Happo-one / Sunny2020.Oct.02
As with Mt. Fuji, which received its first seasonal snowfall on Monday, September 21st, more than a month earlier than last year, snow has now also been observed on Daisetsuzan’s Mt. Asahi (Hokkaido, 2,291 m) on Saturday, September 26th and yesterday on Nagano’s own Mt. Yari (3,180 m). As we’ve entered this week, the morning and evening temperatures around Happo have gotten noticeably colder, and today the fall foliage in the area around the “Happo-ike” pond (2,060 m) appears to have reached its peak!.
[Happo-ike Pond, Happo-one Nature Trail]
This morning marked the first clear and windless day in nearly a month and a half. There have of course been other days of sunshine during that period, but the skies almost always featured a fair amount of cloud cover as well. Today, looking out to the southeast it was possible to see Mt. Azumaya and Mt. Asama floating above the clouds hovering on the distant horizon, and seas of golden rice fields shining in the sun at the base of the Yatsugatake mountain range.
[Climbing Route, Happo-one Nature Trail]
In the vicinity of the number 2 cairn, the mountainside was blanketed with low-lying foliage that had transformed to its autumnal hues of deep reds and vibrant yellows that commanded attention. Despite it being a weekday, the peaking fall leaves and outstanding weather forecast drew crowds of hikers and climbers to Happo-one from the morning’s very first gondola.
[Number 2 Cairn – Happo Cairn, Happo-one Nature Trail]
There was some concern that the dense clouds and heavy rains over the last few days might have had a negative impact on the autumn colors, but it was a relief to see the leaves of the nanakamado (Japanese Rowan) – the stars of the early peak period – still dressed in their beautiful fall red and holding tight. Walking around the Happo-ike pond, it was easy to hear the voices of visitors exclaiming their wonder and appreciation for the beauty of the area on this gorgeous fall day.
[Happo-ike Pond, Happo-one Nature Trail]
[Happo-one Nature Trail Availability Information]
*Summer Season … Jun. 1, 2020 (Mon.)-Oct. 25, 2020 (Sun.)
*Opening Hour … 7:00 a.m.-(Weekend), 8:00 a.m.-(Weekday)
*Prices … Happo Alpen Line Round-trip / Adult: JPY2,980, Child: JPY1,820 → Advance Ticket Adult:2,700, Child JPY1,640
Kurobishi Line Round-trip / Adult: JPY1,200, Child: JPY840
[Kita-one Kogen Highland Availability Information]
*Summer Season … Jul. 23, 2020 (Thu.) -Nov. 3, 2020(Tue.)
*Opening Hours … 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
*Prices … Kita-one Quad Lift Round-trip / Adult: JPY1200, Child: JPY840
*To Visitors Requesting Original Data of Our Photographs