Hakuba Happo pond Reflection, Mt.Karamatsu course for an introduction to mountain lodge or Mt.Goryu course for a fierce rock ridge

Grading: 

Hakuba Sanzan reflected like a mirror in a beautiful natural pond, “Happo Pond” You can access up to 1,830m in elevation by gondola, making it an easy course even for beginners to the Alps. Passing through rocky scree slopes and areas of dwarf pine, you will arrive at the summit lodge of Mt. Karasawa by hiking along the spectacular ridge of Happo-one. The summit of Mt. Karasawa is about 20 minutes from the lodge, offering panoramic views of Mt. Goryu, Mt. Tsurugi, Mt. Shirouma, and more. Plan ① Mt. Karasawa Course Mountain Level 5 Accommodation: “Karasawa Summit Lodge” A 5 km one-way hike with an elevation gain of 860m. It’s a relaxed course that allows you to arrive before noon. Located just 20 minutes on foot from the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Tateyama, Mt. Tsurugi, Mt. Goryu, and more. This relatively safe course is recommended for those making their mountain hut debut. On the final day, we descend the same route. After descending, you’ll have plenty of time for a hot spring bath. Plan ② Mt. Goryu Course Mountain Level 9 From Karasawa Summit Lodge, cross the difficult “Ushikubi Chain Section” Continue along a ridge trail with a sense of height and rocky terrain. Accommodation: “Goryu Mountain Hut,” known for the popular “I Love Mountains and Sake” T-shirt. On the final day, climb the rocky area for about an hour to reach Mt. Goryu (2,814m), one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. You’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment as you look back over the beautiful ridgeline you hiked. Descend via the Toomi Ridge and take a gondola down from around 1,500m in elevation. The first day is for travel only, allowing you to rest up for the Alps. Accommodation will be at “Minshuku Rokujukari” or “Minshuku Asahiya.” Both have hot springs and are conveniently located near supermarkets. Notes Reservations for Karasawa Summit Lodge start one month in advance (8/21). If we are unable to secure a reservation, you may switch to the Mt. Goryu course or cancel free of charge. Minshuku in Hakuba will be 2–4 people per room, separated by gender. Let us know if you have any rooming preferences. You may leave items you won’t use for hiking on the bus, but those on Plan ② should carry a change of clothes and bath set. There are no baths in the mountain huts. Water is available but for a fee. Each course will operate with 10 or more participants. If fewer than 10, we will consult with you about cancellation or switching to the other course. Dates: September 20 (Sat) – 22 (Mon) Meeting Places: JR Shin-Osaka Station Main Exit Bus Parking / Takeda Station West Rotary Meeting Times: 6:45 AM / 7:30 AM Participation Fee: ¥55,000 Payment Method: Collected on the bus (cash or PayPay) Included: Hakuba minshuku (lodging only), mountain hut (1 night with 2 meals), bus fare, ropeway fare, guide fee Not Included: Meals, bath fees Minimum Participants: 15

Date
2025/9/20(Sat)
Meeting place
JR Shin-Osaka Station Main Exit Bus Parking / Takeda Station West Rotary
Meeting time
AM 6:45
Schedule
Day 1
7:00 Shin-Osaka Station
↓ Chartered bus departs
7:45 Takeda Station

Rest stops at service areas and lunch

17:00 Minshuku “Rokujukari” in Hakuba
Shopping / dinner / bathing

Day 2 ①5.6 km 860mUp ②7.5 km 1100mUp
5:30 Depart hotel on foot

6:30 Happo Gondola Lift
↓ Gondola and lift
7:00 Happo-ike Sanso – 30 min for altitude acclimatization

Happo Pond reflection

12:00 Karasawa Summit Lodge
Those on Plan ① will have lunch and then head to Mt. Karasawa after dropping off gear

Plan ②
12:30 Karasawa Summit Lodge

Ushikubi Chain Section

15:30 Goryu Mountain Hut

Day 3
Plan ① 4.5 km 850mDown
7:30 Depart Karasawa Summit Lodge after breakfast

Happo Pond

11:00 Lunch at Kurobishi-daira or Usagidaira Restaurant
↓ Gondola and lift descent
Happo Gondola Lift
↓ On foot
12:30–14:00 Bath at Happo-no-Yu

Plan ② 8.7 km 520mUp, 1500mDown
5:00 Depart Goryu Mountain Hut – leave gear and summit Mt. Goryu

6:00 Mt. Goryu

7:30–8:00 Goryu Mountain Hut – breakfast and rest

Toomi Ridge

12:30 Alps-daira
↓ Gondola
13:00–14:15 Lunch and bath at Escal Plaza

Common to both plans
14:00 Happo-no-Yu
↓ Chartered bus
14:15 Escal Plaza

Rest stops at service areas

20:45 Takeda Station

21:30 Shin-Osaka Station
Entry fee
55000yen
Capacity
25 people
What to bring / clothes
Proper hiking shoes and clothing, change of clothes, bath set, raincoat, hat, sunglasses, headlamp (Plan ②)
Guide
Shiho・Sayaka

If you apply for the first time, the LINE friend registration page will appear. Please register as a friend and then apply for the course.