白馬ファストパッキング

The Hakuba Traverse is a full north-to-south fastpacking run along one of Japan's most celebrated alpine ridgelines, compressed into two big days.

We have an inn booked in Happo on Friday night (14 August) so the group can get an early taxi to the Sarukura trailhead first thing Saturday morning. From Sarukura, the route climbs 1,500m to join the main ridgeline at Maruyama before tracking south through Tengusanso and finishing the night at the Goryusanso campsite. Day two begins at 3:45am for sunrise from Goryudake, then continues the full length of the ridge, past Kashimayarigatake, across the Hachimine Kiretto, and down to Ogizawa by early afternoon.

The route covers 34.5km with 4,475m of ascent across the two days. It includes two of Japan's famous knife-edge ridge sections, the Kaerazu Kiretto on day one and the Hachimine Kiretto on day two, with exposed scrambling, chains, and ladders throughout. A helmet is mandatory for the Kaerazu section in particular. This is serious mountain terrain and is suited to those with alpine experience, solid fitness, and comfort on exposed rocky ground.

Day 1: 17.5km, 2,867m up, 1,614m down
Day 2: 17km, 1,607m up, 2,680m down

This is a self-guided trip. Everyone is on the same course and staying at the same campsite, but we won't always move together, expect the group to naturally split into smaller packs or individuals depending on pace and preference. All participants are responsible for their own safety, their own gear, and their own decisions on the mountain. Goodpace are community facilitators, we are not mountain guides or leaders. If you are unsure whether the route is within your abilities, please get in touch before signing up.

Spaces: 4 female, 4 male. Campsite reservations already made. Please only sign up if you are fully committed.

Date: Saturday 15 - Sunday 16 August 2026
Start: Sarukura Bus Stop, Hakuba
Finish: Ogizawa Station

Price: ¥20,000 - covers Friday night accommodation at the Happo inn, Goryusanso campsite reservation, taxi to the Sarukura trailhead on Saturday morning, bus from Ogizawa to Shinano Omachi on Sunday, and logistical admin costs. Always bring emergency cash, food and supplies cost significantly more in the mountains than in town, and unexpected costs have a way of appearing on multi-day trips.

Mandatory Gear

• Helmet - required for the Kaerazu Kiretto and Hachimine Kiretto sections

• Headlamp - early starts both days, 3:45am departure on day two

• Fastpack or pack of at least 25 litres

• Tent or shelter

• Sleeping bag or quilt

• Sleeping pad

• Warm layers - temperatures at altitude in August can drop close to 0°C overnight even in summer

• Emergency bivvy or sheet

• First aid kit

• 1.5 litres of water minimum

• Enough food including lunch and dinner on day one and breakfast on day two

• Mountain insurance

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