This scenic overlook is known for its panoramic views of the Northern Alps and the attractive campground that opened here in 2021. The sun setting vividly behind the mountains, snowcapped peaks stained in red at the morning’s first light, and a sea of clouds filling the valley below—these scenes routinely greet visitors to this elevated outlook. Here the changing seasons are punctuated by brief but exquisite bursts of color, like the 150 sakura that paint the plateau pink in spring and the waves of orange and yellow that crash across the mountainside in autumn. #Otari_WildGeeseAlightingOnTheChōbōnoSato

Lake Kizaki is a fantastic place to connect deeply with the landscape and surround yourself with the beauty of the natural world 365 days a year. The lake and its scenic surroundings satisfy throughout the year with vivid spring greenery, refreshing summer watersports, incredible autumn leaves, and the pure white pleasure of the winter season snow. The full complement of activities on hand includes contemporary favorites such as SUP and tried-and-true standards like canoeing and fishing. Angling for wakasagi (Japanese smelt) is a popular option that can be done here year-round.#Ōmachi_ReturningSailsAtKizaki

The summit area of this gondola-accessed resort boasts some of the best scenery in the valley, along with two of the most outstanding venues to witness it from: Hakuba Mountain Harbor and Hakuba Hitotoki-no-Mori. Here spectacular seasonal views are complimented by an exhaustive assortment of green season activities for the whole family, ranging from a world-class downhill mountain bike park to the family-friendly ‘Yoo-Hoo! Swing’—a thrilling version of the playground standard that launches you towards the edge and the mountains beyond. In addition to fabulous skiing and snowboarding, Iwatake is an excellent destination for winter sightseeing.#Hakuba_ClearingMistAtIwatake

The broad expanse of peaceful rice paddies in the Warabidaira area delights visitors with unobstructed views of the majestic mountains towering above the village of Hakuba in all seasons. Not far from these quiet fields, popular summer rafting excursions offer adventure seekers the opportunity to cool off in the refreshing waters of the Himekawa River. Consider visiting here after dark regardless of where or how you spend the day; this is a prime spot for gazing upward at the sky pulsing with the light of a million stars—on both cold, clear winter evenings and midsummer nights alike.#Hakuba_EveningSnowSceneAtWarabidaira

Mt. Karamatsu is home to an unusual alpine feature for Japan: one of only a few glaciers in the country. Despite the image this evokes, it’s known as a relatively easy mountain to climb, and families with children are often amongst those aiming for the summit. Hikers can typically reach the top in around four and a half hours using the gondola and lifts to access the trailhead. The vistas from the crest of the ridge are superb, and the fall colors in September and October are a definite highlight, as is the gorgeous sunrise from the lofty Kurobishi Skyline.#Hakuba_HarvestMoonAtKaramatsu

Every year this quiet lake transforms into one of the biggest stars of spring. As the wild oyama-zakura cherry blossoms that crowd a small corner of the shore erupt into a gorgeous curtain of pink, their image cascades across the surface of the water in flawless reflection. Photographers gather in the stillness of dawn from late April to early May to capture this breathtaking view. The mist suspended in silence over the tranquil waters is another captivating sight. The lake is home to several varieties of fish, and ice fishing for wakasagi (Japanese smelt) is a popular winter activity.#Ōmachi_NightRainAtNakatsuna

Reishōji is a magnificent 600-year-old temple deep in the mountains and the oldest one in Nagano that belongs to the Sōtō Zen sect of Buddhism. The hidden temple’s impressive two-story thatched-roof gate is a Prefectural Treasure that typifies the essence of Japanese design. The imposing wooden structure features intricate carvings by skilled artisans specializing in religious architecture. Another of its main attractions is the grand ohatsuki-ichō, a rare variety of ginkgo biloba where the nuts grow directly from the leaves. The incredible autumn foliage here climaxes between late October and early November.#Ōmachi_EveningBellAtReishōji

Mt. Amakazari is a prominent 1,963-meter peak that straddles the border of Nagano and Niigata Prefectures, notable for its inclusion on the celebrated list of ‘Nihon Hyaku-meizan’ (the 100 Famous Mountains of Japan). The exposed rocky high point commands a sublime 360-degree panorama of the Northern Alps and the Sea of Japan, including glimpses of the distant Noto Peninsula and Sado Island. During October, the forest canopy turns into a kaleidoscope of color, with large numbers of hikers flocking to the area to experience the wondrous fall leaves for which the mountain is renowned.#Otari_SunsetGlowAtAmakazari

This lovely street travels high along the hillside on the eastern edge of the valley and is the perfect perch from which to take in splendid views of the Japanese countryside and the Northern Alps. Spring arrives in a colorful crescendo here in April when the cherry trees that line the road fully bloom to form an unbroken rose-colored column that extends as far as the eye can see. The scenic spring synergy of sakura, snow, and summits is extraordinary and can be enjoyed by driving, walking, or cycling on this wonderful route.#Ōmachi_SightseeingRoad

The honden (main hall), chumon (inner gate), and tsuriya (suspended roof) of the Nishina Shinmeigu Shrine are National Treasures and the oldest existing examples of shinmei-zukuri, a rare and distinctive architectural style. This significant shrine is also home to several Tangible and Intangible Cultural Properties, such as a series of 35 munafuda (wooden tablets) that record the history of the shrine’s ritual rebuilding every 20 years and events from ancient times that still take place today. Those traditions include the ‘Koshiki Sakuhajime no Shinji’ ceremony in spring and the ‘Daidai Kagura’ dance ritual in autumn.#Ōmachi_NishinaShinmeiguShrine

This faithfully-restored residence introduces the fascinating story of the historic Shionomichi (Salt Road): a trail used for hundreds of years to carry salt and other valued marine products inland from the ocean. Stepping inside the home of the Hirabayashi family of salt merchants offers a glimpse into life at the time of the vital trade route’s Edo period (1603 – 1868) heyday. The building itself and the many artifacts on exhibit tickle the imagination and conjure the romance of a bygone era. The salt that once graced these halls is long gone, but the spirit of those days survives here undiminished.#Ōmachi_Chojiya

This atmospheric mountain pass is one of only a handful of Shionomichi (Salt Road) sections that retain their original character. The unpaved trail starts from the Sanosaka parking lot at an elevation of around 780 meters, climbs steadily and gently before cresting over the pass’ 850-meter high point, and finally descends towards Lake Aoki. June, July, and August are considered the most enjoyable times to walk the path; commanding views of the lake can be had before the leaves bud in spring, while the forest buzzes with life-giving energy in summer. #Hakuba_Sanosaka

The subtle pastel hues of carefully-manicured hydrangeas add elegant splashes of color to the landscape and point the way through the Shinden area in spring and summer. A stroll around the neighborhood is made even more pleasant by the presence of old country homes interspersed throughout, some of which retain their traditional kayabuki (thatch) roofing. Stirring, up-close views of the nearby Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort and surrounding mountains are another scenic bonus. Dusk brings an inviting shift in the ambiance as the area’s lanes and alleys illuminate with the warm, welcome glow of unassuming streetlights.#Hakuba_Shinden

This incredible homestead from the early 19th century is the only extant lodging to have accommodated traders along the ancient Shionomichi (Salt Road). The materials used, the size and number of structural pillars, and the construction method are of exceptional quality for a residence from that period. It’s a large building that measures six ken wide and ten ken long (approximately 11 by 18 meters), and one can easily imagine the history and humanity that passed through these wooden walls. Today it operates as a museum and is both a Tangible Cultural Property for the village and a Prefectural Treasure.#Otari_UshikataYado

The Himekawa is a river running 60 kilometers through the heart of the Hakuba Valley. This vital waterway passes through a narrow corridor at the center of the village of Otari, where local trains slowly plod the non-electrified tracks of the JR Ōito Line, and humble countryside hamlets tightly hug the banks. Preserved sections of the Shionimichi (Salt Road) traversing the hillsides above the river serve as a reminder of the region’s rich history. Combining an exciting walk on an ancient trail with a romantic ride on a legendary railroad is a fitting way to experience the magic of Otari.#Otari_UchūDistrict

A solitary sakura stands tall amongst the terraced rice fields of the Nakatsuchi area, watching over the Wademura settlement with dignity and grace. Here the terrain flows from foreground to background with a seamless harmony so that the mountains extending across the horizon seem almost close enough to touch. By day, this engaging scene soothes the hearts and minds of those who trek the Shionomichi (Salt Road), much as it has for centuries. Dark skies at night produce a sensational celestial enchantment, wherein the elements of the earthly landscape appear to merge with the mighty Milky Way hovering above.#Otari_NakatsuchiDistrict

Ōmachi Park is a small, manicured plot of land high above the valley floor that delivers glorious bird’s eye views over the city and the Northern Japanese Alps. It is a favorite destination for families, picnickers, and photographers throughout the year, especially in spring (mid-April) when the cherry blossoms achieve their pinnacle and provide a terrific contrast to the stately snow-covered ridgeline rising high above the plains. The park sits adjacent to the Ōmachi Alpine Museum, and visitors can access the pair in around 30 minutes on foot from JR Shinano-Ōmachi Station. #Ōmachi_ŌmachiPark

The massive dams that control the flow along the Takase River (the Takase, Nanakura, and Ōmachi dams), together with the hot springs of Kuzu Onsen and the surrounding areas, collectively comprise the Takase Gorge. The astonishing scale and beauty of the natural topography, combined with the artistry of the enormous artificial structures that seamlessly occupy it, is truly awe-inspiring. In addition, this is one of the premier locations in all of Nagano Prefecture for admiring the beauty of the autumn leaves, and the best time to catch them is from mid-October to early November.#Ōmachi_TakaseGorge

This extraordinarily-scenic spot is reached via a single gondola and a pair of lifts, followed by a 90-minute hike up a rocky mountain trail with first-rate views in every direction. As you make your final approach to the outskirts of Happo-ike, the pond slowly comes into view, revealing the reward your effort has earned you. Clear, windless days present a magnificent spectacle in which the placid waters perfectly mirror the mountains. While adults busy themselves with selfies and shouts of joy, children can take pleasure in searching for the salamanders that inhabit the pond.#Hakuba_HappoIkePond

A short ride on the gondola is all it takes to reach this outdoor botanical garden at an altitude of 1,515 meters. The park is open from June to October, with each season starring a different cast of colorful characters: from the understated appeal of delicate flowers emerging from the snow in spring to the profound beauty of mass blooms in summer. Along with the soaring views and astounding variety of species on hand, the opportunity to observe and interact with these rare and remarkable alpine plants up close in natural surroundings is what sets this place apart. #Hakuba_GoryuAlpineBotanicalGarden

Ōide Park is Hakuba’s prime spot for relishing in the beauty of the spring cherry blossoms. The largest crowds come to see the sakura blooming in May, but stunning views greet visitors throughout the year. The park is home to a suspension bridge and several traditional thatched-roof buildings that accentuate an already beautiful location and add a unique character to the photographs everyone is keen to capture. Views of the Northern Alps from here are sensational, and sandan-kōyo (three-tiered autumn leaves) is a special treat that features white snow-covered peaks, red mid-mountain leaves, and the still-green foothills in late October. #Hakuba_ŌidePark

The Tsugaike Nature Park is a pristine nature preserve located within the Chūbu-Sangaku National Park, at an average elevation of 1,900 meters. Here a series of marshlands are connected by a network of trails that take you through a stunning ecosystem and dramatic alpine scenery. The park opens in June as the first flowers emerge from the snow, and summer builds like a symphony of color with an abundance of alpine flora blooming throughout the park. The beauty of fall is almost beyond description, with vibrant hues of reds, oranges, and yellows sweeping across the hills in every direction.#Otari_TsugaikeNaturePark

The catastrophic collapse of the northern face of Mt. Hieda in 1911, known as the ‘Hiedayama Kuzure,’ forever changed the shape of the landscape and is recognized as one of Japan’s three most significant historical landslide events. The enormous amount of rock and debris released from the mountain choked off the river below, forming a natural dam and causing extensive damage and loss of life. As of 2021, a large information board with details and photos of the calamity sits at the Matsugamine Radio Relay Station: a hilltop facility that looks out over the site of the disaster.#Otari_MtHieda

Kama-ike is a pond resting in the shadow of Mt. Amakazari, a rugged peak distinguished as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. A pleasant footpath that measures 2 kilometers in length encircles the forested perimeter of this beautiful pond and takes around 40 minutes to complete. You may encounter the mystical morning fog illuminated by the sun’s first rays if you time your visit right. Nature’s artistry is on display year-round, but autumn is the consensus choice to maximize your experience; travelers in October can witness unforgettable fall colors flawlessly reflected on the pond’s still surface. #Otari_KamaIkePond