Katano-koya (肩の小屋)

Katano-koya is a major mountain hut on Mt. Norikura (Norikura-dake), positioned exactly where the main hiking routes converge: the trail from Norikura Kogen meets the route coming from Tatamidaira, and both continue toward Kengamine (Norikura’s highest point). Because of that placement, it functions as a route hub more than a “quiet retreat”—ideal for staging a summit push, timing sunrise, or breaking up a longer Norikura itinerary.