Last updated Apr 6, 2020
About 2.3km from the forestry road entrance (location), after climbing around 250m in altitude (hut location – Google Maps).
UPDATE (12/1/2019): As of the 2018/2019 winter season, the Shakotan Hut is no longer available for use during winter (it is locked). A post on the Shakotan Tourism Association’s website (here) cites the ageing and weakening hut being unsafe for use during winter with all the snow piled on it. It is only available for use during the non-snow seasons (April till November).
Maintained by the local volunteer Shakotan-dake Mountain Association, this hut is an immaculate oasis with running water inside the hut, a kerosene stove (with kerosene supplied), futon, and a large tatami area. Officially it is managed by the local Shakotan Town Council Tourism Department.
TEL: 0135-44-3381
As of March 2017, there was no booking required. The official contact point is the Shakotan Town Council Commerce and Tourism Department (TEL: 0135-44-3381). When I called to confirm that the hut would be available for an overnight stay, I was told it was and just to make sure to write my details in the visitor book.
Free.
Heating: The hut is heated by a kerosene stove. Kerosene is supplied in a large tank inside the hut, connected directly to the stove. Lighting the stove takes a couple of steps, so I’ve put together a PDF instruction sheet here. I had a report on March 14th 2018 from a group who said they used the last of the little-remaining kerosene in the tank on the evening of March the 11th. Upon calling the Shakotan Town Council, the council apologised saying that they were unable to re-fuel the tank in fall 2017 due to the early onset of snow this year – hence the less-than-normal amount of kerosene remaining.
Water: There is running water in the hut. It is spring water straight from the spring, so can be consumed without boiling or treatment.
Kitchen/cooking: There is a large sink, plus some frypans, kettles, and some drinking glasses. The kerosene stove will happily bring water to the boil. Note that the kitchen sink, bench, and drain is often clogged up with ice during winter, but water will still come out of the tap.
Bedding: There are futon matresses, blankets, and duvets in the hut ready for use, enough for about six or seven people. In summer they can smell rather musty and damp. In winter (which is much drier), they are quite nice.
Elecricity: There is no electricity in the hut.
Toilets: There is one toilet (no toilet paper) just outside the hut entrance. It is a basic long-drop.
Cell reception: No.
There is no hutkeeper.
Related Maps
NOTE: For number references to official printed topographical maps, check the main route report ( Shakotan-dake and Shakotan Hut Hiking ).
The vast majority of huts in Hokkaido are 100% maintained through passionate volunteer time and effort. If you make a visit, please give the place a clean, and make sure to sign the guest book. Always leave a hut cleaner than you found it.
Shakotan Hut Trip reports
Shakotan Hut Photo Gallery
Summer↔Winter slider
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3 thoughts on “Shakotan Hut”
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Hi
I just wanted to let you know that the hut in shakotan is closed for the rest of the season because of maintenance so if you some how can post it here so nobody else goes up there and not being able to get in.
Best regards Kristen
Kristen, this information is gold. Sad, but gold. Thank you very much for the intel. I have updated the information accordingly. I had a quick look at the Shakotan Tourism Association’s website, and it seems that they’re now only offering the hut for use in the non-snow months. The reason is due to an ageing hut that is unsafe during winter with all the snow (source: https://www.kanko-shakotan.jp/%E7%A9%8D%E4%B8%B9%E5%B2%B3%E4%BC%91%E6%86%A9%E6%89%80%E3%81%AE%E5%86%AC%E6%9C%9F%E9%96%93%E3%81%AE%E9%96%89%E9%8E%96%E3%81%AB%E3%81%A4%E3%81%84%E3%81%A6/). Thanks again!