News from Muffin Mountain Cottage in Misorano, Hakuba

Alpine Flowers and Mountain Views at Hakuba Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden

After the rainy season, even Hakuba in Nagano experiences warm summer days.

For a refreshing summer outing, visitHakuba Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden.

At approximately 1,515 meters above sea level, this is one of Japan’s leading alpine botanical gardens, easily reached by gondola.

Around two million alpine plants of approximately 300 varieties bloom through the seasons against the magnificent backdrop of the Northern Japan Alps.

Muffin Mountain Cottageis about a 15-minute drive from Escal Plaza. Park in the spacious car park and take the Telecabin gondola for an approximately eight-minute ride to a different world.

The higher elevation brings cooler temperatures and refreshing breezes even in midsummer.

The chance to stroll away from the summer heat is one of the garden’s great attractions.

Well-maintained boardwalks and paths allow families with young children, couples, and older visitors to explore at their own pace.

You do not need to climb a mountain to enjoy alpine flowers here, making the garden a wonderful introduction to alpine plants.

July: Alpine Flowers at Their Peak

July brings the greatest variety of flowers in bloom.

One of the first flowers to catch your eye is the “queen of alpine plants,”Komakusa. Its delicate, heart-shaped pink flowers bloom among rocks and gravel, captivating visitors.

Growing strongly in harsh conditions, these flowers combine delicacy and resilience.

Another highlight isNikko Kisuge, whose brilliant yellow flowers spread out like a golden carpet.

The contrast with blue skies, white clouds, and the Northern Japan Alps is breathtaking.

Each flower blooms for just one day, offering a fleeting moment of beauty.

Himalayan blue poppies, edelweiss, Chinguruma, Ibuki-jakoso, and many other alpine plants add color to the garden. Each turn brings a new flower to discover, delighting flower lovers and photographers alike.

August: Flowers and Fresh Mountain Air

In August, visitors come to Hakuba to escape the summer heat.

In the garden, bright pink Yanagiran blooms alongside summer flowers such as Hakusan-furo, Shimotsukeso, and Ominaeshi.

The refreshing highland breeze feels completely different from the heat below.

During the summer holidays, families can enjoy watching flowers and insects and walking in nature—experiences beyond everyday life.

Benches and rest areas make it easy to explore the garden leisurely at your own pace.

September: Flowers that Welcome Autumn

A hint of autumn begins to arrive in the highlands in September.

Autumn alpine flowers such as Ezo-rindo, Torikabuto, and Umebachiso begin to bloom, creating a quieter atmosphere than summer.

Mornings and evenings turn cool, and the clear blue skies and views of the Northern Japan Alps are especially beautiful.

You may even see the first autumn colors appearing on the mountains as the seasons change.

Explore Further on a Beginner-Friendly Walk

After exploring the botanical garden, why not venture a little further on a mountain walk?

The word “trekking” may bring serious mountain climbing to mind.

However, the area around Hakuba Goryu Alps-daira has paths suitable for beginners, allowing even those without climbing experience to enjoy a mountain walk.

The paths are relatively easy to walk, with seasonal alpine flowers to admire at your own pace.

The focus is on strolling through nature and enjoying the scenery rather than rushing to a summit, making these walks popular with families, couples, and older visitors.

Even a short walk opens up wide views. On clear days, you can see Mount Goryu, the Hakuba peaks, Mount Kashimayari, and other mountains of the Northern Japan Alps.

In the clear air at around 1,500 meters, spectacular views invite you to stop and take photographs.

If you have energy to spare, we recommend the route to Jizo-no-Atama.

The walk takes approximately 30–40 minutes from the garden, with seasonal flowers and alpine scenery along the way.

This is a walk rather than a full-scale summit climb, and can be enjoyed with comfortable walking shoes and drinking water.

Along the way, you may encounter natural scenery, birdsong, and wild alpine flowers beyond the garden itself.

Walking past flowers swaying in the breeze, with distant mountains all around, offers a peaceful escape from everyday life.

If you want to experience mountain nature without taking on a challenging climb, Hakuba Goryu’s walking routes are a wonderful choice.

Make Wonderful Summer Memories

Hakuba Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden offers more than flowers: experience cool highland air, magnificent views of the Northern Japan Alps, and nature that changes with each season.

Enjoy a leisurely photo walk, learn about alpine plants, or explore nature on a walking trail.

Everyone can find their own way to enjoy Hakuba Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden.

This summer, makeMuffin Mountain Cottageyour base for a relaxing visit to nearby Hakuba Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden.