FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click on the questions below to see the answers
If you still have any inquiries, please contact us through the inquiry form.

Reservation & Accommodation

Do I need to make a reservation?

Yes. Both mountain huts and campsites require reservations.

Can I make a reservation online?

Yes. During the reservation period, online reservation can be made at anytime.

Is there a reservation waitlist?

There is no waitlist. Please check the availability online.

What time should I arrive at the mountain hut?

Mountain weather changes quickly and the temperature drops rapidly once the sun goes down. For your safety, please plan your hike with caution and arrive by 15:00.

Rooms

Are private rooms available?

• Hakuba Sanso Lodge has 2-tatami private rooms (for 1–2 guests), 6-tatami private rooms (for 3–6 guests), 8-tatami private rooms (for 3–8 guests) and twin rooms (2 single beds).
• Goryu Sanso Lodge has 4.5-tatami private rooms (for 2–3 guests) and 6-tatami private rooms (for 3–5 guests).
• Tsugaike Hutte has 6-tatami private rooms (for 2–5 guests).
• There is no private room in the other mountain huts.

Can I smoke?

Smoking is prohibited indoors.

Will a cancellation fee apply?
If so, from when will the cancellation fee be charged?

• A cancellation fee will be charged according to the following conditions:
  • No-show: 100% of the accommodation fee
  • On the day of stay: 30% of the accommodation fee
  • After 16:00 on the day before: 30% of the accommodation fee
  • Before 16:00 on the day before: No charge

• The cancellation fee applies to both the basic accommodation fee and the private room fee. Student discounts are not applicable.
• Even in cases of cancellation due to bad weather or physical condition, cancellation fees will be charged. However, please prioritize your safety and avoid unsafe hiking.
• If you are required to change your plans and stay at another mountain hut within our group, no cancellation fee will be charged; however, an additional fee of JPY 2,000 will apply.
• No cancellation fee will be charged in the following cases:
  • If a special warning or weather alert is issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency for the area on the day of your stay.
  • If you are physically unable to reach the mountain hut on the day of your stay due to road closures or similar circumstances.

Facilities

When is the lights-out time?

• Hakuba Sanso Lodge: 21:00 (Night lights remain on in the hallways and toilets)
• Goryu Sanso Lodge: 20:30　
• Oike Sanso Lodge: 21:00
• Yari Onsen Hut: 21:00
• Kiretto Hut: 20:00 (Night lights remain on in the hallway and toilets)

※Lights-out time may change depending on circumstances.

Is there network coverage?

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Mountain Hut	Docomo	AU	SoftBank
Hakuba Sanso Lodge	✓	✕	✕
Goryu Sanso Lodge	✓	△	△
Oike Sanso Lodge	✕	✕	✕
Yari Onsen Hut	✓	✕	△
Kiretto Hut	△	✕	✕
Tsugaike Hutte	✓	△	△
Sarukuraso Hut	✓	△	✕

✓: Network available　✕: No network　△: Network unstable

※The mobile signal strength may vary depending on your device or service provider.

Is there a charging station?

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Mountain Hut	Availability	Fee	Notes
Hakuba Sanso Lodge	✓	JPY 100 / 30mins	Bring your own charger Only available during generator operating hours
Goryu Sanso Lodge	✓	Free	Bring your own charger Only available during generator operating hours
Oike Sanso Lodge	✓	JPY 100 per use	Bring your own charger Only available during generator operating hours
Yari Onsen Hut	✓	JPY 100 / 60mins	Bring your own charger Only available during generator operating hours
Kiretto Hut	✓	JPY 100 / 60mins	Bring your own charger Only available during generator operating hours
Tsugaike Hutte	✓	Free for guests	Bring your own charger Available in each room
Sarukuraso Hut	✓	Free for guests	Bring your own charger

• There is a limited number of slots at the charging station, so we recommend you to bring a power bank. Batteries tend to run out easier in areas with poor signal coverage, so we recommend you to turn off the phone when not needed.
• Due to facility limitations, we may not be able to offer mobile phone charging at Kiretto Hut during peak seasons.

Is there a drying room or a women’s changing room?

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Mountain Hut	Drying Room	Women’s Changing Room
Hakuba Sanso Lodge	✓	✓
Goryu Sanso Lodge	✓	✓ (in the toilet)
Oike Sanso Lodge	△	✓ (in the toilet)
Yari Onsen Hut	✕	✓ (in the women’s bath)
Kiretto Hut	✓	△ (in the toilet)
Tsugaike Hutte	✕	✓ (in the women’s bath)
Sarukuraso Hut	✕	△ (in the toilet)

Meals

What time are dinner and breakfast served?

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Mountain Hut	Dinner Time	Dinner Order	Breakfast	Breakfast Order
Hakuba Sanso Lodge	17:00~	in order of arrival at the hut	5:00~	first come first served at the dining room
Goryu Sanso Lodge	17:00~	in order of arrival at the hut	5:00~	first come first served at the dining room
Oike Sanso Lodge	17:00~	in order of arrival at the hut	5:00~	first come first served at the dining room
Yari Onsen Hut	17:00~	in order of arrival at the hut	5:00~	in order of arrival at the hut
Kiretto Hut	17:00~	in order of arrival at the hut	5:00~	in order of arrival at the hut
Tsugaike Hutte	17:30~	in order of arrival at the hut	5:30~	first come first served at the dining room
Sarukuraso Hut	17:30~	in order of arrival at the hut	5:00~	in order of arrival at the hut

• Meal times may vary depending on the season and the day.

I would like to depart early in the morning. Is it possible to have breakfast as a bento box?
When can I pick up the breakfast?

Yes. Please request it at the time of booking.
The bento box will be handed to you on the evening before your departure.

Is lunch available?

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Mountain Hut	Lunch	Cafe
Hakuba Sanso Lodge	11:00 ~ 14:00	5:30 ~ 19:30 (L.O.)
Goryu Sanso Lodge	Cup noodles, Inari sushi	Instant cup coffee
Oike Sanso Lodge	10:00 ~ 14:00	10:00 ~ 16:00
Yari Onsen Hut	11:00 ~ 14:00	Instant cup coffee
Kiretto Hut	Cup noodles	Instant cup coffee

• Meal times may vary depending on the season and the day.

Can you accommodate food allergies?

Please note that we do not have staff with specialized knowledge of food allergies. As our hut is located at high altitude, emergency medical treatment or evacuation may be difficult. Guests with severe or potentially life-threatening allergies are strongly advised to bring their own meals.

Do you offer meals for vegetarians or halal dietary requirements?

We are unable to provide special meals for vegetarians, halal, or other dietary requirements. If you are unable to eat the standard meal menu, please bring your own food.

※ For dinner only, a vegetable curry or similar option may be available in limited quantities.

Directions & Parking Information

How can I get from Sarukura to Hakuba Village after descending the mountain?

There is a bus service from Sarukura to Hakuba Station.（http://www.alpico.co.jp/access/hakuba/sarukura/）
If you wish to take a taxi, we recommend making a reservation in advance.
[Taxi Companies]
Alpico Taxi　　　　　0261-72-2236
Alps Daiichi Kotsu　 0261-72-2221
Hakuba Kanko Taxi 0261-72-2327
Uber Taxi　　　　　 https://www.uber.com/jp/ja/ride/ubertaxi/

Is there a car park at Sarukura?

Yes, there is a car park at Sarukura, but it is currently closed due to cracks in the ground. It will not be available for use during the 2025 season.

Is there a car park at Tsugaike?

Yes, there is a car park with a capacity of 400 vehicles next to the Tsugaike Gondola Lift Station. The parking fee is JPY 500 per day.

Is there a car park at Goryu Gondola Station?

Yes, there is a free car park with a capacity of 1500 vehicles.

Is there a car park at the Happo Gondola Station?

There are several car parks around the gondola station. Parking fees vary depending on the season, so please check locally for current rates.

There are also Happo No. 3 and No. 5 car parks located about a 10-minute walk from the gondola station. Both are free of charge and together can accommodate approximately 400 vehicles.

Water Supply

Is water supply available?

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Mountain Hut	Guests staying overnight	Non-guests
Hakuba Sanso Lodge	Free (refill at the cooking area)	JPY 100 / 1L (refill at the cooking area)
Goryu Sanso Lodge	Free (disinfected rainwater; boiling recommended) JPY 300~ / 500ml (boiled & disinfected cooled water)	JPY 200~ / 500ml (disinfected rainwater; boiling recommended; available from the tap beside the outdoor toilet) JPY 300~ / 500ml (boiled & disinfected cooled water)
Oike Sanso Lodge	Free (disinfected lake water; boiling recommended)	Free (disinfected lake water; available at the water station next to the campsite; boiling recommended) JPY 100~ / 500ml (boiled & disinfected cooled water)
Yari Onsen Hut	Free	Free
Kiretto Hut	Please purchase bottled water	Please purchase bottled water
Tsugaike Hutte	Free	Free
Sarukuraso Hut	Free	Free

Is hot water available?

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Mountain Hut	Guests staying overnight	Non-guests
Hakuba Sanso Lodge	JPY 100 / 1L (available at the reception & dining room)	×
Goryu Sanso Lodge	JPY 300~ / 500ml (from the hot water pot at the entrance)	JPY 300~ / 500ml (from the hot water pot at the entrance)
Oike Sanso Lodge	Free	JPY 100 / 500ml
Yari Onsen Hut	JPY 100 / 500ml	JPY 100 / 500ml
Kiretto Hut	JPY 500 / 500ml	×
Tsugaike Hutte	Free	×
Sarukuraso Hut	Free	Free

Campsite

Do I need to make a reservation for camping?

Yes. All campsites operate on a reservation-only basis, so please be sure to make a reservation in advance.

What time should I check in? By what time must tents be taken down?

Please arrive at the campsite by around 15:00 and complete check-in at the mountain hut before setting up your tent.

Tent removal times:

Goryu Campsite – By 8:00

Oike Campsite – By 10:00

Yari Onsen Campsite – By 10:00

Hakubajiri Campsite – By 10:00

Can I have meals at the mountain hut if I am camping? Do I need a reservation?

Meals at the mountain huts are not available for campers. Please prepare your own meals.
Bento boxes for the following day can be ordered at the time of check-in.

Are there water sources and toilets?

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Campsite	水場	トイレ
Goryu Campsite	✓ (JPY 200~ / 500ml; boiling recommended)	✓
Oike Campsite	✓ (Free; boiling recommended)	✓
Yari Onsen Campsite	✓ (Free)	✓
Hakubajiri Campsite	✓ (Free; boiling recommended)	✓

Can I rent camping equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, or hammers?

We do not offer rental equipment for camping. Please bring all necessary gear with you.

Others

Can I leave my backpack at the mountain hut?

• Goryu Sanso Lodge: We cannot take responsibility for luggage, but you may leave it for a short period (e.g., going to the summit).
• Hakuba Sanso Lodge: Please place your backpack at the reception area. Keep valuables with you.
• Oike Sanso Lodge: We can store belongings for guests returning by the morning of the same day. We do not store luggage for campers.

Can I use credit cards, e-money, or QR payments?

Some huts are trialing credit card payments at the shop only. Accommodation fees must be paid in cash.
Depending on the communication environment, only cash may be accepted. Please bring sufficient cash.

Can I bring my pet?

Pets are not permitted in the Northern Alps in order to protect fragile alpine wildlife, including Raicho (ptarmigan) and alpine plants. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Is there a doctor?

At Hakuba Sanso Lodge, the Showa University Hakuba Clinic is scheduled to operate from late July to early August. Other mountain huts do not have medical staff.

What are the private room rates and availability at Hakuba Sanso Lodge, Goryu Sanso Lodge, and Tsugaike Hutte?

Please check the rate page on each hut’s page for private room rates. Private room charges are per room, and the regular accommodation fee per person applies separately.

If I change my schedule due to weather, will a cancellation fee apply?

If you change your dates by 16:00 on the day before your stay, no cancellation fee will apply.
Changes made after 16:00 on the day before or on the day of stay will incur a 30% cancellation fee.
Thank you for your understanding, as meal preparations and supplies must be arranged in advance.

Do I need crampons?

If you pass through the Hakuba Daisekkei, crampons are recommended for safety.
On the Tsugaike route, crampons may be necessary depending on snow conditions and the season.
After August, conditions vary, so please inquire in advance.

Can I rent crampons or trekking poles?

At Sarukuraso Hut, 4-point crampons and trekking poles are available for rent.
Rental starts shortly after 5:00. No reservation is required.
Trekking poles are limited in number. If essential, please contact the Hakubakan Reservation Center in advance.

The information says 6–8 point crampons are required for the Daisekkei. Are rentals only 4-point?

Rental crampons are 4-point only. Most climbers use 4-point crampons.

Can I dispose of trash generated during my stay?

We will collect empty cans and plastic bottles purchased at our facilities.
All other trash brought with you must be taken back with you.

Can I bring a bicycle or use a drone?

Bicycles and drone flights are not permitted.

Can you arrange a mountain guide?

We do not arrange guides. Please contact the guide associations directly:

• Hakuba Village Mountain Guide Association　 0261-72-7132
• Otari Village Mountain Guide Association　 080-9556-0800