Mt. Shirasuna (白砂山)

Mt. Shirasuna (白砂山, 2139.7m) is a prominent peak standing at the junction of Nagano, Niigata, and Gunma prefectures. It is listed among the Nihon Nihyakumeizan (200 Famous Mountains of Japan), Kanto Hyakumeizan, and Gunma Hyakumeizan. The ridgeline offers views of Mt. Naeba and Mt. Saburyusan, with the Northern Alps visible on clear days.

The trailhead at Nozoriko (Lake Nozori) is reached by the Rose Queen Kotsu bus from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station on the JR Agatsuma Line. The bus operates seasonally from May to October.

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

Shirasunayama – Climbing Summary

Trailhead: Nozoriko or Nozori Pass (May 1-Oct 20)
Standard Route: Nozoriko (Campground) → Fujimi Pass → Doiwa Mountain → Shirasunayama (Round trip)
Standard Time: Ascent: 3:20-3:40, Descent: 2:40-3:00 (Total: 6:00-6:40 approx.)
Difficulty: Intermediate (distance and elevation gain. Strong winds on the ridgeline even in summer)
Best Season: June (Veratrum album subsp. oxysepalum), July (Japanese swertia), Late Sept – Early Oct (Fall foliage)
Notes: Risk of slipping and getting lost during snow season. Bears present, carry bear bells/spray and sufficient water and provisions.

Access to the Trailhead

Going: Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Sta. → Nozoriko
Return: Nozoriko → Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Sta.

Map

1. Going: Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Sta. → Nozoriko

From Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station on the JR Agatsuma Line, take the Rose Queen Kotsu bus on the Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi – Nozoriko route and ride to the terminus at Nozoriko.

Travel time: about 1 hr 50 min to Nozori Pass, about 2 hrs to Nozoriko. Operating period: May 1 – October 20, 2025.