REPORT

The beech forest at the top of Mt. Iwatake (pictured) not only blocks direct sunlight, but also keeps temperatures cool through the process of transpiration whereby water absorbed via the roots ultimately evaporates from the leaves. The area was shrouded in clouds early in the morning, but cleared up before 8:30 when the gondolas started moving. As I arrived to the top, the area was bathed in strong sunlight, but the air was still cool.
[Hakuba Iwatake・IWATAKE GREEN PARK]

It was a lively scene at HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR with people lined up to buy food and drinks at THE CITY BAKERY, others waiting their turn to have their photo taken on the overhanging terrace, and others simply relaxing and enjoying the view. The CITY BAKERY is currently serving three special summer-only menu items until 8/31 (Thurs.): a Shinshu Pork Sausage Focaccia Pizza, a Tuna Corn Potato Mayonnaise Focaccia Pizza, and a CB Cookie Coconut Caramel Shake.
[Hakuba Iwatake・HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR]

Over at CHUMS RIDGE, I saw a brother and sister from Tokyo (pictured) trying out their hand at disc golf. Their mother, who was watching over them, told me, “We’re camping at Iwatake Mountain Field yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Yesterday after an intense afternoon thunderstorm we had a BBQ a night, and this morning we had a special breakfast at CHAVATY HAKUBA that was limited to overnight guests. These are experiences we can’t get in Tokyo.”
[Hakuba Iwatake・CHUMS RIDGE]

Overall, Iwatake was alive with energy even before the Obon vacation period, which starts tomorrow with the Mountain Day holiday. There was a 5 to 10 minute que waiting for the Yoo-hoo! Swing (pictured), as well as a 10 to 15 minute line for the Hitotoki Downhill. The central parking lot was 70-80% full by around 12:00 pm.
[Hakuba Iwatake・IWATAKE GREEN PARK]

　
[Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort Information]
* Season … Apr. 28 (Fri)－Nov.12 (Sun), 2023
* Hours … 8:30 a.m.－5:00 p.m.
* Price … Entrance Fee (Gondola fee included) / Adult: JPY2,400, Child: JPY1,300, Pet: JPY700
*MTB PARK Fee … 1 Day Pass Adult: JPY4,800, Child: JPY3,500, Village Cross Country Course, Dual Pump Track?& Mini Cross-course 1 Day Pass Adult: JPY1,200, Child: JPY800
　
*To Visitors Requesting Original Data of Our Photographs
*Hakuba Iwatake will be reported 2－23times a week
　
　
reported by Snownavi