Hokkaido is unique within Japan when it comes to mountain huts. Whereas huts in most other regions in Japan are privately owned and operated, huts in Hokkaido are usually owned by local mountaineering clubs and managed by either local councils or universities. As such, they’re generally rustic, basic, and cheap – if not free. Only three within Hokkaido have year-round hutkeepers. Most others either have no rostered hutkeepers, or there’ll only be overnight hutkeepers in the weekends.