Sarukura-so

The Sarukura-so (also known as Sarukura Sansō) is a public mountain lodge located at Sarukura, one of the main trailheads for Mt. Shirouma-dake (Hakuba-dake). It serves as a logistical base and overnight stop for hikers and guided groups preparing to enter the Shirouma Daisekkei and the upper Hakuba alpine zone.

• Lodge Overview

  • Location: Sarukura (trailhead), Hakuba Range, Nagano Prefecture, Japan

  • Altitude: ≈ 1,250 m

  • Type: Public mountain lodge (Japanese alpine lodge style)

  • Capacity: 89 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Open/guarded: typically late June to late September

  • Management: Public / local authority

• Access & Approaches

  Easy valley access; this is a true staging lodge.

  • Main access:

    • Road access from Hakuba village to Sarukura parking area

  • Difficulty to reach lodge: T1

  • Role: Primary starting point for Hakuba-jiri-koya and the Shirouma Daisekkei

• Facilities & Comfort

  Functional and capacity-focused.

  • Shared dormitory sleeping (futons provided)

  • Dinner and breakfast available

  • Drinking water supply

  • Indoor toilets

  • Information boards and gear-staging areas

  Comfort is basic but efficient.

• Food & Atmosphere

  Busy, organised, and preparation-oriented.

  • Fixed meal schedules aligned with early starts

  • Clientele dominated by summit-bound hikers and guided parties

  • Evenings focused on weather and route condition checks

• Routes & Alpine Context

  Sarukura-so is essential for:

  • Valley access to Hakuba-jiri-koya

  • Entry into the Shirouma Daisekkei route

  • Connection to Hakuba-sanso and Hakuba-dake Chojo-syukusha

  • Managing traffic and safety before the alpine section

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to September

  • Conditions: Snow persists on upper routes well into summer

  • Main risks: Underestimating objective hazards beyond the lodge

• Who Is This Lodge For

  • Hikers and climbers ascending Mt. Shirouma-dake

  • Guided groups using public infrastructure

  • Trekkers needing a reliable valley base

  • Not intended as a destination lodge

Why This Lodge Is Worth Visiting

With a capacity of 89 people, the Sarukura-so plays a critical operational role in the Hakuba area. It marks the transition from valley logistics to serious alpine terrain, making it a key element of safe access to Shirouma-dake via the Daisekkei.