for that. But it's doable if you don't want to pay for or take the gondola and lifts for any reason.


Thanks always, folks. Love having you here!




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