Hakuba-yari Onsen-koya

The Hakuba-yari Onsen-koya is a remote mountain hut with natural hot springs hidden in a steep side valley of the Hakuba Range, Northern Japanese Alps. Renowned for its open-air onsen amid dramatic cliffs, it serves as a serious stage hut on demanding routes linking Mt. Shirouma-dake and Mt. Hakuba-yari.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Hakuba Range, Nagano Prefecture, Japan

  • Altitude: ≈ 2,100 m

  • Type: Mountain hut with natural onsen (Japanese alpine hut style)

  • Capacity: 100 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Open/guarded: typically early July to late September (weather-dependent)

  • Management: Private / local operator

• Access & Approaches

  Long, steep, and fully alpine.

  • Main approaches:

    • From Mt. Shirouma-dake / Hakuba ridge (long descent)

    • From lower Hakuba valleys via steep mountain trails

  • Hiking time: ~6–9 hours (route-dependent)

  • Terrain: Steep alpine paths, ladders, chains, exposed sections

  • Difficulty: T4

• Facilities & Comfort

  Simple indoors; exceptional outdoors.

  • Shared dormitory sleeping (futons provided)

  • Dinner and breakfast served

  • Outdoor onsen baths (gender-separated; strict rules)

  • Drinking water available; basic indoor toilets

• Food & Atmosphere

  Quiet, intense, and restorative.

  • Hearty meals for exhausted hikers

  • Clientele mainly experienced traverse parties

  • Evenings focused on recovery and weather planning

• Routes & Alpine Context

  Key for:

  • Traverses between Mt. Shirouma-dake and Mt. Hakuba-yari

  • High-ridge itineraries in the Hakuba Range

  • Recovery stop after committing ridge sections

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to September

  • Main risks: Slippery trails after rain, isolation, sudden weather changes

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced alpine hikers

  • Long-distance traverse parties

  • Hikers seeking a unique onsen-in-the-mountains experience

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

With a capacity of 100 people, the Hakuba-yari Onsen-koya combines serious alpine commitment with one of Japan’s most memorable natural onsen settings. It’s a true reward hut—earned through effort and respect for the terrain.