Happo-One Alpine Garden Walk

The Happo-One Alpine Garden Walk explores the high-altitude meadows above Hakuba, Nagano, reached via the Happo-One Gondola and chairlift system from the ski resort base. Access is a 20-minute walk from Hakuba station to the Happo Bus terminal, followed by the gondola and chairlift ride to around 1,831 m. From the upper lift station, a boardwalk trail winds through the alpine garden, a protected meadow of wildflowers and dwarf pine, with distance options from 4 to 8 km depending on how far hikers continue. The boardwalk surface is well maintained and mostly flat near the lift station, with mountain ponds reflecting the Hakuba mountain range along the way. Hikers seeking a longer outing can continue past the alpine garden on a rougher dirt-and-rock trail toward Karamatsu-dake at 2,696 m, which adds significant elevation gain and exposed terrain above the boardwalk section. Shade is minimal throughout, as the trail sits above the treeline, and afternoon cloud is common in summer. There are no natural water sources on the mountain, though the gondola base and mid-station huts sell drinks and snacks. The alpine garden section is accessible to most fitness levels, while the Karamatsu-dake extension is a considerably more demanding undertaking requiring proper hiking gear.