REPORT

With its low humidity, cooler temperatures, and abundant spring greenery, May in Hakuba is a refreshing month that locals agree is “the best time of the year.” However, direct sun on clear days can feel hot, so the north side of HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR now has awnings set up (pictured). From the deck, I was able to enjoy the wonderful views of the Northern Alps covered in snow and the spring green at the foot of the mountains.
[Hakuba Iwatake・HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR]

I had a conversation with two visitors from Hokkaido (pictured), who told me, “We made our way to Hakuba from Shinshu Matsumoto Airport yesterday with stops along the way for sightseeing, and stayed overnight last night The air is dry and it’s more comfortable than Sapporo. We rode both the Yoo-hoo! Swing and the Hakuba Giant Swing. We’re having so much fun!” The expansive grassy lawn surrounding Hakuba Hitotoki-no-mori is a deeper shade of green than the last time I visited.
[Hakuba Iwatake・Hakuba Hitotoki-no-mori]

A new deck (pictured) has been built on the east side of the Hakuba Giant Swing this season, and is ideal for taking pictures of friends or family mid-swing with the Northern Alps in the background. Two visitors from Osaka (pictured) commented, “This is our first visit to Iwatake. It was a little nerve-wracking being pulled up by the winch at the beginning, but the swing itself was fun!”
[Hakuba Iwatake・Hakuba Giant Swing]

It’s business as usual this week through to the end of Friday (5/24), but the climax of the YOO-HOO! FESTIVAL takes place this weekend! Fourteen famous artists and groups are scheduled to take the stage over two days, including Gospellers and DEEN on 5/25 (Sat.) and ISEKI (formerly of Kimaguren), HY, Sukima Switch, Hitomi Yaida, and more on 5/26 (Sun.). (*Live performances require a separate ticket; a few tickets remain for the first day, but the second day is sold out). The shade of the beech forest to the left of the stage (pictured) is cool and comfortable, and is a great place to watch the live music.
[Hakuba Iwatake・IWATAKE GREEN PARK]
　
*The opening hours of some facilities and activities will be changed or suspended on 5/25 (Sat.) and 5/26 (Sun.). (*Please check the “Today’s Business Status” area on the official website for details.)

[Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort Information]
* Season … Apr. 19 (Fri)－Nov.17 (Sun), 2024
* Hours … 8:30 a.m.－5:00 p.m.
* Price … Entrance Fee (Gondola and 5th line south fee included) / Adult: JPY2,400, Child: JPY1,300, Pet: JPY700

*Hakuba Iwatake will be reported 2－3times a week
*To Visitors Requesting Original Data of Our Photographs

reported by Snownavi