Together, these themes reflect Hakuba Valley’s timeless appeal and its deep connection to nature, culture, and community. Below we share eight of our favorite views from the curated list.
The views of Feng Shui in Hakuba Valley showcase eight remarkable locations that capture the timeless beauty and aesthetic of traditional Chinese landscape paintings. Below are two of our favorites:
① NIGHT RAIN AT NAKATSUNA (OMACHI) Each spring, Lake Nakatsuna morphs into a photographer’s dream as wild cherry blossoms erupt in pink bursts along its shore, their pink reflections mirrored delicately in the still waters. In winter, the lake draws anglers for ice fishing, especially for Wakasagi (Japanese smelt), making it a year-round destination for natural beauty and quiet charm.
② SUNSET GLOW AT AMAKAZARI (OTARI) Mt. Amakazari, one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Northern Alps, Sea of Japan, and even glimpses of distant Sado Island. In October, the forest turns into a kaleidoscope of color, drawing hikers from all over the world to witness the mountain’s wondrous seasonal display.
The historic 130-kilometer Salt Road, once a vital trade route from Itoigawa in Niigata Prefecture to Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture, is now a growing tourist attraction that highlights the enduring traditions and wisdom of the past. Explore three scenic spots where the spirit of the salt trade live on vividly today.
③ SHINDEN HYDRANGEA SIGNPOST (HAKUBA) In spring and summer, the pastel hues of hydrangeas pop along the paths of Hakuba’s Shinden area, a charming village full of traditional thatched-roof homes and quiet lanes. With views of Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort and gentle evening light from local streetlamps, this area offers a peaceful stroll through time and nature.
④ TRAVEL HIMEKAWA ON A LOCAL TRAIN (OTARI) The Himekawa River flows through the heart of the Hakuba Valley, passing through Otari, where the scenic JR Ōito Line carries traditional trains through the mountains. Preserved sections of the historic Salt Road above the river showcase a unique combination of history and natural beauty, ideal for a romantic walk or ride through the area.
⑤ ONCE UPON A TIME CHOJIYA (OMACHI) The former Hirabayashi family home, once a key stop along the Salt Road, is a fascinating glimpse into the Edo period (1603-1868). As a hub for merchants, its historic architecture and exhibits bring to life the significance of this vital trade route. Step inside to experience the legacy of this bygone era, where the history of the Salt Road endures.
The Hakuba Valley, with its majestic mountains and tranquil rivers, has experienced endlessly changing landscapes shaped by the ongoing seismic activity along the Fossa Magna fault line. To celebrate the magnificent scenery, here are three of our favorite views, where mountains and water collide in an unparalleled display of nature’s bounty and power.
⑥ EMERALD GREEN TAKASE VALLEY (OMACHI)
The Takase Gorge, formed along the tranquil Kuzu Onsen by the Takase, Nanakura, and Ōmachi dams along with the tranquil Kuzu Onsen, is a stunning testament to the collaboration of nature and human ingenuity. The blend of natural beauty and engineered landscapes forms a striking harmony between the wild and the designed. The area is also a top spot in the region for enjoying autumn foliage, especially from mid-October to early November.
⑦ MIRROR IN THE SKY HAPPO POND (HAKUBA)
Reached by gondola, lifts, and a 90-minute hike, Happo Pond rewards visitors with awe-inspiring panoramic views and mirror-like waters on calm days. While adults revel
in the beautiful scenery, children delight in searching for the pond’s resident salamanders.
⑧ WHITE SPRING TSUGAIKE NATURE PARK (OTARI) Tsugaike Nature Park, located at 1,900 meters within Chubu San-Gaku National Park, features interconnected marshlands and trails through alpine scenery. From the first spring blooms to the vibrant fall foliage, the park builds with breathtaking beauty throughout the seasons.
