As the Edo Period (1603 – 1868) drew
to a close, Japan’s national government, driven by a desire for Westernstyle modernization and national defense, embarked on an ambitious
mapping project.
The Japanese military enlisted locals and laborers to conduct surveys, and in 1893 a pivotal triangulation point was established on Mt. Hakuba marking a significant milestone in the exploration of the region.
SCHOLARS AND RESEARCHERS
Soon after botanists, geologists, adventures, and other prominent figures began visiting the region to explore the mountain range. One such individual
was Walter Weston who summited Mt. Hakuba in 1894 and published his exploits in the book Mountaineering and Exploration in the Japanese Alps (1896). His publication significantly contributed to the proliferation of hiking in the area, eventually earning him the title “Father of Japanese Mountaineering.”
HAKUBA’S FIRST RYOKAN
In 1890, the Matsuzawa family, led by Matsuzawa Naojiro, established the Yamaki Ryokan, the first commercial lodging facility in Hakuba. The ryokan, which still stands opposite Hakuba Station, catered to the initial wave of visitors drawn to the mountains predominately for research purposes. With no trained guides in Hakuba at this time, the Matsuzawa family hired local residents to guide the climbers, marking the beginning of the guiding business in Hakuba.
MOUNTAIN LODGING
In 1906, 17 year old Matsuzawa Teiitsu, built a mountain accommodation near the summit of Mt. Hakuba.
He used the stone foundation left by a Japanese military survey unit and named the hut Hakuba Sanso. Hakuba Sanso became the first commercial mountain hut in Japan and laid the foundation for the future of Hakuba’s tourism industry.
Today Hakuba Sanso is the largest mountain hut in Japan.
HIKING CONTINUES TO GROW
Hakuba Sanso became a major attraction and commercial success, prompting Matsuzawa Teiitsu to add two more mountain huts to the Hakuba Sanso facility by 1915 in order to meet the growing demand. In 1916, the opening of the Shinano Railway to nearby Omachi provided direct access from Tokyo, further accelerating the mountaineering boom in Hakuba.
As Omachi lies approximately 20 kmfrom Hakuba, Matsuzawa Teiitsu bought
two Ford Model T’s and began a taxi service to transport hikers between Omachi and his Hakuba accommodations. This service quickly set the stage
for a burgeoning local economy, as numerous other businesses sprang up to
cater to the influx of mountain visitors.
GUIDING IN HAKUBA
Although guides had been operating out of Yamaki Ryokan since 1890, the Hakuba Mountain Guide Association was officially formed by Matsuzawa Teiitsu in 1925. The association catered to adventure seekers, offering essential expertise for navigating the still largely unexplored mountain ranges of the Hakuba Valley.
MINPAKU (SHOWA ERA AIRBNB)
To accommodate the increasing number of adventurers, local guides often
offered visitors the opportunity to spend the night at their own homes, where they would procure provisions and discuss the itinerary together before beginning the journey the next morning. In 1937, 16 houses of local guides in Hakuba gained permission to provide lodging for travelers, marking the beginning of the minpaku business—the first of its kind in Japan.
MODERN-DAY HIKING
Every year, tens of thousands of guests visit the Hakuba Valley to hike the majestic peaks. Now, over a century later, the Hakuba Mountain Guide Association continues to lead visitors safely through the mountains of the Hakuba Valley, proudly standing as one of Japan’s largest guiding associations. To book your
guide with the Hakuba Mountain Guide Association, simply call 0261-72-7132.
In July 1967, the first Teiitsu Mountain Festival was held, marking the start of the hiking season. Named in honor of Matsuzawa Teiitsu, who dedicated his life to promoting mountain tourism in Hakuba, the festival has become a cherished tradition. This year, we celebrated the 58th annual Teiitsu Mountain Festival, paying homage to the mountains and the pioneers who paved the way for us.
Among the most popular hikes in Hakuba is the ascent to Mt. Hakuba Yari. This trek is best enjoyed between late July and late September, with an overnight stay at the Hakuba Yari Onsen Hut. Here, hikers are treated to breathtaking
views and starry night skies. The highlight, however, is the open air mountain onsen bath which is available to guests. To book your stay at Hakuba Yari Onsen Hut, visit www.hakuba-sanso.co.jp
