Autumn Foliage Hakuba-dake Traverse Bus Tour

Grading: 

We will have a 3-day, 2-night tour aiming for the 2,932m summit of Mt. Hakuba, one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Japan! The hiking level is 8. Although there are steep climbs, it is a popular course with generally few dangers. The vast Hakuba Daisekkei, stretching 100m wide, is one of Japan's three major snow valleys. Experience the overwhelming sense of scale. Cool breezes blow across the snowfield, making for a refreshing climb. In early October, Mt. Hakuba is at its peak for autumn colors. The contrast between the rocky ridges of the Northern Alps and the red foliage is incredibly beautiful. In particular, the ridge route from Mt. Hakuba to Hakuba Oike is arguably the most beautiful in Japan. Accommodation is at "Hakuba Sanso," the largest mountain hut in Japan. Located a 15-minute walk from the summit, you can see Mt. Tateyama, Mt. Tsurugi, the Southern Alps, and even Mt. Fuji on a clear day. On the first day, we will climb about 6km with a 1,600m elevation gain from Sarukura Trailhead. We will follow the classic route through Hakuba Daisekkei. The length of the snowfield varies depending on the year’s snowfall and summer heat. On the second day, we hike about 9km with 300m ascent and 1,300m descent. We will traverse Mt. Hakuba, Mt. Korenge, Hakuba Oike, and Mt. Hakuba Norikura before descending to Tsugaike. The ridge route from Mt. Hakuba is exceptional. Relaxing by the lake of Hakuba Oike is a blissful moment. The first day is just for travel, allowing you to rest well before entering the Alps. Accommodation will be at "Minshuku Rokujukkari" or "Minshuku Asahiya." Both inns have hot springs and are conveniently located near supermarkets. Notes: Rooms at the Hakuba minshuku are shared by 2-4 people by gender. Let us know if you have rooming preferences. You can leave gear not needed for hiking (like onsen sets or spare shoes) on the bus. There are no baths at the mountain hut. Water refills are available for free. Date: Saturday, October 11 – Monday, October 13, 2025 Meeting Place: JR Shin-Osaka Station front bus parking lot, Takeda Station West Rotary Meeting Time: 6:45 AM, 7:30 AM Participation Fee: ¥55,000 Payment Method: Collected on the bus (cash or PayPay accepted) Includes: Hakuba minshuku (no meals), mountain hut (1 night with 2 meals), bus fare, ropeway fare, guide fee, insurance Not included: Meals, onsen fee

Date
2025/10/11(Sat)
Meeting place
JR Shin-Osaka Station front bus parking lot, Takeda Station West Rotary
Meeting time
AM 6:45
Schedule
Day 1
7:00 Shin-Osaka Station
↓ Charter Bus Departure
7:45 Takeda Station

Service area break & lunch

17:00 Hakuba Minshuku “Rokujukkari” or “Asahiya”
Shopping, dinner, and onsen

Day 2 6km 1600m Up
6:00 Hotel Departure
↓ Charter Bus
6:45 Sarukura Trailhead 🚻 Start hiking

Hakuba Daisekkei

13:30 Hakuba Sanso Lodge Break & Leave Luggage

Mt. Hakuba Summit 2,932m Group photo

15:00 Hakuba Sanso Lodge Dinner & Stay

Day 3 9km 300m Up / 1300m Down
5:30 Hakuba Sanso Lodge Departure (breakfast is a bento box)

Mt. Hakuba

Mt. Korenge

9:00 Hakuba Oike 🚻

Mt. Hakuba Norikura

12:00 Tsugaike Hutte 🚻

12:30 Tsugaike Nature Park
↓ Gondola & Ropeway
13:30 Tsugaike Highland
↓ Bus
14:00 Hakuba Day-Use Onsen (about 1 hour)

15:00 Depart Onsen

Souvenir stop at service area

20:45 Takeda Station

21:30 Shin-Osaka Station
Entry fee
55000yen
Capacity
25 people
What to bring / clothes
Hiking-appropriate shoes and clothes, change of clothes, onsen set, raincoat, hat, sunglasses, headlamp
Guide
Sayaka/Sayuri

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