Shirouma-dake Renge Onsen Lodge

The Shirouma-dake Renge Onsen Lodge is a distinctive mountain lodge with natural hot springs located in the Hakuba range of Nagano Prefecture. Set on classic approach routes to Mt. Shirouma-dake (Hakuba-dake), it functions as a gateway lodge for multi-day traverses and summit attempts—combining serious mountain access with the rare comfort of onsen baths.

• Lodge Overview

  • Location: Hakuba Range, Nagano Prefecture, Japan

  • Altitude: 1,475 m

  • Type: Mountain lodge with natural onsen (Japanese alpine lodge)

  • Capacity: ≈ 150 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Open/guarded: typically late June to early October

  • Management: Private / local operator

• Access & Approaches

  Access is fully alpine and marks the transition from valley to high mountain.

  • Main approaches:

    • From trailheads in the Hakuba / Otari area via established mountain trails

  • Hiking time: ~4–6 hours (route-dependent)

  • Elevation gain: ~700–1,100 m

  • Terrain: Forest paths, river crossings, alpine trails

  • Difficulty: T2–T3

  No glacier travel is required to reach the lodge.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Exceptional for a mountain lodge due to its hot springs and capacity.

  • Shared dormitory-style sleeping (futons)

  • Dinner and breakfast served (Japanese mountain cuisine)

  • Indoor and outdoor onsen baths (gender-separated; rules apply)

  • Indoor toilets and lighting

  • Small shop with drinks and essentials

  Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season due to popularity.

• Food & Atmosphere

  Warm, social, and restorative.

  • Set meals designed for hikers (rice, soup, vegetables, protein)

  • Mixed clientele: long-distance trekkers, summit-bound parties, and lodge-to-lodge hikers

  • Evenings often end in the onsen, aiding recovery before early starts

  Atmosphere balances comfort with alpine discipline.

• Routes & Alpine Context

  The lodge is ideally placed for:

  • Approaches to Mt. Shirouma-dake (Hakuba-dake)

  • Northern Japanese Alps traverses linking multiple huts

  • Transition stages between valley access and exposed ridges

  • Recovery stops before or after demanding high-alpine sections

  It is not a technical climbing base, but routes beyond quickly become serious and exposed.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to September

  • Conditions: Snow may linger early season; typhoons possible late season

  • Main risks: Rapid weather changes, swollen streams after heavy rain

• Who Is This Lodge For

  • Alpine hikers and long-distance trekkers

  • Parties approaching Shirouma-dake

  • Hikers valuing recovery and comfort between hard stages

  • Not suitable for casual sightseeing without mountain experience

Why This Lodge Is Worth Visiting

At 1,475 m, the Shirouma-dake Renge Onsen Lodge offers a rare combination in the Japanese Alps: strategic access to major routes paired with true hot-spring recovery. Its large capacity and onsen facilities make it a cornerstone stop for hikers seeking logistics, comfort, and resilience before or after committing mountain stages.