Summer Info
The forests around Sarukura Lodge are now at their most vibrant, with fresh spring foliage covering the mountainsides in brilliant shades of green. On 5/30 (Sat.), the 60th Annual Teiitsu Festival (Hakuba Mountain Opening Festival) was held to mark the start of the climbing season in the Northern Alps. Meanwhile, the Hakuba-dake Line Prefectural Road (pictured), which drew considerable attention last year, is currently closed to regular vehicle traffic along part of the route. (* Beginning 6/16 (Tue.), authorized vehicles such as shuttle buses will be permitted between the Futamata Gate and the area near the Hakuba-kan heliport.)
[Hakuba-dake Line Prefectural Road]
A total of 230 people participated in the festival this year, including 100 members of the general public. Following a Shinto ceremony conducted by local officials and a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the mayor of Hakuba Village and other guests, participants made their way to Sarukura Lodge. Groups then set off one after another on a trek toward the Hakuba Daisekkei snowfield (pictured) as they completed their preparations. A large banner had been erected at the trailhead, and a local chorus group was there to see participants off with song.
[Sarukura Lodge]
Under clear skies and with refreshingly cool temperatures, the trail was filled with pleasant sunlight filtering through the trees. The conditions were so enjoyable that anyone attending this year’s Teiitsu Festival could hardly help but come away with a love for hiking and trekking in Hakuba. Both the opening section of the trail and the forest road beyond were dry and easy to walk.
[Sarukura to Gotenba]
As I listened to the guides talk about the surrounding peaks, the alpine flowers blooming along the trail, and the local birdlife, my excitement grew as the snow-covered Northern Alps drew ever closer. Along the way, we crossed a small bridge (pictured) spanning a stream of crystal-clear snowmelt water. (To be continued in Pt. 2!)
[Sarukura to Gotenba]
[the 60th Annual Teiitsu Festival]
*Place … Hakuba Village Sarukura Parking Area
*Date … 2026/5/30 (Sat.)
*Reception … Apply in advance to Hakuba Village Tourism Bureau
*Fees … Trekking Tour JPY2,200 (Children under 12 y/o Free) Includes round-trip bus fare, guide fee, commemorative pin, and insurance
*Directions … Shuttle bus from the Kyowa Wing Hakuba (Wing 21) parking lot to Sarukura (included in the participation fee)
