Climbing Mt. Shirouma and the Hakuba Daisekkei

Update:2019/09/28

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Mt. Shirouma is a 2,932m high peak of the Northern Japanese Alps and is one of the Hakuba Sanzan mountains along with Mt. Shakushi and Mt. Hakuba-Yari. Long revered by local farmers, the mountain got its name from an image of a horse that appeared in the melted snow. To the farmers it looked like a plowhorse, so they named it "Shirokaki Uma," and over the years the name became "Shiro Uma," or white horse. Read in another way, those same characters become "Hakuba."

One of the most popular hiking trails to Mt. Shirouma is through the Hakuba Daisekkei, Japan's representative snow-covered valley spanning a length of 3.5km and a vertical climb of 600m. Even in summer snow remains here creating a natural air conditioner. The melted snow becomes beautiful clear streams, and the contrast of new greenery and summer snow is superb.

The hike begins at Sarukura and passes through the Daisekkei before approaching Mt. Shirouma. The hike takes 9.8 hours to complete, so staying the night is recommended. At the base of the Daisekkei is Sarukura-so, and above it is the Shiroumadake Sancho Shukusha.

Location Hakuba Village Map
TEL 0261-72-7100 (Hakuba Town Tourism Office)
FAX 0261-72-6311
Mail info@po.vill.hakuba.nagano.jp
Business hours mid-June to early Octobe
Trail details Total Distance: 13.2km
Total Time: 9.8 hours
Recommended No. of Days: 2 days, 1 night
Elevation Difference: 1,720m
Starting/Ending Point: Sarukura-so
Mid Point: Mt. Shirouma
Lodging: Sarukura-so, Shirouma-dake Sancho Sanso

Access and Parking

Access

By Train:Get off at Hakuba Station (JR Oito Line) -> Take the Sarukura line bus to Sarukura-so (~27 min.). Or, take a taxi.

  

Superb Views

Summer Activities

Mountain Climbing and Trekking

Mountains and Rivers

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