Mt. Shirouma-dake（Hakuba-dake) hiking & climbing route

Route Guide

During a ridgeline hike from Mt. Shirouma-dake to Mt. Karamatsu-dake the great view and Alpine plants can be admired. However, an uphill from Kaerazu-V-shaped rock formation to Mt. Karamatsu-dake will be quite a challenging. The climb requires use of chains and ladders on a narrow rocky ridgeline. It takes about 3 hours and great caution must be employed. Beginners must be accompanied by experts. There will be no route to escape. The most challenging point is the starting point of Tengu-no-o-kudari.

From the summit of Mt. Shirouma-dake, walk on a ridgeline to Mt. Hakuba-yari-gatake. To Mt. Shakushi-dake, take Maki-michi, an alternative route from the saddle. This route merges into the path descending from the ridgeline of Mt. Shakushi-dake. The saddle of Mt.Yari-gatake is reached in a short time. Pass Koyari then climb up to the summit of Mt. Hakuba-yari-gatake. This is a summit with a great view.
Descend the ridgeline all at once, then merge into another ridgeline. The path to the right goes to Hakuba-yari hot spring. Take another path that goes straight to Tengu sansou Mountain hut. A ridgeline walk from Tengu-no-atama to Tengu-no-o-kudari will be fairly easy and enjoyable, however, there is a variance in elevation of 300m. Walk at a steady pace to avoid over exhaustion. During the high season, there might be some traffic in this area so plan accordingly. After passing Tengu-no-o-kudari, Kaerazu-V-shaped rock formation is reached.

From Kaerazu-V-shaped rock formation, the trail continues with ups and downs, requiring the use of chains and ladders. The direction is inked on rocks. Stay focused and maintain a three-points-support approach (where three points out of four points, which are your hands and your feet, must be in contact and support your body weight while proceeding on a rock wall). Don’t forget to wear a helmet. Ichi-mine peak is approached by a ridgeline then a big rock Ni-mine peak stands in front of you. Follow a course where you might find some relief, with secure cracks in rocks for hands and feet. Chains are attached to rocks for your safety in hazardous zones. Cross a bridge and continue the narrow path. It is impossible to pass each other so look out for hikers coming in your direction

After the narrow path, Ni-mine peak is reached at the end of a rocky slope. Take a break at the wide summit. Proceed on an easy slope ridgeline and pass a Pinus Pumila zone then Mitsu-mine peak is reached. Follow a fairly easy path to the summit of Mt. Karamatsu-dake.

Looking back, the challenging route that you have ascended can be seen. A fantastic view of Mt. Goryu-dake spreads right in front of you. Descend to Karamatsu-dake summit hut, where a stay for the night is recommended. On the next day, descend on Happou o’ne ridgeline to Happou sansou Mountain hut. From there, take gondolas down to Hakuba-happou.