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!
A Guide to Hiking Huts & Mountain Shelters of the Famed Japanese Alps
Enzan-so Lodge, Mount Tsubakuro
Opened in 1921 and sitting on one of the most remarkable ridgelines in the Northern Japanese Alps, Enzan-so is one of the most well-known and popular lodges in the mountains of Japan. The lodge is situated at 2,700 meters (8,500 feet), making it somewhat baffling to imagine people 100 years ago bringing up all the supplies to build it. Staying on the ridgeline allows for sunset views of Mount Yari across the valley, a peak that's known as "Japan’s Matterhorn.” There's ample tent space if you decide you want to camp instead of sleeping indoors.
Rate: ¥17,000 for breakfast/dinner/bed
Mitsumata Lodge, Mount Washiba
In the remote and sparsely populated Japanese Alps, Mitsumata Lodge is considered to be in one of the region's "last frontiers.” The lodge is right between the prefectures of Nagano and Toyama and was constructed in 1926. They make a mean cup of coffee here to give you the push needed to climb Mount Washiba, which towers over the hut. There's also an area a short walk from the lodge where you can set up a tent.
Rate: ¥12,000 for breakfast/dinner/bed