Japan may be famous for its megacities like Tokyo and Osaka, but many forget that the island country is 70 percent mountains. Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor hobbies for those living there (skiing & snowboarding in Japan is legendary, too), and while Mt. Fuji justifiably gets most of the attention the Japanese Alps are full of amazing and less visited trails.
Never heard of the Japanese Alps? The range is a vein of peaks that stretches across the middle of Honshu, Japan's main island. Japan has a long history of hiking tradition and, along with it, a unique and longstanding system of mountain huts—some of which have been serving hikers for more than 100 years. Similar to the hut systems in the Alps, the Dolomites, and even on the Mediterranean island of Corsica, these huts can be booked by hikers ahead of time, to ensure comfortable passage through the mountains.
These mountain lodges have a range of accommodations from private rooms to sleeping shoulder to shoulder with fellow hikers. Some are open all year round while others close once the snow gets too deep. Some of the huts are pricey—costing as much as ¥17,000 (roughly $124 at the time of writing)—but many have tent spots that are a fraction of the price. One thing that all of these mountain huts have in common: they're the ideal way to visit some of Japan's most remarkable locations.
Read on for a breakdown of 12 prominent mountain huts we recently visited, complete with original photography shot on 35mm film. Enjoy and safe travels!
