Breathtaking views and a unique Japanese alpine experience await adventurers ready to take on Hakuba’s towering peaks. The Japanese Northern Alps are a cornucopia of hiking, trekking, and mountaineering delights. Whether your a first-time hiker or a seasoned mountaineering pro our ultimate guide to hiking in Hakuba will tell you all you need to know.
July 6th, 2021 | by Mike Humphrey
When to Hike in Hakuba
Winter Season Hiking (April/May)
If you’re looking to strap on your crampons and shake your head at those silly backcountry skiers still looking for their last turns, the mountain huts open during Golden Week at the end of April. For the 2021 season, the Hakuba Mountain Hut (白馬山荘) opened April 29th to May 5th. Winter hiking is not for the faint of heart; proper safety gear (beacon, probe, and shovel), crampons, and all-weather clothing are required. If you are willing to do some winter camping and aren’t looking to stay in a hut, winter hiking can start as early as mid-March.
Green Season Hiking (May – November)
Hakuba’s mountain huts open in early July and close in mid-October. If you are looking to extend your hiking season in the spring and fall, there are numerous day hikes found at lower elevations that are quite enjoyable and allow you to hike in May and November. We are big fans of Iwatake as a great spring and fall hike. During the spring you get to see the greening of the forest and in the fall the leaves are quite beautiful. You can also have a great coffee at Hakuba Mountian Harbour when you reach the top and enjoy the panoramic views from the deck.
What to Bring Hiking in Hakuba
- Pack – Make sure your pack is the right size (large enough, but not too large) and is comfortable. Look for comfy shoulder straps, a good waist belt, a chest strap, and enough compartments (one that fits a hydration system is great).
- Water – 0.5L of water per 1 hr of hiking at moderate intensity and temperature is a rough guide. We recommend looking for a hydration pack/system, they are easy to carry and easily accessible.
- Food/Snacks – Energy-dense foods and snacks are the best (trail mix, nuts, etc)
- Sunscreen
- first aid kit
- Camera – We use a Sony Alpha 6400 for our photography, it’s a relatively small mirrorless camera with an interchangeable lens. We also recommend looking at a clip to attach the camera to your pack this keeps the camera safe and easily accessible while hiking.
- A book/deck of cards – some way to spend the time at night before heading to bed.
- Sheets – With Corona, the mountain huts are asking hikers to bring their own sheets (see booking a mountain hut below)
- Hiking Boots – Ankle height to prevent injury, comfortable and waterproof
- Rain Gear – lightweight is best
- Hat – Keep the sun and rain off your face and neck with a good wide-brimmed hat. The more breathable the better!
- Navigation – smartphone, watch, or map (see recommended hiking apps below for more)
- Hiking Poles – These can be a lifesaver for your knees. Collapsable poles with rubber stoppers on the bottom will help you keep your balance and help the knees when heading downhill.
Hiking in Japan really doesn’t require a lot of gear, but quality matters. Having a critical piece of equipment break when you are on the trail is not fun. Spend the money to buy good gear, you will be happier in the long run.
Plan Your Hakuba Hike
Hakuba Hiking Map
Hakuba Mountain Huts
For the 2021 season reservations are required for all stays (including tenting)
You Must Bring:
- Mask
- Disinfectant Spray
- Wet Tissue
- Sheets or a Sleeping Bag & Pillow Case (Sheets can be purchased at the lodge for 1,000 Yen)
- Garbage Bag
- Reservation Sheet
Hakuba Mountain Lodge 白馬山荘 (July 3rd, 2021 – October 16th, 2021)
- Max occupancy 800 guests
- Elevation 2,832m
- Prices: (meal plans are available)
- Adult (8,500Yen – 12,000 Yen)
- Children (5,500Yen – 8,000Yen)
- Bento Box (1,500Yen)
Yari Onsen 白馬鑓温泉小屋 (2021 Closed)
- Max Occupancy 100 Guests
- Elevation 2,100m
- Prices: N/A
Hakuba Big Pond Mountain Lodge 白馬大池山荘 (July 3rd, 2021 – October 16th, 2021)
- Max occupancy 150 guests
- Elevation 2,380m
- Lodge Prices: (meal plans are available)
- Adult (8,500Yen – 12,000 Yen)
- Children (5,500Yen – 8,000Yen)
- Bento Box (1,500Yen)
- Tenting Prices: (No Meals available for tenters)
- Tent site 1,000Yen
- Adults & children (1,500Yen/Person)
Tsugaike Hutte 栂池ヒュッテ(June 12th, 2021 – October 16th, 2021)
- Max occupancy 70 guests
- Elevation 1,860m
- Onsen available
- Lodge Prices: (multiple room options available)
- Adult (10,000Yen – 14,000 Yen)
- Children (6,700Yen – 7,200Yen)
- Meal Prices: (No Meals available for tenters)
- Bento Box (800Yen)
- Breakfast (1,100)
- Dinner (2,400)
Goryu Mountain Lodge 五竜山荘 (July 3rd, 2021 – October 16th, 2021)
- Max occupancy 250 guests
- Elevation 2,490m
- Lodge Prices: (meal plans are available)
- Adult (8,500Yen – 12,000 Yen)
- Children (5,500Yen – 8,000Yen)
- Bento Boxes (1,500Yen)
- Tenting Prices: (No Meals available for tenters)
- Tent site 1,000Yen
- Adults & children: (1,500Yen/Person)
Kiretto (mountain ridge) Hut キレット小屋 (July 17th, 2021 – October 2nd, 2021)
**Note: Guests should plan to arrive at the hut by 3:00,**
- Max occupancy 80 guests
- Elevation 2,470m
- Lodge Prices: (meal plans are available)
- Adult (8,500Yen – 12,000 Yen)
- Children (5,500Yen – 8,000Yen)
- Obento (1,500Yen)
Hakuba Jiri Hut 白馬尻小屋 (2021 Closed)
- Max occupancy 130 guests
- Elevation 1,560m
- Price: N/A
Booking a Hakuba Mountain Hut
For the 2021 season, all lodges, huts, and tent sites must be booked in advance. Unfortunately, most of the resources for booking are all in Japanese, though with Google Translate you should be able to make your way through the process.
- Interactive calendar for the lodge availability
- How to Make a Reservation
- Online reservation site
- By Phone (Japanese Only)
- All Lodges except for Tsugaike Hutte: 0261-72-2002
- Tsugaike Hutte 0261-83-3136
- Email: yoyaku@hakuba–sanso.co.jp (Use Simple English)
Reservation Form (Complete Prior to Departure)
Trekking/Hiking Safety Forms
Before heading up the mountain you are required to fill out an itinerary safety form. The form details your planned route, the number of people in your party, and the safety gear you are taking with you. The forms are not actively monitored but must be completed prior to heading up the mountain and are kept in the case of an emergency. If you go missing this is the first place safety crews will check to find out where you may be so they can start searching.
Book Your Next Hakuba Trip
Great Apps For Hiking in Japan
Mapping & GPS
- Yamap – GPS & topo maps (this app can be set up to email your location at set intervals, meaning that if you have an accident someone will know where you were last)
- Gaia GPS – GPS and Topo Maps, great for tracking and seeing routes other people have taken
Weather
- Tenki.Jp – Free weather app for Japan
- Tenki.jp – Mountain version 登山, this app has more accurate weather information especially outside of city centers
Other Apps
- Any compass app
Tell us about your Hakuba hiking experience, where did you go, what time of year. Which hike/hut is your favorite.
Hi there! I’m Mike, I love the mountains and the outdoors. I’m lucky enough to live in Hakuba, Japan where, in the winter you will find me out skiing or snowboarding and in the summer hiking the local mountain peaks.
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