How to go to Shirane Sanzan 白峰三山

The Shirane Sanzan 白峰三山, with its trilogy of majestic peaks – Mount Kita-dake 北岳, Mount Aino 間ノ岳, and Mount Notori 野鳥岳, offers a captivating and rewarding expedition for any hiking enthusiast. From sweeping vistas reaching as far as the Pacific Ocean to the tranquil seclusion offered by these towering giants in Japanese Southern Alps 南アルプス, the experience is truly incomparable.

Every step on this journey reveals an intimate connection with nature's grandeur, unlocking deeper appreciation for its awe-inspiring landscapes. Each mountain presents a unique charm, adding layers to the adventure that lingers in your memories.

We invite you to embark on this journey through the Shirane Sanzan 白峰三山, as it's not just about reaching the summit but the profound experiences that the trails offer. It's time to lace up your boots and discover the allure of these stunning peaks. After all, the mountains are calling. Will you answer?

You can access Shirane Sanzan 白峰三山 from Hirogawara Sanso 広河原山荘. The general travel plan by public transport starts from Kofu Station 甲府駅.

Hiking Trail to Shirane Sanzan 白峰三山

At Kofu Station 甲府駅, board the bus from Kofu Station South Exit Bus Terminal Platform 1 (甲府駅南口バスターミナル１番のりば).

Kofu station south exit bus terminal platform 1-1
Hirogawara sanso-1Hirogawara sanso-2

The timetable for the bus to Hirogawara Sanso 広河原山荘 from Kofu Station 甲府駅 is shown below. The name of the bus route that you are looking for is Kofu - Hirogawara Line 甲府-広河原線.

Below is the bus operational schedule calendar for 2023.

The first schedule applies to weekends and public holidays during Jul 15 (Sat) – Aug 20 (Sun), as well as everyday during peak season of Jun 23 (Fri) – Nov 05 (Sun), whereas the second schedule is for the weekdays outside of the peak season only.

Let's first look at the more widely used schedule. On the Japanese site, this is labeled as the "Weekend" schedule.

Kofu Station
甲府駅		Hirogawara Sanso
広河原山荘
4:356:28
6:558:48
9:0510:58
10:0511:58
12:0513:58
14:0515:58

And now the "Weekday" schedule.

Kofu Station
甲府駅		Hirogawara Sanso
広河原山荘
9:0510:58
10:0511:58
12:0513:58

Source: Yamanashi Kotsu Limited (山梨交通株式会社) (Last updated: 2024-06-01)

If you want to have the most daylight during this trip, be sure to catch the first bus! It leaves at 4:35am from Kofu Station 甲府駅.

Leverage the early morning hours by catching the first bus, and be rewarded with an ample stretch of daylight to maximize your expedition. Arriving at Kita-dake Sanso 北岳山荘 early allows you to savor a leisurely late lunch complemented by an unparalleled view. Imagine indulging in a satisfying meal while feasting your eyes on the majestic panorama of Mount Fuji 富士山 – a moment worth the early rise.

If you take the recommended Shirane Sanzan Trail 白峰三山コース, you will exit at Narada Onsen Bus Stop 奈良田温泉バス停. From here, there are a few ways to leave.

You can take a bus from Narada Onsen Bus Stop 奈良田温泉バス停 back to Hirogawara Sanso 広河原山荘 and transfer to the Kofu - Hirogawara Line 甲府-広河原線 to get back to Kofu Station 甲府駅.

Below is the bus operational schedule calendar for 2023.

The first schedule applies to weekends and public holidays during Jul 15 (Sat) – Aug 20 (Sun), as well as everyday during peak season of Jun 23 (Fri) – Nov 05 (Sun), whereas the second schedule is for the weekdays outside of the peak season only.

Let's first look at the more widely used schedule. On the Japanese site, this is labeled as the "Weekend" schedule.

Hirogawara Sanso
広河原山荘		Kofu Station
甲府駅
10:0011:55
11:0012:55
12:0013:50
14:0015:55
16:4018:30

And now the "Weekend" schedule.

Hirogawara Sanso
広河原山荘		Kofu Station
甲府駅
10:0011:55
12:0013:50
14:0015:55
16:4018:30

Source: Yamanashi Kotsu Limited (山梨交通株式会社) (Last updated: 2024-06-01)

Alternatively, you can take the bus from Narada Onsen Bus Stop 奈良田温泉バス停 to either Shimobe Onsen Station 下部温泉駅 or Minobu Station 身延駅.

The Shimobe Onsen しもべの湯 stands out with its state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring every visit is luxurious and comfortable. Open daily, Shimobe Onsen しもべの湯 caters to every hiker's schedule, allowing everyone to indulge in the healing waters from early morning till late evening.

After a day of adventure and exploration in the mountains nearby, Shimobe Onsen しもべの湯 offers the perfect conclusion with its welcoming, therapeutic waters.

Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can look forward to soothing their muscles and rejuvenating their spirit in our hot springs, making it an ideal retreat after the day's exertions.

The natural, mineral-rich waters of Shimobe Onsen しもべの湯 are not only a treat for the body but also a serene escape for the mind, promising a harmonious blend of relaxation and nature's healing after the thrill of the hike.

Shimobe Onsen しもべの湯

The Narada Onsen Bus Stop 奈良田温泉バス停 is enveloped in a serene view, ensuring that arriving early is a delight rather than a chore. With the captivating scenery as your companion, the wait for the bus becomes a moment of leisure and enjoyment.

There's no need to ponder over how to pass the time; the breathtaking surroundings offer the perfect backdrop to relax and immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance before your journey begins.

Narada Onsen Bus Stop 奈良田温泉バス停

Elevation: 2,697 feet / 822m

Narada onsen bus stop-1Narada onsen bus stop-2Narada onsen bus stop-3

Note that there is an extra 200￥ charge for those carrying backpacks.

Narada Onsen Bus Stop
奈良田温泉バス停		Shimobe Onsen Station
下部温泉駅		Minobu Station
身延駅
6:357:448:05
9:5010:5911:20
13:5014:5915:20
15:5517:0417:25

Source: Hayakawa Town (Last updated: 2024-06-01)