Text by Alex
Autumn is the best season for mountain climbing, which is why mountain trails that are usually deserted suddenly become crowded with backpackers. In Japan’s Northern Alps, there is a pristine natural spot called Bappo Pond. Photographer KAZU (@kaaazu.photography) cleverly used an angle to capture a photo of a “long dragon.” Hikers follow one after another across a small bridge, with mountains behind them and their reflections in the water ahead, all shrouded in mist—like a scene from a fairyland.
▲ Photographer KAZU cleverly used an angle to capture a photo of a “long dragon crossing the bridge.” (Photo by kaaazu.photography @IG)
Hakuba Village in Nagano Prefecture is a skiing destination and also hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998. But even in summer and autumn, Hakuba Village remains just as exciting. For example, the trail toward Mount Tateshina (2,696 meters), which passes by Bappo Pond, is suitable for family hikes. You can take a cable car from the foot of the mountain to Bappo Pond Lodge at an altitude of 1,820 meters (a rest area with light meals), and then walk along a mostly wooden boardwalk route for about 90 minutes (1.5 km) to reach Bappo Pond at an altitude of 2,060 meters.
▲ On calm, windless days, the reflection of the Hakuba Mountain Range floats on Bappo Pond, creating a stunning view. (Photo by masa08x @IG)
Looking north from Bappo Pond, you’ll see the Hakuba Mountain Range, with Mount Hakuba at 2,932 meters being the highest peak. On calm, windless days, the reflection of the Hakuba Mountain Range floating on Bappo Pond is incredibly beautiful. If you hike here in summer, you can enjoy alpine plants, and in autumn, you can admire the fall foliage. It’s worth noting that the two cable car lines operating to the hiking area are only open from June to the end of October each year (operating hours vary yearly and may be suspended due to weather conditions). If you’re planning to visit Bappo Pond this year, be sure to check the “last departure” times.
▲ The hiking trail is usually deserted on weekdays—you can strike any pose for photos. (Photo by kaji_nori06 @IG)
▲ During the transition between summer and autumn, fog often swirls around the mountains or forms seas of clouds. (Photo by takeshimitamura @Twitter)
▲ (Photo by aumo.jp @IG)
▲ A full view of Bappo Pond. (Photo by kaaazu.photography @IG)
▲ (Photo by okayowithkyon @IG)
▲ Bappo Pond takes on a completely different charm at night. (Photo by sayapen712 @IG)
▲ (Photo by kaaazu.photography @IG)
▲ For most hikers, Bappo Pond is just a stopover—their final destination is Mount Tateshina at the end of the trail. (Photo by smallbonee @IG)
▲ Panoramic view of Bappo Pond. (Photo by smallbonee @IG)
Source: Alpico, Japan Hoppers