Kagamidaira Sansō

Kagamidaira Sansō (鏡平山荘) is a mountain hut located at Kagamidaira in the Northern Japan Alps, within the Chūbu-Sangaku National Park in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It sits along the Koike Shindō trail, a route opened in 1955 by Koike Yoshikiyo and others that connects Shin-Hotaka Onsen to Sugoroku-goya via Wasabi-daira and Kagamidaira. The hut is part of a family-run group of mountain lodgings that also includes Sugoroku-goya, Wasabi-daira-goya, and Kurobegorō-goya, all managed by the Koike family. Since 2014, the third-generation operator Koike Takehiko has run the hut, succeeding his father Koike Hisomu, a noted mountain photographer. The area around the hut is renowned for its scenic ponds, particularly Kagami-ike (Mirror Pond), which offers a wooden terrace and a spectacular view of Yarigatake to the east and the Hotakadake range. On calm days, the peaks are reflected on the water's surface. The surrounding vegetation includes Maries' fir and Japanese hemlock, along with many alpine plants and sightings of the Japanese stoat. The autumn foliage of rowan and Erman's birch peaks from late September to early October. The hut itself is famous for its shaved ice (kakigori), a popular treat for hikers. The hut operates seasonally from July 10 to October 15 (as of the 2017 fiscal year) and accommodates up to 110 guests (as of May 9, 2025). There is no designated campsite, as camping is prohibited outside designated areas in the national park. Facilities include guest rooms, a front desk, a shop, a lounge, a dining hall, bio-toilets, washrooms, a drying room, and a self-cooking area. Mobile phone reception is available depending on the carrier. Water is provided for a fee (free for overnight guests), and there are no bathing facilities for general visitors. Kagamidaira Sansō is a key stop on the Koike Shindō and a base for climbs to Sugoroku-dake, Yarigatake, and other peaks. It has been featured in media, including live broadcasts from Kagami-ike on NHK in 2010 and a segment on NHK BS Premium's "Nihon Hyakumeizan Special" in 2015. The hut was rebuilt in 1999 with the involvement of manager Ōsawa Osamu, a miya-daiku (shrine carpenter), and introduced bio-toilets in 2007. The terrace at Kagami-ike was renovated by Takayama City in 2016.

Kagamidaira Sansō is a mountain hut with a history closely tied to the development of the Koike Shindō trail in the Northern Japan Alps. The area around Kagamidaira was visited by Prince Chichibu in August 1927 during a traverse from Yarigatake to Kasagatake. Before the hut was built, the mountain painter Nakamura Seitarō camped at Kagamidaira for about a month, painting the landscape. In 1955, Koike Yoshikiyo and others opened the Koike Shindō, a trail connecting Shin-Hotaka Onsen to Sugoroku-goya via Wasabi-daira, Kagamidaira, and Ōnoma Pass. Construction of the hut began in 1964 under Koike Yoshikiyo, and it opened for business in 1965. Since then, the hut has suffered damage from heavy snow twice. In May–June 1999, the hut was rebuilt, with manager Ōsawa Osamu, also a miya-daiku (shrine carpenter), involved in the design and construction. In October 2007, bio-toilets were introduced. In 2010, the scenery from Kagami-ike was broadcast live on NHK's "Ohayo Tokai" (September 27) and "Ohayo Nihon" (September 28). In 2015, the hut and surrounding area were featured on NHK BS Premium's "Nihon Hyakumeizan Special," with actress Yumiko Shaku and journalist Koji Hagiwara reporting on the route from Kagamidaira to Sugoroku-goya and Washiba-dake. In June–October 2016, Takayama City carried out renovation work on the deck (terrace) at Kagami-ike. The hut has been operated by the Koike family for generations; since 2014, the third-generation operator Koike Takehiko, who succeeded his father Koike Hisomu, a renowned mountain photographer, has managed the hut along with Sugoroku-goya, Wasabi-daira-goya, and Kurobegorō-goya.

• Prince Chichibu visited Kagamidaira during a traverse from Yarigatake to Kasagatake.

• Koike Yoshikiyo and others opened the Koike Shindō trail.

• Koike Yoshikiyo began construction of the hut.

• Kagamidaira Sansō opened for business.

• The hut was rebuilt, with manager Ōsawa Osamu involved in design and construction.

• Bio-toilets were introduced.

• Live broadcast from Kagami-ike on NHK Ohayo Tokai.

• Live broadcast from Kagami-ike on NHK Ohayo Nihon.

• Koike Takehiko became the third-generation operator.

• Featured on NHK BS Premium 'Nihon Hyakumeizan Special'.

• Takayama City carried out renovation work on the Kagami-ike deck (terrace).

A family-run mountain hut in the Northern Japan Alps, offering basic lodging and meals to hikers, with a famous shaved ice treat and spectacular views of Yarigatake and Hotakadake.

• Overnight lodging

  Accommodation for up to 110 guests in a mountain hut setting.

• Shaved ice (kakigori)

  A signature treat of the hut, popular among hikers.

• Meals

  Dining hall offering meals for guests.

• Souvenirs and supplies

  Shop selling goods and hiking supplies.

1. 1Kagamidaira Sansō - Wikidatawikidata.org
2. 2鏡平山荘 - Wikipedia (Japanese)ja.wikipedia.org
3. 3Kagamidaira Sansō official websitesugorokugoya.com