Departure from Kyoto Station ⇒⇒ (Daini Keihan Expressway) ⇒⇒ Roadside Station Kyotanba (Restroom Break) ⇒⇒ (Daini Keihan Expressway)

                     8:00                                                                                                          9:00～9:20

 ⇒⇒ Oeyama Serpentine Site (walking tour & Bento Lunch) ⇒⇒ (via Miyazu) ⇒⇒ Kaya Yama-no-Ie (Tour of Rice Cultivation on Serpentine Soil)

          10:15～12:00                                                                                                                    13:00～14:00

Kaya Yama-no-Ie ⇒⇒ (Ayabe-Miyazu Road) ⇒⇒ Roadside Station Kyotanba ⇒⇒ (Daini Keihan Expressway) ⇒⇒ Kyoto Station

                                                                                               15:15～15:35                                                                                  16:40

Serpentine Outcrops in Hakuba Happo

Hakuba Happo is home to rare serpentine outcrops, a unique geological feature in Japan. Serpentinite is formed when ultramafic rocks (such as peridotite) undergo metamorphic changes through hydration and chemical reactions deep underground. These serpentinite outcrops can be observed along hiking trails in the Happo-One area and around Hakuba Village, significantly influencing the local alpine plant ecosystem.

Serpentinite and Its Impact on the Ecosystem

Serpentinite differs from typical soils in its chemical composition, being rich in magnesium while low in calcium, which creates a harsh environment for most plants. As a result, this area is home to rare, serpentinite-adapted alpine plants such as Happo Takane Senburi (Swertia tetrapetala), Miyama Nagahashi Sumire (Viola nagashimae), and Happo Usuyukisou (Leontopodium fauriei). These plants have evolved unique adaptations to thrive in the nutrient-poor and metal-rich soil.

The serpentinite outcrops in Hakuba Happo provide valuable insight into the geological history of Japan while also serving as a crucial habitat for rare alpine flora.

Notice: The final plan for the post-conference tour is currently under review. 

The current proposal is posted below.

Post-Conference Tour Itinerary

June 18

7:30 AM Depart from Kyoto Station → Travel to Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden via expressway (Distance: 390 km, Estimated travel time: 6 hours 20 minutes with 2 rest times (20 minutes each)) → 2:00 PM Arrive at Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden parking lot → Take the gondola to the botanical garden → 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM Explore the botanical garden (alpine plants, serpentine plants) → Descend via gondola → Check-in at Hakuba Mominoki Hotel

June 19

8:00 AM Depart from the hotel → 5-minute drive to the gondola station → Take multiple gondolas to Happo-One → Explore the serpentine rock area walking trails (approx. 2 hours) → 11:30 AM Lunch at an Italian restaurant in Kurobishi-daira → Descend via gondola and lift, return to the hotel → Afternoon options: Free time for rest or exploring Hakuba Village or Visit Fossa Magna Museum by bus to learn about serpentine rock and jade or Travel to Jade Coast for jade hunting, then return to the hotel

Jade coast and Fossa Maguna Museum

Jade Hunting at Jade Coast

After visiting the Fossa Magna Museum to see exhibits on jade and serpentinite, we will head to Jade Coast for a jade hunting experience. While collecting jade directly from the Hakuba area is prohibited, it is permitted to pick up jade stones that have been carried to the coast by river currents. Jade is a translucent stone that glows green when light passes through it. Bringing a flashlight will make it easier to identify jade stones, or please use your smartphone’s light.

June 20

8:00 AM Check out from the hotel → Travel to Nagano Station → Drop off participants traveling to Tokyo → Continue on the expressway to Azumino → Visit Daio Wasabi Farm for lunch and sightseeing → 1:00 PM Depart from Azumino → 7:00 PM Arrive at Kyoto Station

Azumino Spring Water

Azumino spring water is a natural source of pure underground water found in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture. This water originates from the melting snow of the Northern Japanese Alps, which filters through the ground over a long period before emerging as spring water in Azumino. The water is exceptionally clear, cold, and maintains a stable temperature of around 13°C throughout the year. These characteristics make it an ideal water source for agriculture, food processing, and various ecological habitats.

One of Japan’s Largest Wasabi Farms

Utilizing the abundant and pristine Azumino spring water, one of Japan’s largest wasabi farms is operated in this region. Particularly, Daio Wasabi Farm, located in Azumino City, is famous for its vast wasabi fields, where fresh spring water continuously flows, creating an ideal environment for wasabi cultivation. Since wasabi can only grow in clean, cold, and flowing water, the characteristics of Azumino’s spring water make it perfect for producing high-quality wasabi.

If you have any questions, please contact the Chair (Takafumi Mizuno)