ROUTE GUIDANCE & HIKING INFORMATION

Routes & Hiking Info

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1. Hakuba Daisekkei Route

Strength Requirement Difficulty
Duration Ascent: 6 hrs 50 mins, Descent: 4 hrs 40 mins
Distance 6.2km (one way) Elevation Gain 1682m

You can walk on the snow of the Hakuba Daisekkei and see a wide variety of alpine plants at the flower fields.
This is a hiking route with lots of variation. Once you reach the ridgeline you can see the mountains of the Northern Alps and the Sea of ​​Japan.

2. Yari Onsen Route

Strength Requirement Difficulty
Duration Ascent: 11 hrs 20 mins, Descent: 9 hrs 20 mins
Distance 11.4km (one way) Elevation Gain 1682m

A popular hiking route where you can enjoy hot spring above the clouds at an elevation of 2100m.

3. Hakuba Oike Route

Strength Requirement Difficulty
Duration Ascent: 7 hrs 10 mins, Descent: 5 hrs 40 mins
Distance 9.3km (one way) Elevation Gain 1003m

This is a hiking route where you can enjoy walking along the ridgeline. It is popular for its numerous photo spots, such as Hakuba Oike and Raichozaka.
In autumn, you have to watch the autumn leaves at Tsugaike Nature Park.

4. Renge–Hakuba Route

Strength Requirement Difficulty
Duration Ascent: 7 hrs 5 mins, Descent: 5 hrs 30 mins
Distance 9.3km (one way) Elevation Gain 1357m

This popular hiking route has a relatively gentle slope. In autumn, you can enjoy the autumn leaves while hiking. At Renge Onsen Lodge, you can enjoy hot springs and delicious rice.

5. Happoone–Karamatsu Route

Strength Requirement Difficulty
Duration Ascent: 4 hrs 30 mins, Descent: 3 hrs 40 mins
Distance 4.7km (one way) Elevation Gain 770m

An easy route for beginners to the Northern Alps. The spectacular view of the Hakuba Sanzan mountains reflected on the Happoike Pond is popular among visitors.

6. Tomione–Goryu Route

Strength Requirement Difficulty
Duration Ascent: 6 hrs 50 mins, Descent: 5 hrs 5 mins
Distance 7.5km (one way) Elevation Gain 1141m

You can pass through the Goryu Botanical Garden and enjoy the alpine plants and the ridgeline beyond.

7. Happoone–Goryu–Tomione Route

Strength Requirement Difficulty
Duration Goryu direction: 11 hrs 30 mins, Happo direction: 12 hrs 10 mins
Distance 16.8km (one way) Elevation Gain 1141m

A hiking route where you can enjoy walking along the ridgeline.
(You can get halfway up the mountain using the gondola lift and chairlifts. You can also enjoy a longer hike along the ridgeline.)

How to enjoy the Japanese Alps safely

Mountain Weather and Precautions

Weather conditions in the mountains can change suddenly, so make sure to check the weather forecast and ensure a safe hike.

①The weather in the mountains can change suddenly!
Check the weather forecast and consider canceling if the weather is bad.
② If a thunderstorm warning is issued, act with caution
Thunder is more likely to occur in the afternoon, so start early and arrive early. If you hear thunder, avoid staying on ridgelines and take refuge in a safe place.
3. Fog can reduce visibility
Follow the trail markers carefully in order to avoid getting lost. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the hiking route in advance.
4. Beware of Hypothermia even in Midsummer
The temperature is much lower at the mountains, so don't forget to bring extra layers with you.
⑤There can be strong winds on the ridgeline.
Once you reach the ridgeline, the wind can be strong, so be careful when advancing.

Request to All Hikers

  • Submit a Hiking Plan – Please submit it in advance in case of an emergency.
  • Don't Hike Alone – Please hike in a group and keep an eye on each other.
  • Take Your Trash Home – In order to preserve the beautiful nature of Hakuba for future generations, please do not leave any trash on the hiking trails or at mountain huts.
  • To protect alpine plants, please refrain from leaving the hiking trails or setting up tents outside the designated areas. 
  • Start Early and Arrive Early. Please arrive at the mountain hut by 3pm.

Basic Checklist for Hiking Equipment

Basic Equipment

  • Hiking Shoes (mid to high cut, waterproof)
  • Rain Gear (waterproof, top and bottom set, such as Gore-Tex)
  • Cold Weather Clothing (fleece, down jacket)
  • Backpack (30L-40L)
  • Headlamp (bring spare batteries)
  • Hat and Sunglasses (for UV protection)
  • Gloves (for cold protection and for passing through rocky areas)
  • Maps and GPS Apps
  • Water (1.5-2L) 
  • Energy Food (chocolate, nuts, yokan, etc. Bring extra for emergencies)
  • Emergency Food (prepared separately from energy food)
  • First Aid Kit
  • Helmet (Recommended if there is a risk of falling rocks and slipping along the route)

Additional Equipment (Depends on the route)

[Snow Period from Late April to Late June]

  • Crampons (10 to 12 points)
  • Ice Axe

[Routes with remaining snow from late June onwards]

  • Crampons (4-point. Daisekkei route and part of the Tsugaike route)
  • Trekking Poles (to reduce pressure on your knees and hip)

[Things that are Useful in Emergencies]

  • Bivouac Tent (for emergency bivouac)
  • Emergency Blanket (to keep warm)
  • Whistle

Rental Gear

Crampons

¥1,500

We offer lightweight 4-point crampons for rent at Sarukura Hut, Hakuba Sanso Lodge and Tsugaike Hutte. You can rent them directly at any of the huts without reservation. When you return the crampons to any of the huts, we will refund the deposit of 500 yen to you.