Tsugaike Mountain Resort, a highland resort located in the northern foothills of Hakuba in Nagano Prefecture HAKUBAVALLEY, opens its 2026 green season on Saturday, June 6. The Tsugaike Ropeway, which provides access to Tsugaike Nature Park and Northern Japan Alps trailheads within Chubu-Sangaku National Park, resumes operations on the same day.
A Natural Treasure at 1,900m — Tsugaike Nature Park
Tsugaike Nature Park lies within Chubu-Sangaku National Park, spanning Nagano, Niigata, Toyama, and Gifu prefectures. At approximately 1,900 meters above sea level, the park covers around 100 hectares (1 km²) and is one of Japan's foremost high-altitude wetlands. From the observation wetland, visitors can take in sweeping views of Hakuba Sanzan and Hakuba Daisekkei — one of Japan's three great snowfields.
With a particularly early snowmelt this year following the long, harsh winter, mizubashio (Asian skunk cabbage) is expected to be at its peak from around early June. As summer progresses, hundreds of species of vivid alpine wildflowers come into bloom. Then, in late September, autumn arrives ahead of schedule, culminating in a breathtaking "triple color" display — where snow-dusted peaks, autumn foliage, and evergreens appear together in the same vista in early October.
A Scenic Aerial Ride Over the Northern Japan Alps
The gondola lift and ropeway connecting visitors to Tsugaike Nature Park are popular with hikers and photography enthusiasts alike, offering convenient access into Chubu-Sangaku National Park. During the ride, passengers enjoy fresh highland air while taking in views of the Hakuba Sanzan in the Northern Japan Alps, as well as Amakazari-san, Asama-san, and the Yatsugatake mountain range stretching across the Shinshu highlands.
Hakuba Three Mountains Green Season Common Pass — Limited to 1,000 Passes
Nippon Ski Resort Development Group is offering a joint season pass valid across three resorts in the Hakuba area: Hakuba Happo-one, Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort, and Tsugaike Mountain Resort. The pass allows unlimited rides on all gondola lifts, ropeways, and lifts operating during the green season (excluding the Kurobishi Line and Grat Quad Lift at Hakuba Happo-one). This is the first time a joint pass covering all three mountains has been made available.
Pass Overview
- Name: Hakuba Three Mountains Green Season Common Season Pass
- Quantity: 1,000 passes (first-come, first-served)
- Price: ¥9,800 per adult (no child pricing available)
- Sales Start: Monday, June 1, 2026
- Valid Facilities: All gondola lifts, ropeways, and lifts at Hakuba Happo-one, Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort, and Tsugaike Mountain Resort operating during the green season (excluding the Kurobishi Line and Grat Quad Lift at Hakuba Happo-one)
- Validity Period: June 1, 2026 through the end of each resort's green season
- Purchase: Available online through each resort's official website
Note: From June 1 through June 5, Hakuba Happo-one is closed and Tsugaike Mountain Resort has not yet opened, so only Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort is accessible during that period.
"Water Skunk Cabbage Week" Special Event (June 6–14)
To mark the park's opening, a special nine-day event called "Water Skunk Cabbage Week" is being held from Saturday, June 6 to Sunday, June 14. Set against the backdrop of mizubashio blooms in Tsugaike Nature Park and the surrounding highland, the event features complimentary mountain vegetable soup, Alphorn performances, and commemorative gifts for visitors.
Event Period: Saturday, June 6 – Sunday, June 14, 2026
Main Schedule:
- Hospitality Days — Nature Park Opening (June 6–7)
- Weekday Special: Commemorative Gift and Lottery (June 8–12)
- Hospitality Days — Early Summer Festa at the Mountain Base (June 13–14)
Complimentary items and gifts are available in limited quantities. Event content may be changed or canceled due to weather or other conditions.
