Nanryu Sanso
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Hakusan National Park
Nanryu Sanso Lodge
A great base camp when climbing Mt. Hakusan
A rustic, friendly lodge
Nanryu Sanso is located at an altitude of 2,080 meters in Minami Ryugabanba, a gentle bowl just to the south of the main peaks of Mt. Hakusan. Many hikers overnight here before ascending Gozengamine (2,702 m), the highest of Hakusan’s peaks, or heading up Mt. Bessan (2,399 m) to the south. Near the main lodge, visitors will find the Minami Ryugabanba Visitor Center, the Nanryu ga Banba Campsite (the only designated tent-camping site in all of Hakusan), and private cabins that must be booked in advance. In the summer, Nanryu Sanso is permanently staffed with guides from the Ishikawa Prefecture Nature Guide Association.
Late July and early August is peak season for Nanryu Sanso, especially on weekends. Plan and reserve accommodation well in advance, and avoid weekends if possible.
Please take all trash home with you, as there is no place to dispose of it on the mountain.
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Be sure to fill out a climbing report, and wear a helmet when climbing.
The tent area can accommodate up to 100 tents. Toilets and a cooking area are available.
There 10 private rooms in the five Nanryu cabins.
Beds are set up in an open, two-level style, and Japanese-style rooms are also available.
Nanryu Sanso features washlet toilets.
Many alpine flowers bloom in the area around Nanryu Sanso.
Nanryu Sanso Lodge
Open July 1 to October 15
Occupancy: 150
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Tips for Seeing the Sunrise
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Sunrise seen from the Alps Observatory
The Alps Observatory is a one-hour hike from Nanryu Sanso on the Tenbo Hodo (Observatory Path). In good weather it is common to see hikers offering prayers to the sunrise here. After watching the sunrise, visitors can hike another hour to get to Murodo, where they can have a light breakfast before hiking to the summit. (Boxed meals are also available for those who would like to enjoy breakfast on the trail.)
Those who plan to descend the mountain via the Tenbo Hodo, the Tonbi Iwa course, or the Echo Line will pass near Nanryu Sanso. It is possible to drop off any unneeded gear here before starting the ascent to Gozengamine, and pick it up on the way down.