Hiking & Trekking in Hokkaido

For those with an interest in hiking & trekking, Hokkaido offers nearly unlimited terrain with well-maintained trails in pristine natural conditions. Unlike the rest of Japan, Hokkaido's low population density results in uncrowded trails, campsites and mountain accommodation.
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We guide all levels of hiking & trekking tours in Hokkaido - from forest walks to 2 week summit marathons -  and you can rest assured that you're in very competent hands: our guides have many years of local and international hiking experience, know the mountains intimately and will always assure your safety. We can add hiking & trekking elements to any Hokkaido itinerary at any time of year. Please contact us for more details on any of the hikes below, and others not listed.

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Central Hokkaido: Most Popular Hikes

The central Hokkaido mountains comprise of the area north of the Hakodate Peninsula, south of Asahikawa and west of Obihiro. This is the area of densest mountain coverage in Hokkaido and there are hikes to suit all levels and interests found within. Of particular fame is Mt. Yotei, or "Fuji of the North", which towers impressively over the farmlands of the Niseko area. There are rustic mountain lodges and camping options scattered throughout the region, and access to mountains is general quite straightforward. Contact us for more detailed information.

Mountain	Hiking Level	Hiking Duration Round-trip / Time of Year	Location	Notable Features
Mt. Maruyama	Easy	1 hr / All year	Sapporo	Views of downtown Sapporo; Proximity to Maruyama Park & Zoo
Mt. Moiwa	Easy	2 hrs / All year	Sapporo	Views of Sapporo;  Ropeway access; Summit restaurant
Mt. Teine	Medium	4 hrs / All year	Sapporo	Waterfalls; Views of Sapporo & mountains; Reaches top of ski resort; Hot springs access
Mt. Haruka Dake	Medium	4 hrs / All year	Sapporo	Sea of Japan views; Mountain lodge stay possible; Hot springs access
Mt. Hakken-zan	Easy	1.5 hrs / May-Nov.	Sapporo	Stunning crumbling ridge peak; Mountain & valley views; Horse ranch, pond fishing & Genghis Khan; Hot springs access
Mt. Kamui Dake	Medium	4 hrs / May-Nov.	Jozankei	Mountain Views; Hike along river & small dam; Citadel-type summit; Hot Springs access
Mt. Kotengu Dake	Medium	2.5 hrs / May-Nov.	Jozankei	Steep ascent; Sapporo Dam views; Hot springs access
Mt. Tengu	Medium	5 hrs / May-Nov.	Jozankei	Rugged peak; Hot springs access
Mt. Yoichi	Medium	6 hrs / All year	Jozankei	Long ascent; Mountain views; Hot springs access
Mt. Muine Dake	Medium	8 hrs / All year	Jozankei	Great mountain views (Mt. Yotei included); Mountain lodge stay possible; Long ascent along access road; Hot springs access
Mt. Eniwa Dake	Medium	5 hrs / May-Nov.	Lake Shikotsu	Stunning volcano; Active fumerals; Final summit section slightly technical; Azure hidden lake views; Hot springs access
Mt. Tarumae	Easy	1.5 - 5 hrs / May-Nov.	Lake Shikotsu	Stunning volcanic landscape (pictured above); Rim walks; Billowing fumerals; Can be combined with adjoining Mt. Fupushi Dake; Hot springs access; Mountain lodge stays possible
Mt. Soranuma	Medium	6 hrs / All year	Shikotsu National Park	Hike along river; Two upland ponds; Mountain lodge stay possible; Ishikari Plain views; Waterfalls
Mt. Yotei	Hard	10 hrs / June-Oct.	Niseko area	One of Japan's "100 Famous Mountains"; Mt. Fuji of the North; Rim walk around massive crater; Mountain lodge stay possible; Large elevation gain; Hot springs access
Mt. Iwanopuri	Medium	2 - 8 hrs / May-Nov.	Niseko area	Highly active volcanic area; Can be combined with longer circuit hike; Scarred landscape; Hot springs access; Mountain hotel stay possible
Mt. Shakotan	Medium	6 hrs / May-Nov.	Shakotan	Conical volcano; Stunning Shakotan Peninsula, coastline formations & Cape Kamui; Sea of Japan views; Hot springs access; Mountain lodge stay possible
Mt. Shioya	Easy	3 hrs / All year	Otaru	Sea of Japan views; Hot springs access
Mt. Shokambetsu	Medium	6 hrs / All year	Mashike	Uryunuma Marsh; Sea of Japan views; Ridge ascent; Mountain lodge stay possible; Waterfalls, Hot springs access
Mt. Kogane Yama	Medium	2.5 hrs / May-Nov.	Hamamasu	Sea of Japan views; Steep but short ascent; Crumbling ridge peak; Hot springs access
Mt. Poroshiri	Hard	10 hrs / May-Oct.	Hidaka Range	One of Japan's "100 Famous Mountains"; 25 River crossings; Rim walk; Mountain lodge stay possible
Kompirayama	Easy	1.5 hrs / April-Nov.	Lake Toya	The so-called "Trail of Destruction" hike; Earthquake damage to buildings, vehicles, roads and a school from 2000 quake; A fascinating hike; Hot springs access

Daisetsuzan National Park: Japan's largest

Daisetsuzan National Park is Japan's wildest and largest national park, and its entirety is classified as Japan's "100 Famous Mountains." The massive chain of volcanic peaks rises and falls in endless undulations, revealing scarred landscapes, gigantic boulders, primary forest and of course, bears. This is one of the most spectacular hiking regions in Northeast Asia, and a must for serious hikers. We offer everything from half-day hikes to the unbeatable 5 day Daisetsuzan Grand Traverse Trek, which crosses the entire range from north to south. Please contact us directly for more information. 

Mountain	Hiking Level	Hiking Duration Round-trip / Time of Year	Location	Notable Features
Mt. Asahidake	Medium	4 hrs / All year	Northern part of Nat'l Park	Active fumerals; Ropeway access; Tallest peak of Hokkaido; Incredible views; Hot springs access; Mountain hotel stay possible
Mt. Kurodake	Medium	5 hrs / All year	Northern part of Nat'l Park	Ropeway access; Steep ascent; Mountain lodge stay possible; Incredible views; Hot springs access
Mt. Asahidake to Mt. Kurodake Traverse	Medium	7 hrs per day / May-Oct.	Northern part of Nat'l Park	A gorgeous and accessible hike; Ropeway access; Overnight at Kurodake mountain lodge; Incredible views; Hot springs access
Mt. Pippu	Hard	7 hrs / All year	Northern part of Nat'l Park	Long ascent; Marsh, plains and mountain views; Northernmost peak of nat'l park
Mt. Tomuraushi	Hard	10 hrs / May-Oct.	Central part of Nat'l Park	One of Japan's top 100 mountains; Long exposed ascent to the center of the nat'l park; Incredible views; Wilderness
Mt. Biei	Medium	7 hrs / May-Oct.	Southern part of Nat'l Park	Gradual horizontal ascent; Views of the plains below; Mountain lodge stay possible; Hot springs access
Mt. Tokachi Dake	Hard	7 hrs / May-Oct.	Southern part of Nat'l Park	One of Japan's "100 Famous Mountains"; Steep ascent; Active volcanic peak; Dramatic blackened moonscape; Mountain lodge and hotel stay possible; Hot springs access
Mt. Furano	Medium	6 hrs / May-Oct.	Southern part of Nat'l Park	Great views of southern part of range; Access to Furano town; Hot springs access
Southern Daisetsuzan Loop	Hard	6-8 hrs per day / May-Oct.	Southern part of Nat'l Park	A 3 day circuit hike with 2 overnights in mountain lodges; Mt. Biei --> Mt. Tokachi Dake --> Mt. Furano --> Tokachi Dake Onsen Resort
Daisetsuzan Grand Traverse Trek	Hard	8 hrs per day / June-Sept.	Entire range of Nat'l Park	5 days; Endurance challenge; Absolutely spectacular in every way; One night camping, 4 nights mountain lodge stays; Escape routes
Mt. Asahibetsu	Medium	6 hrs / June-Oct.	Yubari Range	While not technically part of Daisetsuzan Nat'l Park, access is very similar; Waterfall ascent; Exposed peak; Variety of flora; Hot springs access

Eastern Hokkaido: Most Popular Hikes

Hiking & trekking in Eastern Hokkaido offers majestic views, solitary peaks, excellent camping, and one great traverse at Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where visitors have a strong chance of spotting bears or at the very least, soaking in hot springs waterfalls at the end of a challenging two-day trek. Take a look at Eastern Hokkaido's hiking & trekking offerings below, and contact us for more information. 

Mountain	Hiking Level	Hiking Duration Round-trip / Time of Year	Location	Notable Features
Mt. Meakan Dake	Medium	5-6 hrs / May-Oct.	Lake Akan	Active volcano with billowing fumerals at the peak; Colored pond in the crater; Three routes to choose from; Stunning blue/green Lake Onneto access; Mt. Akan-Fuji side hike; Excellent views
Mt. Oakan Dake	Medium	4-5 hrs / May-Oct.	Lake Akan	Lakeside; Inactive volcano; Excellent views; Hot springs access
Mt. Shari Dake	Medium	4-5 hrs / May-Oct.	Shari	Located between Shiretoko & Lake Akan; One of Japan's "100 Famous Mountains"; Hike up a waterfall; Excellent views; Mountain lodge stay possible
Mt. Mashu Dake	Easy-Medium	4-5 hrs / May-Oct.	Lake Mashu	Access from the fabled Lake Mashu; Crater rim walk; Impressive peak area; Sheer cliff
Mt. Rausu Dake	Medium-Hard	6-7 hrs / May-Oct.	Shiretoko Peninsula	Highest mountain in Shiretoko Peninsula; UNESCO World Heritage Site; Two routes available; Hot springs access; Excellent views of Sea of Okhotsk and Kunashiri Island
Shiretoko Five Lakes	Easy	1-2 hrs / May-Nov.	Shiretoko Peninsula	Easy loop-hike around 5 lakes area; Good chance of wildlife spotting;
Shiretoko Traverse	Medium-Hard	7-8 hrs per day / May-Oct.	Shiretoko Peninsula	A two day traverse across Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Traverse over 6 peaks; Ridge camping; Ends at hot springs waterfall; Excellent sea views

Northern Hokkaido: Rishiri & Rebun Islands

There are only two notable hiking destinations in Northern Hokkaido, but they are both well-worth the journey north. Imagine taking Mt. Fuji and putting it the Sea of Japan: that's Rishiri Island. The spectacular summit hike, with views all the way to Russia, is unmissable when visiting this region. The more humble Rebun Island is like a slice of Ireland in northern Japan, with rolling green hills that become dramatic cliffs as they plunge into the sea. Both locations offer hot springs, an abundance of wildflowers, gorgeous camping and pristine nature. 

Mountain	Hiking Level	Hiking Duration Round-trip / Time of Year	Location	Notable Features
Mt. Rishiri	Medium-Hard	8-10 hrs / June-Oct.	Rishiri Island	Conical volcano; 3 approach routes; 250 species of birds; wildflowers; Incredible Sea of Japan & Russia views; Hot springs access; Unstable weather
Mt. Rebun	Easy	2-3 hrs / May-Oct.	Rebun Island	Easy hike to highest peak on Rebun Island; Wildflowers; Sea of Japan views; Hot springs access
Rebun Island 8-Hour Trail	Medium	8 hrs / May-Oct.	Rebun Island	Traversing the entire length of Rebun Island, the hike takes in the beautiful Ireland-like coastline; Mostly flat hiking; Hot springs access; Wildflowers

Southern Hokkaido: A Solitary Peak

While not known for its abundance of mountains, Southern Hokkaido has one very special peak, Mt. Komaga Dake. Situated on the shores of the painting-like Onuma Lake with its tiny islets, Mt. Komaga-Dake looms overhead in a volcanic splendor. The craggy peak with sharp volcanic stones will put you directly in touch with the powerful forces of nature around you: fire, water, wind & Earth.  

Mountain	Hiking Level	Hiking Duration Round-trip / Time of Year	Location	Notable Features
Mt. Komaga Dake	Medium	4-5 hrs / May-Nov.	Lake Onuma Quasi-National Park	Sharp, attractive peak; Lake Onuma access; Great views; Camping & islets walks

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