Mt. Shiroumadake (白馬岳)

Mt. Shiroumadake is a 2,932m peak located in the Ushiro-Tateyama mountain range in the northern part of the Northern Alps. It is designated as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains and one of Japan’s 100 Flower Mountains. The dynamic route ascending Japan’s largest Shirouma Daisekkei (Great Snow Valley) is popular, and beyond the snow valley, colorful alpine flower fields spread out. Shirouma Sanso, located just below the summit, is the mountain hut with the largest capacity in Japan. On the slopes of Mt. Yargatake there is Shirouma Yari Onsen at 2,100m elevation, and at the northern foot of Shirouma Oike lies Renge Onsen, making traverse plans combined with hot springs an attractive option.

This page shows how to get to Sarukura, the trailhead for Mt. Shiroumadake, by train and bus.

*Timetable last checked: [sc name=”updated_date”][/sc]

Map

1. Going: Hakuba Sta. → Sarukura

From JR Oito Line Hakuba Station, take the Alpico Kotsu “Sarukura Line” bus to the terminus Sarukura. The bus also stops at Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal. From 2025, a reservation system has been introduced — advance booking via “Hasshaoh-Line Net” is required (bookings open 1 month before travel date; credit card/PayPay/d-payment accepted). Boarding without a reservation is possible if seats are available on the day, but standing may be required during busy periods.

Operating period: Generally mid-July to mid-October (varies by year)
Fare: 2,000 yen
Travel time: Approx. 27 min

Bus Timetable: Hakuba Sta. → Sarukura

Reference: Alpico Kotsu

2. Going: Takebashi Sta. / Shinjuku Sta. → Sarukura (Mainichi Alpen-go Night Bus)

From Tokyo, you can use the “Mainichi Alpen-go” overnight bus operated by Mainichi Shinbun Travel (Maitabi) (reservation required). Board at Takebashi Station (in front of Mainichi Shimbun Building) or Shinjuku Station West Exit, arriving at Sarukura early in the morning.

Reference: Mainichi Shinbun Travel “Mainichi Alpen-go”

3. Return: Sarukura → Hakuba Sta.

From Sarukura bus stop, take the Alpico Kotsu “Sarukura Line” bus to Hakuba Station. As with the outbound trip, reservations are required. Advance booking via “Hasshaoh-Line Net” is recommended.

Operating period: Generally mid-July to mid-October (varies by year)
Fare: 2,000 yen
Travel time: Approx. 27 min

Bus Timetable: Sarukura → Hakuba Sta.

Reference: Alpico Kotsu

4. Return: Sarukura → Shinjuku Sta. (Mainichi Alpen-go Night Bus)

For the return to Tokyo, the “Mainichi Alpen-go” overnight bus is also available from Sarukura (reservation required). The bus departs Sarukura in the afternoon/evening and arrives at Shinjuku Station / Takebashi Station.

Reference: Mainichi Shinbun Travel “Mainichi Alpen-go”