Karasawa Goya

Karasawa Goya (涸沢小屋) is a small mountain hut located in the Karasawa Cirque (涸沢カール) of the Northern Japan Alps, surrounded by the Hotaka mountain range in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Situated at an elevation of 2,350 meters on a south-facing slope, the hut serves as a base for climbers and trekkers exploring the Hotaka peaks, including Oku-Hotaka-dake, Karasawa-dake, Kita-Hotaka-dake, and Mae-Hotaka-dake. The hut is known for its triangular roof, bright atmosphere, and home-like hospitality, and it has been a beloved rest stop and lodging facility for mountaineers for decades. The original hut was built by the Kamikochi Mountain Guide Association and opened in 1939. It was initially owned by the association, with guide Shigeki Okuhara serving as manager. In 1958, the operating rights were transferred to Okuhara, but he passed away suddenly in December of the following year. His son, Hirotsugu Okuhara, took over as the second-generation owner and ran the hut for 52 years. The building was rebuilt in 1964 due to deterioration, and again from autumn 2000, reopening on July 20, 2001. After Hirotsugu Okuhara's death in May 2011, Yosuke Shibata became the third-generation owner. The hut operates seasonally, typically from late April to early November, and accommodates approximately 100 guests. It offers lodging, meals, and rest facilities. The surrounding Karasawa Cirque is famous for its autumn foliage, which attracts many visitors from late September to early October. The hut also provides information on safe mountain climbing and seasonal conditions. Reservations are accepted by phone, with specific rules for booking periods. The hut is a key part of the Karasawa area's mountaineering culture and continues to serve as a vital refuge and destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The history of Karasawa Goya dates back to the early Showa era. The original hut was built by the Kamikochi Mountain Guide Association and opened in 1939. It was initially owned by the association, with guide Shigeki Okuhara serving as manager. According to Murakami Mamoru, a central figure in the Kamikochi Mountain Guide Association, timber was cut from the Byobu Rock area below Motodani Bridge and carried to Karasawa by association members. The wood was dried until the following autumn and then sawed. In 1958, the operating rights were transferred to Okuhara. However, Okuhara passed away suddenly in December of the following year. His son, Hirotsugu Okuhara, became the second-generation owner and continued operations. Due to the deterioration of the building, it was rebuilt in 1964. This hut served as lodging for climbers for 36 years. From autumn 2000, another reconstruction began, and the new hut opened on July 20, 2001. Hirotsugu Okuhara was beloved by climbers as the master of Karasawa Goya for 52 years until his death in May 2011. Currently, Yosuke Shibata serves as the third-generation owner. The hut is located in the Karasawa Cirque, a glacial landform surrounded by 3,000-meter peaks such as Kita-Hotaka-dake, Karasawa-dake, Oku-Hotaka-dake, and Mae-Hotaka-dake. The cirque is a representative mountain scenic spot in Japan, often compared to national parks in Europe and America. It is a mecca for trekkers, climbers, boulderers, skiers, and campers. The hut stands at 2,350 meters on a south-facing slope overlooking the cirque. It is a small but bright hut with a triangular roof, known for its home-like atmosphere created by mountain-loving guests and cheerful staff. It has been loved by many climbers as a base for Hotaka range climbing and as a casual rest stop. The hut operates seasonally, typically from late April to early November. In spring, the season begins with digging out the hut from snow over 10 meters deep. Golden Week is popular for spring mountain climbing, and the area is also a base for backcountry skiing until early July. Summer brings alpine flowers and trekking. Autumn features spectacular foliage from late September to early October, which is the busiest period. Winter closes the hut, and the area becomes a dangerous avalanche zone. Over the years, the hut has faced challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which shortened the 2020 season. It continues to provide lodging, meals, and safety information to visitors.

• 2020

  Season shortened due to COVID-19 pandemic.

• 2011

  Hirotsugu Okuhara dies in May; Yosuke Shibata becomes third-generation owner.

• 2001

  New hut opens on July 20.

• 2000

  Reconstruction begins in autumn.

• 1964

  Hut rebuilt due to deterioration.

• 1959

  Shigeki Okuhara passes away; his son Hirotsugu becomes second-generation owner.

• 1958

  Operating rights transferred to Shigeki Okuhara.

• 1939

  Original hut built by Kamikochi Mountain Guide Association and opened.

A historic, home-like mountain hut in the heart of the Northern Japan Alps, serving as a base for Hotaka range climbers and a rest stop for trekkers.

• Overnight lodging

  Accommodation for approximately 100 guests.

• Meal service

  Meals provided for guests.

• Rest area

  Rest stop for day hikers.

1. 1涸沢小屋｜北アルプス穂高連峰karasawagoya.com
2. 2涸沢小屋とは｜涸沢小屋｜北アルプス穂高連峰karasawagoya.com
3. 3Karasawa Goya - Wikidatawikidata.org
4. 4涸沢小屋 - Wikipediaja.wikipedia.org