Watching the sunset over the stunning landscapes of Daisetsuzan National Park is an absolutely unforgettable experience. After dark countless stars shine over the deep dark blue of the night. The Milky Way crosses the sky leaving you speechless. The connection with nature and the feeling of inner peace will leave you with a gentle smile on your face.
Daisetsuzan is the largest national park in Japan and is open for hiking from June to September. With its variety of trails, you can easily spend a week here. Multi-day hikes are actually a great way to explore the place, so staying overnight without having to go back down is the best way to immerse yourself in nature's sanctuary.
This mountain hut and refuge is barely ten minutes away from the summit of Mount Kurodake. Located in a broad highland, it's a great base for many awesome walks that starts nearby. The building itself is very basic, with rocky walls and a metal covered wooden roof. The dormitory has wide wooden bunk beds without mattresses so bring a foldable one if you need. From the small windows you can even see the starry sky at night. The cubby-house like reception boasts a homely and welcoming atmosphere. Here you'll find the check in counter, some books and a table where you can relax or have dinner if the weather is bad outside.
Outside a couple of tables and benches will be your alfresco dining room. It's undoubtedly the perfect place where to read, eat or just have a chat while enjoying the incredible view on the surrounding mountains. The best way to cook is to bring your own kitchen tools (gas burner, pots and cutlery) as they don’t have any. There is free rainwater being collected in a huge bucket but you will need to filter or boil it. In any case, if you need, they actually sell some camping food like cup-noodles and snacks and even cold beers and soft drinks.
The rate for one night is ¥2000, including a blanket and the toilet fee. The toilet is also an unique experience. Recently built, it's a wood chip composting toilet; if you are guessing, it doesn't smell bad at all. After you have done your business, you'll have to ride a bike powered machine to activate the mixing system that will ease the composting cycle.
Spending a night at Hokkaido's most stunning mountain hut will undoubtedly change your way to view nature.
