紅葉 (pronounced koyo) means fall colors. I know there is still a lot of green in there but actually I took the pic of few weeks back. I suspect that all the green leaves have long changed color and fallen on the ground... soon to be obliterated by meters of white snow.
During the green season, Hakuba is a mecca for hikers and mountaineers. People from all over Japan come to challenge themselves and be humbled by these imposing hills. No need to be afraid though, Hakuba has routes for every level of hiker, from winding trails with wooden boardwalks to steep terrain and chained rock walls. If you do decide to climb to the summit and hike the ridge line, it is best to do an overnight and stay at one of the mountain lodges on the top (from 6300 yen a night for dorm). Last week was my third time to trek the peaks and although I struggled with muscle pain and a headache from the altitude, I also glided through currents of unbounded energy and bodiless joy received from the preserved beauty of these mystical mountains.
The Hakuba Goryu gondola is still open for the green season. It's not easy to see green these days though. Instead Hakuba's trees are proudly displaying their fall foliage. The gondola at Hakuba Goryu along with Hakuba Happo and Hakuba 47, will be running until the end of October. Once you get to the top of Goryu there are all kinds of hiking routes to choose from. As you can see in the picture above, many of the trails have wooden boardwalks making it possible for hikers of all levels (and kids in strollers) to enjoy some autumn colors. For those who don't mind a bit of a challenge, and some steep terrain, the trails will lead to some spectacular views of majestic Mt. Goryu (as seen below). The Goryu gondola is only a 10 minute walk from Lodge tabi-tabi, you can also find it on our recommendation map here.
It was an absolutely beautiful autumn day in Hakuba yesterday so we decided to take Happo Gondola up to have a closer look at the freshly fallen snow on the top of the alps. These majestic peaks are known as Hakuba San Zan (白馬三山), from right to left, Mt. Shirouma, Mt. Shakushi and Mt. Hakuba Yari. I highly recommend this little hike to Happo Pond (Happi Ike). It costs 2600 yen for a return trip on the gondola top two lifts. Once you get off the top lift just follow the trail for about an hour for a loop around the pond. Pack a lunch, there are lots of benches for you to enjoy your sandwich and the stunning view.
初雪 (pronounced hatsu yuki) means first snow!!!! It's October 3rd and the Hakuba Alps are starting to cover up all already. Getting very excited about the season ahead!
This one is for all the shredding sistas out there. Sugarbeat, from Fullface Productions, shows us what Czech grrlz have been up to. Great soundtrack, beautiful cinematography, cool anime graphics, and of course some seriously talented athletes make this a truly inspirational film for all of us grrlz out there. Watch the full length video on vimeo or check it out right here:
Yasu is making good use of my new Loaded Dervish in this downhill session in Hakuba. Only wish I could carve like that!
In Hakuba, it's so very easy being green.
Hakuba has everything a mountain bike enthusiast needs; MTB clinics, coaching, guiding, beautiful trails, rentals, and a park for serious shredders. Karey from Sweet Riders in Hakuba took us out for a few lessons, some trail riding and even a bit of down hill. You can hook up with her for some sweet riding too. Here is a typical sweet ride with Karey:
Many people ask "What's there to do in summer in Hakuba?". The short answer is "Way more than in winter!". For the next few entries, I will help you make plans for some serious summer time adventures in the alps with recommendations for hiking, mountain biking, white water rafting, canyoning, kayaking, canoeing, firefly tours, climbing an adventure course, enjoying a refreshing dip in Japan's 2nd cleanest lake, outdoor onsens, restaurants, cycling courses, live outdoor dance performances, longboard skateboarding, and more fun back at tabi-tabi with BBQs on the deck, jumpin around on the trampoline, and getting stoked on skatedecks on our very own tabi-tabi half-pipe.
Read about our summer time shred fest in Shimoda, here!
The end of season is near. May 5th will be the last opening day for Goryu, Hakuba 47, and Happo. We won't be there to bid farewell to another fine winter, instead we will be in Shimoda celebrating Children's Day in style with streamers spanning across the river. Check it out here
Will be back for opening season in November! Looking forward to it but happy to catch up on my vitamin D here by the sea!
