Sasagamine Hütte of Kyoto University
Myoko City, Nigata Prefecture, Japan
Sasagamine Hütte is located on a high-altitude plateau called Myoko kogen, lying at an elevation of 1,300 m. Surrounded by the Northern region of the Japanese Alps – Mount Myoko (2,454 m), Mount Hiuchi (2,462 m), and Mount Kurohime(2,053 m) – Sasagamine huette affords a spectacular view of the mountains; providing respite from the hot, busy, noisy city!
Important: Internet connection is NOT available in and around the hütte
Network coverage for some Japanese-based mobile phone companies is available, though with variable signal strength. Coverage for NTT Docomo and KDDI is acceptable; no network coverage for SoftBank. Availability of overseas-based networks is unknown, but coverage is likely to be poor or non-existent.
The hütte offers accommodation to non-AACK members as well as to AACK members during the open season (N.B. advance application is required).
Access
From Myoko-kogen Station
Take a bus from Myoko-kogen Station to Kyoto University Sasagamine Hütte (45 min, 1,000 yen).
From Nagoya Station to Myoko-kogen Station
Take the "wide view Shinano" train from Nagoya Station, transfer to a local train (Shinao Railway "north Shinano-sen" line, towards Myoko-kogen)
at Nagano Station and get off at the Myoko-kogen stop (4 hr, ~8,000 yen).
Weather
The area in which the hütte is situated typically offers a sunny, dry, and relatively cool climate, with temperature ranging from below 10˚C to 25˚C. Please be sure to bring long-sleeved shirts/t-shirts, full-length pants/trousers, and a jacket; expect cool weather in the night – the temperature can drop by around 10 degrees. For more information about appropriate clothing, please see 'Useful Tips'.
The area in which the hütte is situated is chilly even in the daytime, with temperatures ranging from below 0˚C to 20˚C.
Amenities
Room Myoko 妙高山...... 3 person room
Room Kurohime 黒姫山...... 3 person room
Room Yakeyama & Room Takatsuma 焼山、高妻山 ...... 3 person room x 2
Loft
Notice: The hütte offers Japanese-style bedding (futon / mattress, blanket, sheets, and pillow).
Outdoor Facilities
Wildlife in the area surrounding the Sasagamine Hütte
See photos
Trekking Guide
History of Sasagamine Hütte
The hütte was renovated in 1999.
The hütte was built originally in 1929 by several members of the Kyoto Imperial University Travel Club, including the late Kinji Imanishi (1902-1992). In 1999, the hütte was renovated into a wonderful three-storey lodge.
In the dining room of the hütte, you can see Dr. Imanishi's autograph, reading: "Yama yo / hütte yo / kenzai nare " (Moutains, and the hütte, retain calm and live happily ever after.)
Useful Tips
Recommended Clothing and Equipment
1. Long-sleeved shirts/t-shirts and full-length pants/trousers ESSENTIAL
- to protect your legs and arms when walking through thick vegetation
- to guard against insect bites/stings
- to keep warm: Sasagamine is situated at high altitude, so it can get chilly,
especially in the evening and overnight and, of course, higher up in the mountains.
2. Jacket/outerwear
The temperature is much cooler at night - it can drop to around 10˚C.
3. Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, fragrance-free sun-cream
To protect you from the sun/heat during the middle of the day.
4. Waterproof gear: outer shell waterproof/windproof jacket and waterproof pants/trousers ESSENTIAL for trekking
Gore-Tex(R) fabrics tend to be the most reliable and breathable.
5. Flashlight/torch/headlight ESSENTIAL for trekking
Remember to bring spare batteries, if necessary
6. Trekking/hiking boots ESSENTIAL for trekking
Foorwear with ankle support and soles with a good grip are important because the climb to Mount Hiuchi, is very slippy in places.
7. & 8. Compass & Map ESSENTIAL for trekking
Vital for finding your way and checking directions. A compass is especially useful in bad weather (especially with low visibility) and a compass design that allows you to take bearings is the most useful (compass with a large housing showing a ruler, heading arrow and a turnable compass-housing).
9. Daypack ESSENTIAL for trekking
It is important to be able to carry you own supplies (food, water) and gear. Carrying essential gear with you prepares you for sudden changes in weather.
10. Water bottle /canteen/Sigg bottle ESSENTIAL for trekking
It is important to keep hydrated while walking, especially because you will be sweating more than usual in the heat and exertion from exercise. As an alternative to the suggested items, you could buy a PET plastic bottled water at the supermarket near the Myoko-kogen Station and refill it, however the water will not stay as cool as in a metal canister.
Fabrics of lighter rather than darker colors are best (to avoid getting stung by hornets, and so that you can spot ticks easily). Choose quick-drying clothing, for example, specialist walking trousers made with light-weight but durable fast-drying fabric (cotton/denim takes a very long time to dry, and denim can be restrict your range of movement while hiking).
TOILETPlease note that you are encouraged to use a sanitation kit when relieving yourself outside the hütte. If you are scheduled to visit the hütte as part of a team led by an AACK member, they will provide you with a more detailed explanation.