[Fundraising Period]

January to May 31, 2026

[Funding Goal]

1 million JPY

* Please note that the donation website only provides descriptions in Japanese due to system limitations. We appreciate your using the translation features on your smartphone or PC to understand the content.

The Katsura-Ike Tent Site, located along Section 3 of the Shin-etsu Trail, is an essential campground for thru-hikers of the Shin-etsu Trail. The roof of the emergency shelter was damaged by heavy snowfall during the 2024–25 season. With your support, this project aims to restore the shelter and provide hikers with a safe, reliable facility.

We sincerely appreciate your generous assistance.

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Donation Plan: Reward Details

[3,000 JPY ≒ 20 USD]

[5,000 JPY ≒ 35 USD]

[10,000 JPY ≒ 65 USD, or more]

*The Maintenance Support Tags and the original stickers will be shipped only within Japan.

* Please note that the donation website only provides descriptions in Japanese due to system limitations. We appreciate your using the translation features on your smartphone or PC to understand the content.

You can download the flyer for this project here (Japanese language only).

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STORY: Project Background

■ Katsura-Ike Tent Site Welcoming Hikers

Katsura-Ike tent site, located along the Shin-etsu Trail between Katsura-Ike pond and Nakafuru-Ike pond in Section 3. ▶ Here‘s the location (Opens Google Maps)

This small tent site, covered in natural grass and accommodating five tents, has been designated as a tent site along the Shin-etsu Trail since 2012.

The adjacent shelter (hereafter referred to as Katsura-Ike Shelter) was once a boat house called “Taro Hut,” operated by residents of the Kosakai village at the base of the mountain. It became a place of relaxation for citizens enjoying boating on the nearby Katsura-Ike pond, attracting many visitors.

■ The shelter’s roof got broken

The Katsura-Ike Shelter, which has long served as a refuge for hikers on the Shin-etsu Trail under harsh conditions such as scorching heat and severe weather, sustained damage during the winter of 2024-25. Heavy snow accumulation caused the roof beams to break and the block wall to tilt.

Given the risk of collapse, we have reached a point where demolition must be considered as one of the options.

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■ Launching the Regeneration Project

The Shin-etsu Trail Club has restricted access to shelters throughout the 2025 season for safety reasons. However, to ensure hikers can enjoy their time with peace of mind, we have launched the ‘Katsura-Ike Shelter Restoration Project’ and have begun work.

We plan to repair and reinforce the damaged block wall, then install a new roof so that the facility can resume operations in time for the 2026 season trail opening.

(The roof removal work was carried out in early November 2025 by the Shin-etsu Trail Club Secretariat.)

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■ Your support is essential for the recovery!

This project requires a significant amount of funding. The Shin-etsu Trail Club is a nonprofit organization and does not have abundant financial resources.

SO, we have decided to solicit donations for this project.

* Please note that the donation website only provides descriptions in Japanese due to system limitations. We appreciate your using the translation features on your smartphone or PC to understand the content.

To those who have supported us, we will send a Shin-etsu Trail Maintenance Support Tag (2026 Version) as a token of our gratitude, however modest it may be. Additionally, we plan to install a commemorative plaque at the restored shelter and list your name there.

We need the support of as many people as possible. The entire office staff sincerely looks forward to your warm kindness.

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Project Schedule

November 2025
Removal of damaged roof (completed)

Late May 2026
Repair damaged block walls (scheduled after snowmelt)

Early June 2026
New roof installation (planned)

End of June 2026
Reopening the shelter (planned)

* Please note that the donation website only provides descriptions in Japanese due to system limitations. We appreciate your using the translation features on your smartphone or PC to understand the content.

Note:

● All donations will be used entirely for restoration expenses at Katsura-Ike Shelter.

● If donations exceed the amount required for shelter restoration, the surplus funds will be allocated to trail maintenance projects conducted by the Shin-etsu Trail Club.

● For inquiries regarding this project, please get in touch with the Shinetsu Trail Club NPO Secretariat. → Contact Form