Explore volcanic craters, tranquil lakes and the wild wetlands of the Daisetsuzan National Park on this multi-day guided hiking adventure in Central Hokkaido.
On this itinerary we discover the best of the vast Daisetsuzan National Park. We will summit Mt. Asahidake, the highest peak in Hokkaido, as well as Mt Kurodake in its northern region and we explore as far south as Lake Shikaribetsu.
Designated as Japan’s National Park in 1934, Daisetsuzan holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Hokkaido. The park covers over 2,300 square kilometres (570,000 acres), which is bigger than the size of Tokyo and is home to a dramatic mountain range, giving Daisetsuzan the nickname “the Roof of Hokkaido”.
Keigetsu Omachi, a writer during the Meiji and Taisho periods (late 1800s, early 1900s), traversed these peaks long before the trails had been established. He famously said “To understand the height of a mountain, climb Mt Fuji. To understand the vastness of a mountain, climb the Daisetsuzan mountains.” This well sums up the dramatic scale of this mountain range.
Mt. Asahidake is the tallest mountain in Hokkaido and Mt. Kurodake is the northernmost entry point to Daisetsuzan. Both are considered absolute must-hikes for those wishing to explore the park!
Daisetsu Kogen is a lush corner of the national park, home to a number of alpine ponds - and even more Brown Bears, who make the area their home due to the abundance of tasty plants.
The rocky summit is also home to Northern Pika, who occasionally pop out from their rocky home to take in the views.
Head to the Ansei Crater in Daisetsuzan National Park, an active volcanic crater where you can see the signs of active geology all around you.
As we pass through this volcanic landscape, there is plenty of opportunity to soak in rejuvenating natural hot springs - perfect for those tired legs.
We meet at Asahikawa Station at 9:30 am before heading to Mt. Kurodake for our first hike. Taking the ropeway and chairlift, we begin our hike from the 7th Station at 1,520 m. The trail leads us past alpine plants and fascinating volcanic rock formations to reach the summit at 1,984 m.
From here, we can enjoy spectacular views into Daisetsuzan National Park's heart. After descending and visiting the Sounkyo Visitor Centre, we spend the evening at Sounkyo Onsen where we enjoy dinner and soak in the hotel's natural hot springs.
After an early breakfast, we hike from Kogen Onsen to explore the Kogen Numa (alpine ponds) trail. This remote area is home to Hokkaido Brown Bears (higuma), and we receive a briefing about bear activity at the Higuma Information Centre before setting out. The trail, situated between 1,230 m and 1,460 m, takes us past beautiful alpine flora and more than a dozen mountain ponds of various sizes.
At day's end, we travel to Nukabira Onsen, a hot spring village by Lake Nukabira. We stay in a historical hotel that has been renovated into a modern Japanese-style inn, run by a welcoming local family.
We drive along Lake Shikaribetsu to reach the trailhead of Mt. Hakuunzan on the lakeshore. Our 4.6 km loop hike begins with a flat trail beside the lake before climbing steeply to the summit at 1,186 m.
From the peak, we enjoy views of Lake Shikaribetsu while eating homemade onigiri rice balls, and might spot Northern Pika in the rocks.
After descending through trees and along a broad ridgeline, we continue to Furano, known for its flower gardens and scenic landscapes between the Tokachi Volcanic Group and Yubari Mountain Range. We end the day dining in downtown Furano.
We start our day by heading to Ansei Crater, nestled between volcanic peaks. The otherworldly landscape features sulphurous rocks that seem straight out of Mars!
From here, we hike up Mt. Kamifurano ridge along the Tokachi Volcanic Group, where clear days reward us with magnificent views of Daisetsuzan National Park and Mt. Tokachi's smoking summit.
Next, we explore the picturesque town of Biei, one of Japan's Most Beautiful Villages, known for its rolling hills carved by ancient rivers.
We end our day at Asahidake Onsen, situated at 1,100 m on the slopes of Mt. Asahidake, where we stay overnight and enjoy natural hot springs fed by the mountain.
We begin our final hike on Mt. Asahidake, Hokkaido's highest mountain, by taking the ropeway to Sugatami Station at 1,600 m.
After an easy walk around Sugatami Pond, a volcanic crater lake, we take on our most challenging ascent to reach the summit at 2,291 m. Here, we enjoy lunch whilst taking in panoramic views across Daisetsuzan National Park and Hokkaido.
After descending, we return to Asahikawa city where we celebrate our successful tour with a delicious local meal.
After our final breakfast together at the hotel, our tour concludes in Asahikawa. The hotel is conveniently located near JR Asahikawa Station, where you can take a train to Sapporo or catch a bus to Asahikawa Airport for your onward journey.
While the distances covered on our hikes are short - 5.6 km on average - the trails pack a punch, going up and down 460m over that distance. The trails in the Daisetsuzan are “rugged” to put it mildly. Expect to make knee-straining steps on large rocks, navigate exposed roots and slip and slide on loose gravel or mud. Our hikes take us above the tree line, where we are exposed to the full brunt of Hokkaido’s mountain weather - which is an experience in its own right.
This tour is perfect for strong walkers looking to step up to a mountainous challenge. It is also well suited for hikers with experience in the mountains who don’t measure a day’s success by the distance covered.
For comparison, our Japan’s Far North 7 Day Hiking Tour covers slightly more distance than this tour, but on smoother ground. If you just want to dip your toes into hiking in Hokkaido, our Shikotsu–Toya 5 Day Hiking Tour is a great introduction to hiking here.
Get in touch with us if you are unsure what tour is best for you. We are happy to answer any questions you have and describe the hikes in more detail.
“Much above our expectations!”
Ayaka and Richard took us to an exceptional 5 days hiking - majestic views and lots of knowledge and stories about Hokkaido people and nature. Much above our expectations!
This hiking tour is a series of day hikes; either return or loop routes. We always come back to our van at the end of the day and transfer to our accommodation. This means your overnight luggage can stay in the van and you can experience the best of the Daisetsuzan’s hiking with just a light day pack!