Kinoshita-goya Mountain Hut

Kinoshita-goya Mountain Hut (木下小屋, Kinoshita-goya) is a small, seasonal mountain hut located at the Iwaobetsu trailhead on the western foot of Mount Rausu (羅臼岳) in Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido, Japan. It sits within the Shiretoko area, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, and serves as a base for climbers heading to the summit of Mount Rausu. The hut is adjacent to the Iwaobetsu-onsen hot spring area and the "Hotel Chino-hate" (ホテル地の涯), though it is operated separately from that hotel. The hut is open only during the summer climbing season, typically from mid-June to late September. It offers simple overnight stays without meals or bedding: guests must bring their own food, cooking utensils, and bedding. The fee is ¥3,100 per person per night (room only). A notable amenity is that overnight guests can use a hot spring bath. Reservations are accepted by telephone only, and phone calls are available only in Japanese. The name "Kinoshita-goya" derives from Yasokichi Kinoshita (木下弥三吉), who pioneered climbing trails in the Shiretoko mountain range in the early Showa period. His name also remains on "Yasokichi-mizu" (弥三吉水), a water source on the Mount Rausu climbing trail. The hut itself is a long-established mountain lodge that has existed since before World War II. It was rebuilt as a log-house-style building and reopened in 1986 after being buried by a debris flow disaster in 1981. As a small, independently operated mountain hut, Kinoshita-goya is not a large commercial chain but a specialized lodging brand tied to the Mount Rausu climbing experience. Its official website provides access information, seasonal opening dates, fees, and reservation details. The hut is reached by car from central Shari-cho via Hokkaido Route 93 (Shiretoko Park Line) in a little over one hour, or by bus from JR Shiretoko-Shari Station to the "Iwaobetsu" stop followed by about a one-hour walk.

Kinoshita-goya is a long-established mountain hut that has existed since before World War II. Its name comes from Yasokichi Kinoshita, who pioneered climbing trails in the Shiretoko mountain range in the early Showa period; his name also remains on "Yasokichi-mizu," a water source on the Mount Rausu climbing trail. In 1962 (Showa 37), a town road leading to the hut was opened. In 1964 (Showa 39), Prince Mikasa (Takahito) stayed at the adjacent "Hotel Chino-hate" and climbed Mount Rausu; after this, the hut came to be widely used as a base for Mount Rausu climbs. In 1981 (Showa 56), a debris flow disaster caused by torrential rain buried the hut in earth and sand, and operations were suspended. In 1986 (Showa 61), the hut was rebuilt as a log-house-style building and reopened for business. The hut continues to operate seasonally, typically from mid-June to late September, offering simple overnight stays without meals or bedding, with hot spring bathing available for guests. It is located at the Iwaobetsu trailhead on the western foot of Mount Rausu, adjacent to Iwaobetsu-onsen and "Hotel Chino-hate," though it is managed separately. Access is by car from central Shari-cho via Hokkaido Route 93 (Shiretoko Park Line) in a little over one hour, or by Shari Bus from JR Shiretoko-Shari Station to the "Iwaobetsu" stop followed by about a one-hour walk.

• 1986

  Hut rebuilt as a log-house-style building and reopened.

• 1981

  Debris flow disaster from torrential rain buried the hut; operations suspended.

• 1964

  Prince Mikasa stayed at adjacent Hotel Chino-hate and climbed Mount Rausu; the hut became widely used as a climbing base.

• 1962

  Town road leading to the hut opened.

A small, independently operated seasonal mountain hut serving climbers of Mount Rausu in the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site; simple, self-catering lodging with hot spring access.

• Overnight stay (room only)

  ¥3,100 per person per night; no food or bedding provided.

• Hot spring bath for guests

  Overnight guests can use a hot spring bath.

1. 1木下小屋 – 羅臼岳登山口、世界自然遺産「知床」にある小さな山小屋です。kinoshitagoya.wordpress.com
2. 2木下小屋 - Wikipediaja.wikipedia.org
3. 3Kinoshita-goya Mountain Hut - Wikidatawikidata.org