Snowshoeing at Dewa Sanzan
Deep winter snow makes it impossible to access the summits of Mt. Gassan (1,984 m) and Mt. Yudono (1,500 m) for several months during the year. However, Mt. Haguro (414 m), the lowest of the Dewa Sanzan mountains, can be climbed even in mid-winter with the aid of snowshoes.
Gassan Visitor Center offers guided snowshoeing tours throughout the winter. Tours are an opportunity to learn from a local expert about the history and wildlife of Mt. Haguro. The visitor center also occasionally hosts nighttime snowshoe tours. These excursions allow visitors to see the area’s nocturnal wildlife, such as flying squirrels, which live in tree hollows in Mt. Haguro’s cedar forests.
A small fee is charged for the snowshoeing tours. The fee covers expert guidance, snowshoe rental, insurance and, on select tours, a warming post-tour snack and an onsen hot springs bath. warm up afterward at the visitor center fireplace with a coffee.
Tours are offered in Japanese only. Non-Japanese speakers should use translation tools or arrange their own interpretation.
For more information about tours, schedules, availability, and booking, contact the Gassan Visitor Center. The visitor center also offers free snowshoe rental and maps of the surrounding area.
