A Tradition of Supporting Hikers: Japan’s Mountain Huts
There are about 100 mountain huts in operation throughout Chubusangaku National Park, offering meals, accommodation, safety support, and information. Their origins may have been the small shelters built by loggers and hunters in the Edo period (1603–1867), but as mountaineering took off at the beginning of the twentieth century, huts began to focus on serving the needs of hikers. Some of the most famous have recently passed the 100-year mark: the Yarisawa Lodge opened in 1917, while Enzanso has been around since 1921. By the time the area was designated as a national park in 1934, most of today’s huts were already in operation.
As the numbers of hikers increased, the huts grew larger. Until the advent of helicopters, everything was carried up by hand, and anyone who has made the climb with a full backpack can well imagine how difficult this must have been. Now, thanks to helicopter deliveries and generators, guests can enjoy such offerings as draft beer, ice cream, and filling, hot meals. Drying rooms powered by large fans are a blessed relief for those who arrive soaked from a sudden mountain shower.
The huts have deep connections with their alpine locations. The operators and their employees are living encyclopedias who share their knowledge about the natural environment, trails, weather conditions, and much more. Most huts have been in the same family for generations, the operators’ ancestors having laid the trails that hikers still use. They take responsibility for maintenance, replacing washed-out bridges, restoring damaged paths, and cutting back foliage. They are often on the front lines when it comes to rescue operations, facilitating communications and, in some areas, supporting adjacent clinics that provide basic medical services.
Making the Most of Your Stay: Tips for Lodging at Mountain Huts
Unlike most mountain lodges in Europe, many of Japan’s mountain huts are located close to the highest peaks. Operating accommodations in such extreme locales requires a lot of hard work and the cooperation of guests. Most Japanese visitors are already aware of the basic customs and schedules of the lodges, and visitors from overseas can ensure a smooth stay by learning in advance how things are done.
The Early Bird
Some hikers hit the trails while it is still dark, and almost everyone leaves by 5:30 or 6:00 a.m. Since breakfasts need to be prepared and served, this means an even earlier start for the hut’s staff. Evening meals are served early too, usually at around 5:00 p.m. In order to prepare the correct number of meals and make room assignments, most huts expect hikers to arrive by 3:00 p.m. Arriving late creates additional work and problems for the staff.
Observing the customary arrival time may seem unnecessary to hikers who are renting a tent space and making their own meals, but latecomers will very likely find most good tent spots already occupied. The weather often deteriorates later in the day, and thick clouds and sudden rainstorms occur frequently.
Please keep in mind that another crucial reason for early check-in is the importance of daylight for any rescue operations. Conditions such as altitude sickness and hypothermia require a quick response.
Lights Out/Lights On
Depending on the hut, the lights will be turned off at 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. and back on at 4:00 or 5:00 a.m. Many hikers are in bed even earlier than 8:00 p.m., so everyone tends to quieten down by then. It is also customary to pack early the night before so as not to wake others with noisy preparations.
Water: The Source of Life
Water is an extremely precious resource at high altitudes. The availability and quantity at the huts depend on how close they are to a water source, but all of them strive to conserve water. Some may even charge for its use, depending on the collection method.
Waste Not
Everyone is asked to carry out any garbage they generate. Toilet rules vary from hut to hut. Some require used toilet paper to be placed in a waste basket next to the toilet. Toilet waste is either carried out of the park or broken down through a waste-treatment system, both of which require considerable effort. While guests staying at the huts and campsites can use the toilets free of charge, others are asked to contribute \100 per use.
Too Close for Comfort
The huts can get very crowded during peak season and on weekends. They never refuse anyone in need of shelter, so sharing a futon mattress is a possibility. If you fear becoming claustrophobic, avoid weekends and the peak seasons.
Reservations
Where possible, reservations should be made in advance. Not all mountain huts accept reservations, however, so carefully researching your options in advance is a must. If you have a reservation but decide to cancel your stay due to bad weather or for any other reason, be sure to inform the hut. The nonarrival of guests with reservations raises concerns about possible accidents on the trail.
Cash
The mountain huts do not accept credit cards, so be sure to bring cash for payment.
Hiking Tips
• When hikers going in opposite directions meet, those who are ascending have priority.
• Rocks on the trails are sometimes marked with a circle for the correct path or an X for a direction to avoid.
• When a dislodged rock can endanger people below, hikers call out “Raku!” an abbreviation of rakuseki (“falling rock”). Conveniently, raku is pronounced much like the word “rock.”
• The mountain slopes can be very steep, and going off-trail may not only damage the environment but also place you in danger.
• Listen to advice from mountain-hut staff, who are knowledgeable about their surroundings.
• Helmets are recommended for some of the more difficult sections.
• The weather can change very quickly in alpine locations. Be prepared and check forecasts often.
• Headlamps can be lifesavers when hikers are caught by nightfall on the trail, or for predawn departures.
• A hiking registration form should be submitted at the trailhead or on the Internet. This is extremely important in case of emergencies.
