Nishiho Sanso (西穂山荘)

Nishiho Sanso is a major ridge-access mountain hut above the Shinhotaka Ropeway, widely known for being one of the few huts in the Northern Japanese Alps that operates year-round. It’s a practical base for hikers heading to Maruyama and the more serious ridge terrain toward Nishi-Hotaka-dake, and it’s also a key entry point for winter mountain experience—only for properly equipped, experienced parties.