Hakuba Happo Onsen: Japan's Unique High-Alkaline Natural Hydrogen Hot Spring

Introduction

Hakuba Happo Onsen, located at the base of Hakuba Mountain, offers a unique high-alkaline hot spring experience with stunning views of the Northern Alps. Known as Japan's only natural hydrogen spring with its waters (pH 11+) emerging from serpentinite rock, it is popular for its skin-smoothing effects and health benefits. Hakuba is also a prime snow sports destination, blessed with large .

Historical Background

The development of Hakuba Happo Onsen dates back to 1876 when a failed attempt to divert hot spring water from Hakuba Yari Onsen ended in tragedy due to a massive avalanche. It wasn't until the late 1970s, amid a boom in skiing and mountaineering, that the dream of creating an onsen in Happo became a reality. In 1982, the Hakuba Happo Onsen began to emerge, with the first successful hot spring extraction in 1983. Over the following years, several public baths and footbaths were established, including the flagship Happo-no-Yu in 2014.

Key Hot Springs

Public Bathhouses

1. Happo-no-Yu

   • The largest day-use facility with an open-air bath featuring natural hydrogen.
   • Offers views of the Hakuba Mountain Range.
   • Address: Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture.
   • Tel: 0261-72-5705

2. Mimizuku-no-Yu

   • Known for its open-air bath with views of Happo Ridge and Hakuba Sanzan.
   • Popular for viewing night cherry blossoms in spring.
   • Address: Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture.
   • Tel: 0261-72-6542

3. Obinata-no-Yu

   • Located closest to the source, featuring natural hydrogen-rich water.
   • Surrounded by natural rock formations.
   • Address: Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture.
   • Tel: 0261-72-3745

4. Go-no-Yu

   • Notable for its hexagonal exterior and traditional onsen ambiance.
   • Located conveniently within Happo Onsen Town.
   • Address: Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture.
   • Tel: 0261-72-6541

Footbaths

Two footbaths are available near JR Hakuba Station, offering easy access for a quick relaxation session.

Activities

Hakuba offers a wide range of exciting summer activities that cater to various interests. Here are some popular summer activities you can enjoy close to Hakuba:

1. Hiking and Trekking:

   • Happo-One Nature Study Trail: A scenic hike with breathtaking views of the Japanese Alps.
   • Tsugaike Nature Park: A high-altitude wetland park with various hiking trails.
   • Kamikochi: A beautiful hiking destination in the Northern Japanese Alps, accessible via bus from Hakuba.

2. Mountain Biking:

   • Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort: Offers various mountain biking trails suitable for all levels.
   • Tsugaike Kogen: Features trails for downhill and cross-country biking.

3. River Activities:

   • Rafting: Experience thrilling white-water rafting on the Himekawa River.
   • Canyoning: Explore the canyons and waterfalls of the Japanese Alps.

4. Lake Activities:

   • Lake Aoki: Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and swimming.
   • Lake Kizaki: Offers various water sports, including windsurfing and fishing.

5. Paragliding:

   • Hakuba Sanosaka: Offers tandem paragliding flights for a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful landscape.

6. Zip Line and Adventure Parks:

   • Hakuba Mountain Harbor: Features zip-lining and a treetop adventure course.
   • Hakuba Adventure Club: Offers zip-lining, tree climbing, and other adventure activities.

7. Scenic Gondola Rides:

   • Happo-One Gondola: Enjoy panoramic views of the Japanese Alps from the gondola.
   • Tsugaike Panorama Way: Provides access to stunning alpine scenery and hiking trails.

8. Cultural Activities:

   • Matsukawa Valley: Explore traditional Japanese villages and temples.
   • Hakuba Saegusa Museum of Art: Enjoy exhibitions of local and international art.

9. Local Festivals and Events:

   • Hakuba Summer Festival: Features traditional music, dance, food stalls, and fireworks.
   • Hakuba Trail Running Race: Participate in or watch this popular summer trail running event.

Access Information

Hakuba Happo Onsen is accessible via various transportation methods from major cities in Japan. Here's a guide on how to get there:

From Tokyo:

1. By Train:

   • Shinkansen: Take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours).
   • Transfer: From Nagano Station, transfer to the Alpico Express Bus (Hakuba Line) to Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal (approximately 1 hour).

2. By Bus:

   • Direct Bus: Take a direct highway bus from Tokyo (Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal) to Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal (approximately 5 to 6 hours).

From Osaka:

1. By Train:

   • Shinkansen: Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Nagoya Station (approximately 50 minutes).
   • Transfer: From Nagoya Station, take the JR Shinano Limited Express to Matsumoto Station (approximately 2 hours).
   • Transfer: From Matsumoto Station, take the JR Oito Line to Hakuba Station (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours).
   • Local Bus: From Hakuba Station, take a local bus or taxi to Hakuba Happo Onsen (approximately 10 minutes).

2. By Bus:

   • Direct Bus: Take a direct highway bus from Osaka (Umeda) to Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal (approximately 6 to 7 hours, but less frequent).

From Nagoya:

1. By Train:
   • JR Shinano Limited Express: Take the JR Shinano Limited Express from Nagoya Station to Matsumoto Station (approximately 2 hours).
   • Transfer: From Matsumoto Station, take the JR Oito Line to Hakuba Station (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours).
   • Local Bus: From Hakuba Station, take a local bus or taxi to Hakuba Happo Onsen (approximately 10 minutes).

From Nagano:

1. By Bus:
   • Alpico Express Bus: Take the Alpico Express Bus (Hakuba Line) from Nagano Station to Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal (approximately 1 hour).

Once you arrive at Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal or Hakuba Station, you can easily access Hakuba Happo Onsen by local bus, taxi, or even on foot if your accommodation is nearby.