Mt. Haruka
Height | 907m / 2962ft |
Length | 12km round trip |
Hiking Time | Winter - 4 hours to summit Summer - 3 hours to summit |
Notes | Cabin available (booking required 011-571-5111) Overnight stay ¥800 per person |
Location / Getting There | Take the National Road 5 国道5号線, 30 minute drive from Sapporo. 30 minute walk to trail head from Zenibako station. Jozankei, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2301 |
This relatively easy hike is a popular trail, especially for locals. For those not heading to the top, there are places along the way to forage for wild mushrooms. To get to the trail head, take the National Road 5 国道5号線, turn left (coming from Sapporo), turn right (coming from Otaru) at the intersection between a 7-11 and a Ralse Supermarket. Follow this road through a residential area up to the trail head. Alternatively, it is a thirty minute walk from Zenibako JR station. You can make this a great day trip, or stay overnight at a cabin which can be found three quarters of the way up.
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The cabin that can be found is a two story structure and is well kept. It was built in 1960, and since 1974 it is operated as a welfare facility of Tokai University. Be warned, you will need to reserve the cabin in advance if you wish to stay the night! The custodian who stays there runs a tight ship, but the facilities there are great. There is a toilet and cooking facilities here, bunk beds and a warm stove can be found here also. The start of the hike is on a gradual incline making for a pleasant walk. After the cabin, the trail gets quite steep and is a thirty minute trek to the top.