Mt. Goryudake (五竜岳, 2,814m) is a prominent peak in the Gotate-yama Range of the Northern Alps (Kita Alps) in Nagano and Toyama prefectures. Known for its dramatic ridgelines, sweeping panoramas, and alpine flower meadows, it is counted among Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. The most popular approach is to ride the Hakuba Goryu Telecabin up to Alps-daira, then follow the Tōmi Ridge (Kotōmi → Nakatōmi → Ōtōmi → Nishitōmi → Shirotake) to the summit. The gondola significantly reduces the elevation gain, making it suitable for day hikes, hut stays, or multi-day traverses.
The main access is via Escal Plaza (adjacent to the Telecabin Toomi Station) near JR Kamishiro Station on the Oito Line. A free shuttle runs between the station and Escal Plaza. Overnight buses from Tokyo are also available (Mainichi Alpen-go).
Access to the Trailhead
Map
1. Going: JR Kamishiro Sta. → Escal Plaza (Free Shuttle)
A free shuttle runs from JR Kamishiro Station (or the “Hakuba Goryu” bus stop) to Escal Plaza (adjacent to the Telecabin Toomi Station). Walking takes about 20–25 minutes (1.6 km).
Operating period: Jun 21 – Oct 19, 2025 (daily) | Travel time: Approx. 5 min
Free Shuttle: JR Kamishiro Sta. → Escal Plaza
| Dep. JR Kamishiro Sta. | Arr. Escal Plaza (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 8:10 | 8:15 |
| 9:35 | 9:40 |
| 10:35 | 10:40 |
| 11:20 | 11:25 |
| 12:10 | 12:15 |
| 12:45 | 12:50 |
| 13:05 | 13:10 |
Reference: Hakuba Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden
2. Going: Tokyo (Takebashi/Shinjuku) → Hakuba Goryu (Mainichi Alpen-go Night Bus)
Take the Mainichi Alpen-go night bus operated by Maitabi from Takebashi or Shinjuku to Hakuba Goryu. Advance reservation required.
22:30 Takebashi Sta. → 23:00 Shinjuku Sta. → 4:40 Hakuba Goryu
Reference: Mainichi Alpen-go (Maitabi)
3. Return: Escal Plaza → JR Kamishiro Sta. (Free Shuttle)
Take the free shuttle from Escal Plaza to JR Kamishiro Station.
Operating period: Jun 21 – Oct 19, 2025 (daily) | Travel time: Approx. 5 min
Free Shuttle: Escal Plaza → JR Kamishiro Sta.
| Dep. Escal Plaza | Arr. JR Kamishiro Sta. (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 8:00 | 8:05 |
| 10:20 | 10:25 |
| 10:55 | 11:00 |
| 12:20 | 12:25 |
| 13:15 | 13:20 |
| 14:20 | 14:25 |
| 14:45 | 14:50 |
| 15:00 | 15:05 |
| 15:30 | 15:35 |
| 16:30 | 16:35 |
Reference: Hakuba Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden
4. Return: Hakuba Goryu → Shinjuku (Mainichi Alpen-go)
Take the Mainichi Alpen-go bus from Escal Plaza to Shinjuku. Advance reservation required.
16:05 Hakuba Goryu → 20:30 Shinjuku
Reference: Mainichi Alpen-go (Maitabi)
