Hakuba Running Holiday, Trail Running Japanese Alps Hakuba Running Retreat Mount Shirouma Summit Alpine Running Japan

Hakuba Japanese Alps trail running holiday Run Weekends Mt Shirouma summit guided mountain running retreat

hakuba trail running holiday japanese alps running trip run weekends hakuba japan alpine trail running holiday northern japanese alps running retreat guided trail running hakuba japan mt shirouma summit running holiday hakuba 1998 winter olympics mountain running holiday japan mountain hut trail running hakuba onsen running retreat hakuba alpine trail running all abilities running holiday hakuba japan small group trail running northern japanese alps active travel running holiday japan hakuba best trail running destinations asia japan alpine huts futon dorms onsen trail running hakuba social running retreat japanese alps ridgeline trail running japan run weekends hakuba japan mountain adventure

Join us for 5 nights of trail running deep in the Northern Japanese Alps, based out of the mountain town of Hakuba. We'll climb to the stunning Hakuba Oike lake, push to the summit of Mt. Shirouma at 2932m, and cross rocky ridgelines, sleeping two nights in traditional mountain huts along the way with hearty hot meals and views straight from the doorstep. Moving together at a relaxed, social pace, we'll wind through fragrant forest, soak tired legs in a mountain onsen, and end our days back in Hakuba with good food and good company. This isn't a race - it's a shared journey into the heart of Japan's mountains.

hakuba northern japanese alps trail running holiday 5 nights 6 days mt shirouma 2932m summit, run weekends hakuba japan guided trail running holiday mountain huts onsen ridgelines, 5 guided run days daily distances 6km 20km 17km 15km 10km hakuba running itinerary, cedar forests alpine lakes rocky ridgelines boulder fields snowfields trail running hakuba japan, mountain fitness required relaxed group pace hakuba trail running retreat japan, hotel plus 2 nights traditional mountain huts futon dorms accommodation hakuba japan, all hut meals group dinners included hakuba trail running holiday japan, luggage forwarding gondola tsugaike nature park included hakuba japanese alps running holiday, mt shirouma 2932m summit ridge trail running hakuba northern japanese alps, hakuba oike alpine lake tsugaike nature park trail running japan stunning views, himekawa river shakeout run day one hakuba japan trail running holiday, mountain onsen hot springs soak tired legs trail running hakuba japan retreat, ridgeline boulder fields snowfields wildflowers exposed ridge trail running hakuba japanese alps, sarukura valley long descent trail running hakuba japan run weekends, run weekends hakuba japan 1998 winter olympics mountain town trail running adventure, small group trail running hakuba japanese alps social mountain running holiday, guided trail running holiday asia japan hakuba northern alps best trail running destinations japan

Northern Japanese Alps trail running holiday Hakuba Run Weekends Mt Shirouma running adventure

Dates & Spaces

Only 20% deposit to secure your booking.

Pay the rest any time up to 60 day before trip.

Japan mountain trail running holiday Hakuba Run Weekends guided alpine running retreat Japanese Alps

Hakuba Japanese Alps trail running holiday Run Weekends guided mountain running retreat Japan

Save with Priority Access & Early Bird

Booking Early = Best Price

Itinerary

Welcome to the Japanese Alps. Join us for a trail running adventure into the heart of Japan's Northern Alps, based around the charming mountain town of Hakuba. Best known as the host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Hakuba is our launchpad into a landscape of soaring peaks, hidden alpine lakes, and some of the most dramatic ridgelines in Japan. This is not about pace or performance - it's about moving through the mountains together, enjoying every climb, every view, and every shared moment along the way. Over five days you'll run through cedar forests, alongside the rushing Himekawa River, up rocky boulder fields, and along ridges with jaw-dropping views in every direction. Two nights are spent tucked away in traditional mountain huts, where the food is hearty, the sunsets are unforgettable, and the stars come out in force. Along the way, there's even the chance to soak tired legs in a mountain onsen - so don't forget your swimwear. You'll be looked after by an experienced team throughout, so all you need to worry about is the running, the scenery, and the company.

Day 1

Arrival in Hakuba & Shakeout Run - 6km

Touch down in Hakuba by around 15:00 and settle into the hotel before lacing up for an easy 6km shakeout run along the Himekawa River - the perfect way to shake off travel legs and get your first taste of the mountain air. With views of the surrounding peaks already giving us a glimpse of what's to come, you'll head back to freshen up before the group's first dinner together at a local restaurant, getting excited for the days ahead over good food.

Day 2

Tsugaike to Mountain Hut - 20km, 2010m+

After breakfast, leave your bags at the hotel (you'll be back here on the final night) and hop on a short transfer followed by a scenic gondola ride up to Tsugaike Nature Park, where the real adventure begins. From here it's a steady, climb up to the show-stopping Hakuba Oike lake, its still waters mirroring the peaks above - one of those views you'll want to bottle up and take home. From there, the trail dips and climbs once more to the day's final summit before delivering you to your mountain hut, just in time for a glorious sunset, a well-earned meal, and an early night under the stars.

Tsugaike Nature Park gondola trail running Hakuba Japanese Alps Run Weekends running holiday

Day 3

Ridgelines & Mountain Onsens - 17km, 1700m+

Today throws a bit of everything at you, starting with a steep climb back onto the ridge and views that make every step worth it. The terrain turns wild and rocky from here - boulder fields, undulating ridge walking, and the occasional snow patch (roped up for safety where needed) keep things properly adventurous. A long, leg-loosening descent through forest brings you down to your second mountain hut, where a soak in the onsen and a hearty meal await - the perfect reward for a big day in the mountains.

Rocky ridgeline boulder field exposed trail running Hakuba Japanese Alps Run Weekends running retreat

Day 4

Sarukura & Return to Hakuba - 15km +100m

Your legs might be tired, but the mountains have one more treat in store. A steep initial climb away from the hut leads into forest and alpine terrain with a few exposed sections - the day's main effort - before easing into a rolling ridgeline with gentler ups and downs and lingering views back toward yesterday's peaks. From there, it's a long, flowing descent through forest toward the Sarukura valley, the trail widening and the running getting easier with every step, right through to a fast, well-marked finish. Back in Hakuba, there's free time to explore the local shops or unwind in a nearby onsen before the group reunites for dinner, and later, a nightcap at the hotel bar to toast the trip's final night in the mountains.

Hakuba Oike alpine lake mirror reflection trail running Japanese Alps Run Weekends running holiday

Day 5

Final Run & Departure -10km +300m

We will set off on one last run to make the most of the mountains and the stunning scenery before checking out of the hotel and having a relaxed brunch at a local cafe to reminisce over the week's adventures. Hugs, goodbyes, and the trip wraps up by around 12:00 - please book onward travel from 14:00 to allow for eventual delays.

Small group trail running Hakuba Japanese Alps Japan all abilities mountain running holiday Run Weekends

Challenge Level

Every Run Weekends adventure is a little different. The Overall Challenge Level is designed to give you clear, at-a-glance guidance on how demanding a trip is likely to feel as a whole. It’s not about speed or racing, it’s about the combined physical, mental, and logistical challenge across the entire experience.

All our trips are suitable for all abilities because we design the support to take good care of you. These rating are simply to help you make an informed decision as to the challenge you’ll experience. Taken together, these four elements provide a balanced, honest snapshot of what to expect, helping you choose the adventure that best matches your appetite for the challenge.

MORE INFO

Run Weekends 5 star reviews google reviews trustpilot tripadvisor

Highlights

Sarukura valley forest descent trail running Hakuba Japanese Alps Run Weekends running holiday

Location: The Northern Japanese Alps

Welcome to one of the mopst incredible mountain ranges in the world - the Japanese Alps. Our base is Hakuba, the gateway to some of the most dramatic peaks in Japan. From here we head deep into the Northern Alps, taking in alpine lakes, boulder-strewn ridgelines and summiting Mt Shirouma at 2,932m before looping back down through forest to the Sarukura valley and returning to town.

Traditional Japanese mountain hut futon dorms trail running Hakuba Run Weekends running retreat

Stay: Mountain Huts & Hotels

Two nights are spent at our hotel in Hakuba - on arrival and again once you're back from the mountains - bookending two nights out on the trail in traditional Japanese mountain huts, dorm-style with basic facilities and views that make up for it entirely. Bags can be left at the hotel in Hakuba while you're out on the two-day loop into the mountains, so you're only carrying what you need on the trail.

Mt Shirouma 2932m summit trail running Northern Japanese Alps Hakuba Run Weekends running holiday

Running: Lakes, Ridges and Summits

A 5 day trail running adventure through the Northern Japanese Alps, covering around 68km with roughly 4,000m of total climbing. Expect a mix of flowing forest trails, steady climbs to high alpine terrain, and rocky sections underfoot. We run together as a supportive group at a relaxed pace, with plenty of stops for views, photos, and the occasional onsen along the way.

Meals: Hut Dinners & Local Restaurants

Big mountain days need proper fuel. Breakfasts are taken at the hotel or hut before setting off each morning, with hearty, warming meals served at the mountain huts in the evening - the perfect reward after a long day of climbing. Back in Hakuba, group dinners are at local restaurants. We cater for dietary requirements as best the huts and restaurants can accommodate - just let us know well in advance.

All our trips are shared rooms with the same genders

Together Is Better

Included

Accommodation

2 x Nights in Mountain Huts

2 x Nights in Hotel in Hakuba

Running

6km, 20km, 17km, 15km, 10km

4,000m Elevation

95% trail/mountain paths

Meals

4 x Breakfast

5 x Lunch

4 x Dinner

All group meals shared together

Travel

Leave your main bags in Hakuba so you can run light, carrying only what you need for the mountain huts and days on the trail

Activities

5 x Trail Running days

Shared Meals & Picnics

Mountain Onsens

Photos

The team will be taking photos throughout the weekend. You'll be sent these via a link post weekend.

Not Included

Travel

You must make your own way to and from your Run Weekend location.

Travel Insurance. You must come prepared with appropriate travel insurance.

Extras

All drinks.

Additional food.

Snacks on run route.

Accommodation upgrades

Extra meals

Kit

Run gear as mentioned. You'll carry your run pack yourself. Your main bag will stay in the hotel in Hakuba.

Our Offical Travel Insurance Partner run weekends truetraveller

Book Your Place

Only 20% deposit to secure your booking.

Pay the rest any time up to 60 day before trip.

Getting to us

Meeting Point

Your Run Weekend will commence in Hakuba in the afternoon of Day 1 at our hotel (exact location and time shared in your welcome pack). Please plan to arrive by 15:00, in time for a short shakeout run and our welcome dinner that evening. Once your travel is booked, email your arrival details to contact@runweekends.com.

Arrival & Departure Times

Please plan to arrive in Hakuba by 15:00 on Day 1, in time for check-in, a shakeout run and our welcome dinner.

Your Run Weekend will conclude at 12:00 on Day 5, following a final run, checkout and brunch together. We recommend booking onward travel no earlier than 14:00, to allow for eventual delays.

Getting to Hakuba, Japan

The most convenient international gateway is Tokyo, with regular train and bus connections onward to Hakuba, typically taking around 3-4 hours via Shinkansen to Nagano followed by a local bus or transfer. Travel to and from the meeting point is not included and is the responsibility of each guest. Full meeting details and local travel tips will be provided in your welcome pack.

Important Info: Trip Confirmation

This trip operates with a maximum number of 16 guests and will be confirmed once a minimum number of 10 guests have booked. We will inform you once this number has been reached. If you wish to book travel in advance, please ensure your travel booking is fully refundable. We do not hold liability for loss of flights if this trip doesn't run. If the trip doesn't run your deposit along with any balance paid will be fully refunded.