ACTIVITY
TREKKING
Hakuba Goryu is the gateway to Mt. Goryu, one of
Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. Along the way, you’ll
find a variety of hiking and trekking courses for all
levels.
Hiking & Trekking Courses
All of these trails start from Alps Daira Station, the summit station of the Goryu Gondola.
From beginners to advanced hikers, everyone can enjoy these mountain walks and experience nature up close.
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- Duration: 30min
- Difficulty: ★☆☆☆
Alps Daira Nature Trail Hike
This gentle 30-minute loop course is perfect for families and beginner hikers. It is a great way to enjoy Hakuba’s beautiful alpine plants. Take a relaxing walk around the quiet Jizo Pond and enjoy ringing the handmade bear bells placed along the trail.
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- Duration: 20 min one way
- Difficulty: ★★☆☆
Mikaeri-zaka Trekking
For a small challenge, try the 20-minute uphill trail from Jizo-no-Kashira. Climb about 400 steps to reach Mikaeri-zaka, located at an elevation of 1,740 m. The name means “the slope that makes you look back” — and for good reason. The breathtaking view will make you want to turn around and take it all in. It feels almost like climbing a stairway to the sky.
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- Duration: 90–120 min one way
- Difficulty: ★★★☆
Mt. Kotoomi Trek 2,007 m
This trekking course begins at Jizo-no-Kashira and ascends to the summit of Mt. Kotoomi at 2,007 m. Starting from the summit station of the Alps Panorama Chair Lift, the route passes Jizo Cairn, where you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view, then continues through Mikaeri-zaka approx. 1,740 m, Ichinosegami approx. 1,892 m, and Ninosegami approx. 1,950 m before reaching the summit. Enjoy magnificent views of the Northern Alps, including Mt. Goryu.
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- Duration: 5–6+ hours from the summit station of the Goryu Gondola
- Difficulty: ★★★★
Mt. Goryu Climb
Mount Goryu is one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains; situated in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture, this iconic peak of the Northern Alps stands at an altitude of 2,814 metres. Its imposing silhouette and challenging rock-climbing routes attract many mountaineering enthusiasts. From the summit, one can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the Northern Alps. The Hakuba Goryu Gondola provides easy access to Alps-daira, from where the serious climb begins.
Clothes
The trail to Mt. Kotomi is well-maintained and a popular choice even for beginner hikers. However, please remember that you are entering a serious alpine environment. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, be sure to set out with the proper clothing and equipment.
In the mountains, the temperature drops by 0.6°C for every 100 meters of elevation gain, and your perceived temperature can drop by 1°C for every 1 m/s of wind speed. Even in summer, we recommend wearing moisture-wicking, long-sleeved base layers to handle both heat and cold. Additionally, hiking is more dehydrating than you might expect. Don’t forget to hydrate frequently, ideally before you even feel thirsty!
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Sun & Weather Protection
As elevation increases, UV rays become significantly stronger. Protect yourself with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, and consider using a towel or neck gaiter to shield your neck. Mountain weather is also notoriously unpredictable. Always carry a rain jacket to prepare for sudden wind or rain.
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Footwear
Mountain trails are often slippery and can become muddy after rain. We recommend sturdy hiking boots that provide good ankle support or well-fitted, athletic shoes with excellent grip.
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Insect Protection
Hakuba Goryu is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including insects that may sting or bite. Be sure to apply insect repellent before you head out and take necessary precautions to stay comfortable on the trail.
Manners
A shared sense of care and consideration is essential for a safe and enjoyable mountain experience.
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Leave nothing but footprints
To protect the local ecosystem, please take all your trash and food scraps home with you. Leaving anything behind can have a lasting impact on the environment.
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Yielding on the Trail
As a general rule, hikers going uphill have the right of way. In narrow sections, please communicate and yield to others to ensure everyone’s safety.
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Stay on the Path
To protect fragile alpine plants, please stay on the designated trails and boardwalks at all times. This also applies to setting up camera tripods. If you use hiking poles, the use of rubber tips is mandatory to prevent trail erosion.
Preserving Nature
The removal of plants, animals, or stones is strictly prohibited by law. To prevent the spread of invasive species, please use the designated mats to brush any seeds or soil from your boot soles before entering the mountain.
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National Park Regulations
The area above Jizo-no-kashira is a designated National Park. To protect the vegetation, pets are not allowed beyond this point. Feeding wild animals is also strictly forbidden.
Drones
The flying of drones without prior authorization is strictly prohibited.
Emergencies
In the event of an accident or crime, call the Police (110). For medical emergencies or fire, call the Fire Department (119). If you are injured or unwell and cannot descend on your own, please request rescue immediately. ＊Please note: Rescue operations by private teams are subject to a fee.
The last downhill ride on the Goryu Telecabin is at 4:30 PM. Please plan your descent with plenty of time to spare.
If staff determine that you will not be able to make it down by 4:30 pm, please call Goryu Co., Ltd. at 0261-75-2101 from your mobile phone. For safety reasons, extended operation will be provided to prevent accidents. Please note that an additional fee will be charged if you ride after 4:30 pm.
For Guests Descending from Mt. Goryu After Hiking
For safety reasons, walking up or down the gondola section is not permitted.
This area has dense forest, and there is a risk of bears and bees. There are also many dark and slippery areas.
Please use the gondola when traveling through this area.
For details, please check the “Information for Sightseeing and Hiking Visitors” page.
Alpine Botanical Garden
Located at Hakuba Goryu Alps Daira, 1,515 meters above sea level, this is one of Japan’s premier alpine botanical gardens. From June to October, over 300 varieties and around 2 million alpine plants come into bloom.