[Round-Trip by JR] Mt. Hakusan – One of Japan’s Three Sacred Mountains: Hike Around the Alpine Ponds

Grading: 

【Round-Trip by JR】One of Japan’s Three Sacred Mountains – Mt. Hakusan Alpine Lake Hiking Tour Mt. Hakusan, standing 2,702m tall and spanning across Ishikawa and Gifu Prefectures, is one of Japan’s Three Sacred Mountains alongside Mt. Fuji and Mt. Tateyama. It is also one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Japan. Known for its abundance of alpine flora, the mountain is home to about 20 species bearing the name “Hakusan,” such as the Hakusan Kozakura (Primula cuneifolia var. hakusanensis). Its three main peaks – Gozenmine (the highest), Oonanji-mine, and Ken-ga-mine – are surrounded by beautiful alpine lakes including Midorigaike and Konyagaike. The walking distance is approximately 4km on the first day and 10km on the second day. From the 1,200m trailhead, the well-maintained trail ascends with an elevation gain of 800m to the mountain hut, followed by another 600m up to the summit. There are no technically difficult sections. The gentle slope and moderate elevation gain make this a relatively beginner-friendly climb among mountains exceeding 2,500m, with minimal risk of altitude sickness. We will stay overnight at Nanryu Sanso, a mountain hut located halfway up Mt. Hakusan. Positioned in a water-rich area, it is equipped with flush toilets and is popular among female hikers. Since 2021, each room features partition panels for increased privacy and comfort. Walk slowly with a flower-loving guide in a small group, and enjoy the treasure trove of alpine plants on Mt. Hakusan. Note: Due to the Obon holiday season, there may be limited availability for group JR seats. In that case, alternative trains may be arranged. Date: Saturday, August 9 – Sunday, August 10, 2025 Meeting Location: JR Osaka Station 1F Central Gate or JR Kyoto Station Platform 0 Meeting Time: 6:45 (Osaka), 7:15 (Kyoto) Participation Fee: ¥46,000 Payment Method: At reception or on the train (cash or PayPay) Fee Includes: Round-trip JR fare, round-trip taxi fare, mountain hut (with 2 meals), guide fee, insurance Not Included: Lunch, onsen fee

Date
2025/8/9(Sat)
Meeting place
JR Osaka Station 1F Central Gate or JR Kyoto Station Platform 0
Meeting time
AM 6:45
Schedule
Day 1
7:00 Depart Osaka Station
↓(Limited Express Thunderbird #3)
7:29 Depart Kyoto Station

8:23 Arrive at Tsuruga Station, transfer
↓(via Tsurugi #4)
9:16 Arrive at Komatsu Station

11:30 Arrive at Bettodeai Trailhead (via shared taxi or bus) 🚻

12:00 Start hiking (approx. 4km)

Nakabanba 🚻

Jinnosuke Emergency Shelter 🚻

16:00 Arrive at Nanryu Sanso
Dinner & early bedtime

Day 2
6:45 Depart Nanryu Sanso after breakfast (approx. 10km)

Hakusan Murodo Rest Area 🚻 – break

Mt. Hakusan summit (Gozenmine)

Alpine lake loop hike

11:00 Hakusan Murodo 🚻 – lunch break (curry, udon, etc. available for purchase)

Kuroboko Rock

Jinnosuke Emergency Shelter 🚻

Nakabanba 🚻

15:00 Arrive at Bettodeai

15:30 Arrive at Shiramine Onsen – enjoy a 1-hour soak

17:45 Arrive at Komatsu Station – souvenir shopping

18:16 Depart Komatsu Station
↓ (Tsurugi #41)
19:02 Arrive at Tsuruga Station – transfer
↓(via Thunderbird #42)
20:09 Arrive at Kyoto Station

20:38 Arrive at Osaka Station – end of tour
Entry fee
46000yen
Capacity
8 people
What to bring / clothes
Suitable hiking clothes and shoes, change of clothes, lunch for Day 1, snacks, drinks, onsen kit, rain gear, sun protection, headlamp
Guide
Sayuri

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