Hiking in Japan: Above the Clouds on Mt. Shirouma | japan-guide.com

We attempt one of the most unique hikes in Japan, Mount Shirouma near Hakuba. The trek includes ascending a legendary snow field, multiple peaks, staying overnight in a mountain hut, and bathing in one of the highest hot springs in Japan.
- Read the full travel report: www.japan-guide.com/blog/peak...
- Learn more about hiking in Japan: www.japan-guide.com/e/e2427.html
- Video Credits -
Host & Narrator: Joe Mignano
Videographer: Andrew Marston
Producers: Stefan Schauwecker & Export Japan

[@tuffgongsg2984]

This video is fantastic and inspired me to do this same hike in late August of 2019. Some advice for people tackling this for the first time. Give yourself plenty of time. This is a strenuous hike up that is very steep and rocky at points. There are several stream and waterfall crossings that require your undivided attention and can be quite slippery. The second day is actually more challenging than day one. Hitting the two peaks in the morning and then descending to the Onsen is quite a workout. The downhill here is again very rocky terrain that requires navigating some slippery waterfall descents using chains bolted into rocks. And keep in mind that when you finish up at the Onsen you still have quite a ways back to the lodge where the bus dropped you. This portion was long and challenging as there were both several hills you had to hike up to get to the bottom of the mountain. Definitely factor in plenty of time in order to get back to the last bus pickup at 3:10pm. Or you can take a taxi for 4 times the prices back to Hakuba station... at least it is an option. This is a challenging trek and you need to be prepared with proper equipment and be in good physical shape. The video makes it out to be a lot easier. Also, you can book the top mountain lodge, Hakuba sanso online. They have a website and staff that can respond in English. There are different types of accommodations as well, so be sure and ask why types of rooms are available. Overall this is a very rewarding hike with world class scenery. Cheers!

[@claudevelo]

Thank you so much for giving this advice.

[@Ebhen1]

That was good advice! Thank you for that. I didn't think it was that easy but it is good to get a confirmation about it. I plan to go here to on my next trip to Japan 2021 but I will check for other good targets as well. :) Thanks again.

[@chilly2171]

Is it safe for solo?

[@zero7523]

Just did this same route last week. FYI to anyone, ascent from Sarukuraso took us 8.5 hours and descent to Sarukuraso took 11 hours. Please keep this in mind!

[@Ebhen1]

That's really good to know. I was seriously thinking of doing that trip next time I go to Japan. It did look almost to easy in the video but I know that it isn't that easy. But if you are prepared it will go fine. Thanks for the advice.

[@ReadySetJapan]

*This* is the reason why I’m always out in Japan’s mountains. Sheer joy of being with nature and it’s breathtaking views!!

[@yurifaenza4890]

Hiked this last month. It is really breathtaking, and the video makes a good job at describing it. The hut at the summit also offers bento box for lunch and English is spoken. On the second day, an alternative to the proposed route is to hike towards Tsugaike. You'll pass by a mountain lake, more snow, a small yet thick forest and an almost swamp-like area. A gondola + a bus will bring you back to Hakuba.

[@japanguide]

Thanks for bringing up the alternate route back to Hakuba! Very helpful. Any other hikes you would recommend?

[@yurifaenza4890]

Did not have the time to hike anywhere else in the Japan Alps unfortunately.

[@neoland8735]

永久保存版にしたい動画📼 最高でした👍

[@mikasalife]

The alps are beautiful! I have hiked its peaks multiple times and always get amazed by its beauty!

[@GregLam]

Dang, that scenery! Great job on the trip and cinematography/editing as well!

[@japanguide]

Thanks Greg! - Andrew

[@truenorth365]

Oh man, I always wanted to hike on Japan´s countryside and mountains. Beautiful country! Awesome video BTW. Thumbs up from Sweden!

[@Danjohnhz]

Shirouma dake was one of the best hikes we had in Japan! ♥️

[@wakanakodo6873]

This is the best travel-Japan vlog & cinematic combined informative video I’ve ever seen!

[@smallworld7537]

I love hiking and even more hiking in Japan. This is an awesome video!

[@hpsp12233]

OMG, nice high quality video. love the scene and definitely gonna try hike in japan one day!

[@TimothyRudy]

My wife and I just did this same route thanks to your video. It was incredible!!! Thank you so much for posting. We are now back at our hotel in Hakuba and our legs feel like jelly though lol.

[@japanguide]

Glad you had a good hike! The jelly legs should go away in a day or two. :-)

[@intisol68]

This "Yarigatake" is "白馬鑓ヶ岳". In Japan north Alps, thera are 3 "Yarigatake". Those are "槍ヶ岳Yarigatake" in south area, "鹿島槍ヶ岳Kashima-Yarigatake" in central and "白馬鑓ヶ岳 Shrouma-Yarigatake" in norsh zone. I think if you say only "Yarigatake", usuary, means 槍ヶ岳 in south area,

[@estelagarcia6579]

intisol68 Yes, this video confuse me, because the top of the Yarigadake that I know , is very very different!

[@MrUdaya00123]

Very beautiful...Japan is the best... very peaceful ,calm and quiet...Japanese people are very polite and helpful.. Thank you for uploading this beautiful video..

[@carloszenteno]

Beautiful !! Added it to my bucket list ! Thank you !

[@mickeypagala7225]

this is awesome...one of the bucket list for sure

[@KanaievenTokyo]

Wow this hike looks amazing! Added on my budget list for Japan!

[@MOOSEMAN7809]

Awesome video! The filming is just incredible, I love all the time lapse too. I've been using japan-guide a lot to plan my trip to Japan so it was a pleasant surprise to find this was made by someone who writes and developes for it.

[@oherao7377]

epic! man～ thanks for the upload.

[@Green-er7cv]

Amazing and informative video. I hope you can cover more exciting hike! :)

[@user-pp5pb8xq7e]

Fantastic video, beutiful scenery and perfect work.

[@japanguide]

Thanks very much.

[@GarrReynoldsInJapan]

Excellent job, Joe, Andrew, et al. Great production quality. Keep up the good work!

[@user-lp2tb2qj6e]

Now this is Awesome 👏 🙌 ありがとございます

[@RatkoKaucic]

Fantastic video!

[@yakkun1926]

Incredible video, thank you so much!

[@yuukiozawa2435]

Amazing. keep it going man

[@johanndiedrick4354]

love this

[@sisimawarbiru7687]

Love this adventure ❤

[@maciekhike]

Woow looks like an amazing hike 😍 I’ve got to plan a hiking trip to japan if it’s this beautiful 🤘🏔🤘

[@vindimustika5540]

Japan guide incredible all video...really Japan guide..GBU Japan guide

[@GiboonCloudSmoker]

Mindblowing

[@kates.4292]

Thanks for this!!!

[@GainzRUsFitnessFlo]

Japan definitely has some beautiful natural scenery

[@marinashusharina7018]

Good video! Thank you!

[@kimmyvlogs]

why is it so pretty!!! itching to hike 🤩🤩🤩

[@paa3243]

Beautiful presentation, video, photography.. I will certainly Visit next month .

[@wantipaphokhao]

When is the best season for this hiking ?!

[@japanguide]

Summer, ideally June through August.

[@JapaneseJourney]

Fantastic video, incredibly well done. Made me realize I need to hike more.

[@japanguide]

"Japan is a hiker's paradise" as some would say :-)

[@ariel_monaco]

Did this same trail 2 days ago (November 15th) all lodges are closed and no support whatsoever. However we enjoyed Hakubayari Onsen all for ourselves. Awesome experience!

[@dmazch]

Nice video! I have planned to hike in Hakuba this October. This will be My second trip to Nagano. Just love Japanese mountains!

[@japanguide]

Have a good trip! Hakuba is beautiful.

[@p0r5ch3911]

Beautiful. Just like th european Alps. Although those huts look way more luxurious then the huts in th eAlps. Single room above 2000m. That's cool.

[@adamboehm]

Amazing video! It looks like an incredible hike!

[@japanguide]

It was as good as you see in the video, however this specific hike is not for the casual hiker as it raises about 1700m in elevation from the trailhead to the peak of Shirouma (this is more than hiking to the summit of Fuji from most of the 5th stations). However, the sunrise alone was worth the price of admission.

[@adamboehm]

japan-guide.com great to know!

[@Yasunori_Sato]

This particular hike is rated Level 73 at YamaQuest, while Mt Fuji from Yoshida Level 59. www.yamaquest.com/detail/shiromadake-2932/2830.html www.yamaquest.com/detail/fujisan-3776/2795.html

[@mlpajarilla0712]

this is so amazing. I heard daisekke is one of the most dangerous ridgelines in Japan. the view from the top is breathtaking.

[@JoeDoeOutdoors]

Hi great channel ☺ Keep it up!

[@alexisrmoyle]

This is amazing! I thought my boyfriend and I might climb Mt. Fuji next summer but Mt. Shirouma might change my mind!

[@japanguide]

Great! Fuji can get quite crowded (although still an epic and worthwhile hike). If you decide to do Mt. Shirouma make sure to research it a bit beforehand. Hope you have a good trip!

[@FFRomee]

Was looking for new things to do in Japan this summor... THIS... THIS IS WHAT I AM GONNE DO

[@japanguide]

Enjoy your trip this summer!

[@D4ZA1m]

very cool

[@shuny2173]

If you didn't have mentioned it was in Japan, I would have imagined you had been in Switzerland !

[@daraa151]

You go to north east Pakistan, it’s thousand times more beautiful than Switzerland!

[@rainbowkitten8990]

Yeti Really? Do we really need to compare? :/

[@jshikajulzvidz5042]

We have plan this year ..... hopefully we can climb this mountain or Mt. yatsugatake

[@dds5568]

sounds good video

[@arindrarachman3511]

Greath Video, i want to go there. :D

[@kleenex9981]

The mountain you climbed is Hakuba-yarigatake Mt.. In Japan it is another mountain to say "Yarigatake".

[@sebastiannobile758]

So beautiful! Thank you for taking us with you. Wish i had the chance to hike half a year through Japan. 😉 I am doing similar hikes in Germany. If you have the chance i would suggest you to visit german hiking sites - which we have a lot of. I made a hike all trough Germany from the sea up to the highest mountain, the Zugspitze, three years ago. You will not regret hiking here!

[@jon.yama-otoko]

Great, descriptive video and incredible cinematography! I'm planning to go here between September 16th and 20th, depending on the weather. Any information or tips for that time of year would be greatly appreciated.

[@yoshi_winter96]

Please make the longer videos in the future

[@MsDeleeuw]

really awesome hope i can do that but don,t know how

[@1uniqueislander968]

epic! My adventures and retirement years is planned for Japan.

[@japanguide]

A good plan indeed.

[@w0rk738]

영상 진짜 잘 만들었다 ㅠㅠㅠ대박

[@rainbowkitten8990]

Adding these onto my bucket list :)

[@amigongbrian]

Been there

[@herside864]

That scenery wowww 😍 great video.. Btw is it possible to hike in december?

[@japanguide]

It is possible, but not advisable unless you are an experienced hiker with proper training and gear.

[@kevbtravelling8281]

Awesome vid .. it's inspired me to do this hike when I visit japan in late August . Could you tell me roughly how long it took to hike from the bottom hut to the hut near the summit ? And also I see there are no buses from shinjuku to Hakuba in August . Is that right ?

[@whereisdari]

Thanks for sharing. Are beginners can manage to hike here? Planning to take a group this summer.

[@emisor73]

Beautiful video. Note that there are two different “Yarigatake” the other one is higher and more demanding

[@joemignano]

Confusingly, there are several "Yarigatake"'s in the Northern Japan Alps (let alone the ones in other regions!): 1) Yarigatake (3,180m - near Kamikochi) 2) Hakuba Yarigatake (2,903m - near Shirouma-dake, shown in this video) 3) Kashima Yarigatake (2,889m - just south of Mt. Goryu in Hakuba) By far the most well-known "Yari" (the one that comes to mind for most people if you just say "Yarigatake") is certainly #1, which is also a fantastic (and challenging!) hike: www.japan-guide.com/blog/peaks/171005.html.

[@emisor73]

@@joemignano Thanks Joe. Good information. I've been there a few times and still learning those beautiful mountains.

[@spionsilver9626]

looks like one of the trips of life :) hiking far places makes life so much richer , thanks for sharing this one :)

[@vit1419]

Красиво, хоть и я не знаю языка.👍

[@khaliloved]

❤️

[@madbe7109]

That’s amazing, Does it necessary for booking the lodge in advance?

[@japanguide]

It is usually a good idea especially for the popular huts.

[@rex9413]

Huh, I didn't know there were two yarigatakes. I've climbed the famous yarigatake from kamikochi route, and it's an entirely different mountain.

[@katiirabbi]

amazing!!! I'm thinking of adding this to my itinerary in late November, do you think the weather is still going to be permissible?

[@japanguide]

Thank you for your comment! We don’t recommend doing this hike in November, actually. By that time the mountain huts will be closed, most buses won’t be going to the trailhead, and there is a high possibility of encountering significant snow and ice. Only advisable if you have appropriate mountaineering equipment and training.

[@epesampaga9894]

Wow amazing watching frome manila your friend new on youtube channel

[@lovekurt]

Hi, can I ask which month you hiked? Is May and June too early?

[@caliniaru1673]

Was it forbidden to show the warm bath? This circuit is extremely beautiful.

[@abdullahhanfar2657]

Wow very beautiful I will going there to first time to make hiking but what is the best season?

[@japanguide]

Definitely summer, ideally June through August.

[@abdullahhanfar2657]

japan-guide.com thank you so much 😊

[@michaelhoy8260]

Fantastic video and journey! Can I ask what you used to shoot the video footage?

[@japanguide]

+Michael Hoy thanks! We used two Nikon D750s. One with a Tamron 24-70 and another with a Nikkor 70-200.

[@michaelhoy8260]

Thanks! Looking forward to seeing future adventures

[@jeffreyteow3944]

I would like to know whether this is recommended to for solo hikers without a guide? Or is there a community that I can look for information as well as gathering folks to hike.

[@mickeypagala7225]

I hope you can provide details such as transportation and estimated cost/expense on how to do this..I have been into Japan 3x and really would love to some hiking

[@japanguide]

The Alipco bus company runs daily highway buses between Shinjuku and Hakuba outside of winter (www.alpico.co.jp/en/transportation/detail.php?id=9 - get off at the Hakubacho stop, which is near JR Hakuba Station). From JR Hakuba Station, there are additional buses to the trailhead during hiking season (www.alpico.co.jp/access/hakuba/sarukura/ - look for buses going to Sarukura). Hope that helps!

[@mathieufrizell4886]

Hey Joe, This is purely great content!!! Please keep up the good work man i enjoyed this maybe a little too much, i hope that you have as much fun creating your work as i do watching it.... My Zodiac is Sagittarius :) exploreing the world and its beauty is my passion as well... -Your buddy Matt

[@japanguide]

Thanks for the nice comment Matt!

[@lewismills7381]

theworldsoutside.com/2019/05/21/a-song-of-wind-and-drizzle/ Hey! Here's an article about an ill-planned climb of one of Japan's favourite peaks, Daisen in Tottori prefecture. It's a relatively easy climb if you're half-sensible (we weren't), and I recommend it highly.

[@whygoup1284]

Is it possible to do this in late October? Is the lodge open? Hope someone can answer as I’m planning a trip to Japan for Halloween

[@MetroidMother]

I just climbed Mt. Fuji a few days ago, and what I would like to know, is if this one is harder. While at Mt. Fuji the hike from the 5th station to the summit goes up ca. 1500m in elevation, this one apparently goes up ca. 1700m, wich is a good bit more, and you do it in about the same time or even less and without having an extended rest after 2/3 of the ascend, while this one does seem a good but less steep (which also mean you have to hike a greater distance), does that realy make it that much easier than Mt. Fujii? Because he doesn't even seem to break a sweat. I would love to do that hike, but I have to admit that Mt. Fuji was way closer to my limit than I would have liked (wich for a good part was because of the freezing weather near the top at night, and the steepness of the trail both up and down making my joints hurt pretty bad), wich made it a not really enjoyable climb, and I wouldn't want this one to be a bad experience for me as well. What do you think?

[@japanguide]

This hike is often rated as more difficult than Mt. Fuji, and from experience it is more challenging. The change in elevation is greater and the slope slightly steeper. Also from experience the footing on the snowy Daisekkei can be slick, so if you attempt this hike make sure to have appropriate hiking footwear and consider buying or bringing crampons. According to the yamaquest website Shirouma is a level 73 difficulty hike and Fuji is 59. Shirouma: www.yamaquest.com/detail/shiromadake-2932/2830.html Fuji: www.yamaquest.com/detail/fujisan-3776/2795.html

[@x5Strawberry5x]

Nice Video! Is it possible to do this without not speaking japanese? Are the paths well marked?

[@japanguide]

Yes, although mountain hut staff may not speak English and reservations for the hut are usually made via phone. Trails will be clearly marked though.

[@veerabhadraswamy]

could you share some details about how to book lodge at the top?

[@japanguide]

Most huts only accept reservations (for overnight stays in the hut) over the phone, and only in Japanese. While this method is ideal, if it’s not feasible, huts almost always accept hikers without reservations, too. Even if they are fully booked, a hut will not turn away a hiker in need (though latecomers may end up sleeping in a hallway on a really bad day). If going without a reservation, just try to arrive at the hut as early as possible (before 2 or 3 PM at the latest) and avoid peak weekends/holidays. Or you can always bring your own tent. Many huts also have campsites (usually around ¥1000 per person per night), and allow campers to use the huts’ facilities/water and even dine in (for an additional cost).

[@EmmyLisbet]

I'm thinking about hiking Shirouma in May but everywhere says the season starts in June. Do you have any advice on this?

[@japanguide]

It's not impossible, but there will still be a decent amount of snow and the mountain huts may not be open. If you attempt to hike this route before the season starts make sure you are properly equipped and prepared for a cold alpine hike without much support.

[@EmmyLisbet]

Thank you for your reply! I did look into it more and unfortunately, it seems that the risk for rockslides is much higher during the off season. Looks like the hike will have to wait. Thank you for sharing your video. At least I got a taste of Mt. Shirouma through your beautiful shots :)

[@usmansarfraz3695]

Great video. Do you have any recommendations on a similar hike during Winter/Fall season (in Japan) ? Maybe too late to include the Japanese alps due to snow ? I really wanted to hike to Mount Yari and was able to hike up to Yarisawa Lodge from Kamikochi in October. It was the last day where the huts were opened and it snowed.

[@joemignano]

In fall there are tons of great similar hikes (if you're looking for hiking in the Japan Alps). In winter (very roughly mid December through late May) most peaks in central and northern Japan above 2000 meters are going to have snow, so winter gear and skills will often be needed to be safe (i.e. using crampons, an ice ax, etc.); non-technical lower elevation hikes are definitely possible, though. Winter climbing/hiking is actually a very exciting and rewarding endeavor in itself, but it's definitely a different beast.

[@joemignano]

For good autumn alpine hikes I highly recommend the Tateyama area, the South Alps and of course the peaks around Kamikochi.

[@friendsshiho9542]

× Mt.Yarigatake ◎Mt.Kashima Yarigatake(2,889m) There is Mt.Yarigatake(3,180m)near Mt.Hodakadake :)

[@joemignano]

Confusingly, there are several "Yarigatake"'s in the Northern Japan Alps: 1) Yarigatake (3,180m - near Kamikochi) 2) Hakuba Yarigatake (2,903m - near Shirouma-dake, shown in this video) 3) Kashima Yarigatake (2,889m - just south of Mt. Goryu in Hakuba) By far the most well-known "Yari" (the one that comes to mind for most people if you just say "Yarigatake") is certainly #1, which is also a fantastic (and challenging!) hike: www.japan-guide.com/blog/peaks/171005.html.

[@alexquyenvo5196]

Just in time I'm leaving Takayama for Nagoya ! Wonderful job as always everyone and the scenery is too much haha... definitely gotta try this some day, soon. By the way, do you think 2 days is enough or 3 days ? I'm a little slow hihi... Thanks !

[@joemignano]

Two days is usually enough for this hike, but you could easily extend it to three to go at a relaxed pace and stay at multiple huts/campsites--there are plenty of other trails that continue to many other peaks beyond the hike in the video!

[@alexquyenvo5196]

@@joemignano thanks for your response ! Also, does one need to know Japanese to book the hut and follow the instructions on the trails ? Thank you !

[@joemignano]

@@alexquyenvo5196 You can definitely do this hike without knowing Japanese. While I wouldn't expect the hut staff to know other languages, you could have staff at your accommodation or the local Hakuba tourist information center make the call for you. And the trails themselves are very well maintained and easy to follow, so you will probably not have trouble going the right directions.

[@alexquyenvo5196]

@@joemignano thanks again for responding to me ! I visit Japan 3 times now and still manage to see many places with my very baby Japanese, I can ask questions but when they respond to me I got no idea what they're saying, that's why hihi...

[@seisroku9140]

Tagalog = kahanga hanga! English = Awesome!

[@japankofun]

During which month did you do this hike ? Looks like the perfect time for it.

[@japanguide]

The first week of September.

[@japankofun]

Cool, thanks.

[@claudevelo]

What about doing that at the end of october ?

[@ninjahero44]

I'm going to Japan this November and am planning to climb this mountain around the 20th. Would the lodges still be operating around that time? Because it's about to hit winter.

[@japanguide]

By this time the huts will not be open. If you attempt to hike this route during November, make sure you have adequate experience, knowledge, skills and gear for a difficult and potentially dangerous alpine trek without support along the trail.

[@cathleenphelps8922]

They are wonderful videos - could not a little bit more time be spent at each stop instead of whizzing along at such a speed from place to place ?

[@AK-ji3by]

It is 鑓ヶ岳(yarigatake)!!!! Not 槍ヶ岳(yarigatake). I thought it is totally different form 槍ヶ岳. There are two Yarigatake in Nagano. I was surprised. hahaha

[@QuyenTran-wj7fm]

Is there any bus from Shinjuku to this place. If yes, can you please tell me which bus to get on and which stop tonget off?

[@japanguide]

Yes! The Alipco bus company runs daily highway buses between Shinjuku and Hakuba outside of winter (www.alpico.co.jp/en/transportation/detail.php?id=9 - get off at the Hakubacho stop, which is near JR Hakuba Station). From JR Hakuba Station, there are additional buses to the trailhead during hiking season (www.alpico.co.jp/access/hakuba/sarukura/ - look for buses going to Sarukura).

[@QuyenTran-wj7fm]

japan-guide.com many thanks 😁😁😁

[@fukunaga-kane]

At what season and month you go there. I'm interested to try climbing it :)

[@japanguide]

Hiking season is from July to October. If you need more detailed info about this hike here is our travel report link: www.japan-guide.com/blog/peaks/170904.html Hope you will enjoy the hike!

[@palagoarche8697]

japan-guide.com Thank you!

[@annaexpress]

あの地域の地名を誰が勝手に「ハクバ」へ変えたのだろうか。山の正式名は「シロウマ」で残っているけど無知なひとは「ハクバサン」と呼ぶ。あの山は残雪期に見える雪渓の模様が畑を耕す代馬に似ていたので「シロウマ」なのだ。ハクバではないのである。

[@user-nm8zd5mb4i]

Do you have recommendations on where to leave luggage while making this 2 day trip?

[@joemignano]

William If you come to Hakuba by train you could probably leave luggage in a coin locker at Hakuba Station (some coin lockers allow you to leave baggage overnight). Otherwise I’d just leave bags in a car if you rent a car and drive to the trailhead.

[@queen_xxqueen6042]

Is it illegal to go backpacking on foot in Japan??

[@tristynhoffman5991]

I wonder if Praise would have like this path

[@zero7523]

How long does it take to get to the summit from sarakuraso lodge? Were going in sept and we want to know so we can get to the habuka sanso lodge in time, thanks!

[@japanguide]

For most hikers it takes between 5 to 7 hours via the route in this video. It can take more or less time depending on your group’s speed and weather/trail conditions, so we recommend giving yourself as much time as possible to be safe.

[@zero7523]

@@japanguide Thank you so much!

[@skywire6219]

Hey joe, I am going to Japan in April. will this hike be possible then? Or is this hike only seasonal? If not then when is the best time to do this hike? Thanks!

[@joemignano]

This hike would be very snowy in April, so I would only recommend it if you have alpine mountaineering experience and gear. The mountain huts and public transportation wouldn't be running in April, either; they usually start up around June or July and run through around October. I'd recommend doing this hike between July and September for most hikers--July is especially nice since this hike is loaded with alpine flowers around that time!

[@skywire6219]

@@joemignano thank you so much! i cancelled the april trip and will be going later in the year.

[@abahtida662]

I'm from indonesia, how much it cost to visit Japan's Alps?