Daisetsuzan National Park: Winter Activities

Daisetsuzan National Park is the largest national park in Japan and a visit here in winter is to step into a winter wonderland of epic proportions. The near constant snowfall, rugged terrain and dizzying heights are a blast of winter unlike anywhere else in Hokkaido. 
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Popular winter activities include ropeways, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, frozen waterfalls, backcountry and resort skiing & snowboarding, hot springs and more.  We highly recommend making Daisetsuzan National Park a part of your Custom-Made Tour!

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Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a safe and exciting way to explore the mountainous terrain of Daisetsuzan National Park. Low altitude hikes around the Asahidake Resort and Sounkyo Gorge areas go to frozen waterfalls and lakes; while higher up the mountains, adventure seekers can tackle Hokkaido's highest peak Mt. Asahidake (via ropeway), Mt. Kurodake (via ropeway) and many more. .For advanced winter hikers, the one-day traverse from Mt. Asahidake to Mt. Kurodake is a challenging and exhilarating trek.  

Resort Skiing & Snowboarding

Simply said, the powder belt of Hokkaido provides some of the world's best snow conditions on a consistent basis, and whether you're a beginner or expert, the quality of snow, cuisine, hot springs and attractions make a skiing & snowboarding experience in Daisetsuzan a must. Let us know if you'd like to include a few days of skiing or snowboarding in your custom-made tour, with rental equipment and lessons included!

Hot Springs Resorts

No trip to Hokkaido would be complete without an onsen, even more so in winter when sitting in an open-air bath with snowflakes filling the sky is an otherworldly experience. There are three great hot springs resorts in Daisetsuzan National Park - Asahidake, Sounkyo & Tokachidake. There are also a few small resorts, such as Shirogane Onsen & Tenninkyo that offer a more remote atmosphere. For the adventurous, a dip into the wild Fukiage Onsen - a mixed undeveloped hot spring with no facilities - is highly recommended.

Frozen Waterfalls

Sounkyo Gorge has the lion's share of frozen waterfalls in Hokkaido, and snowshoeing on the impressive 8 Waterfalls Trail makes for an easy half-day of nature exploration and some fantastic photos. Shirahige Falls at Shirogane Onsen Resort are also spectacular in winter, with massive icicles and steam rising from the vertical cliff walls. 

Winter Sightseeing

Daisetsuzan National Park's many mountain towns and resorts offer fantastic sightseeing, including::

• Asahidake and Kurodake Ropeways
• Biei Blue Pond & Shirahige Falls
• Charming Hokkaido mountain towns such as Higashikawa, Furano & Biei
• Asahiyama Zoo's Penguin Parade & Otokoyama Sake Brewery
• Ice fishing, snowmobiling, dogsledding or hot air ballooning
• Craft & cultural activities such as wood craft, pottery, glass blowing, candel & jam making & many more

Winter Festivals in Daisetsuzan

​One of the biggest and best winter festivals in Japan is held at Sounkyo Gorge, at the base of Kurodake. The Sounkyo Ice Festival attracts tourists from all over Japan and the world to marvel at the massive ice statues, caves and boulders. Neon lights light up the ice from every direction to create an impressive and slightly bizarre scene in mid-winter. There are also Ainu dance shows, Japanese drum performances and nightly fireworks displays. Outside of the village center are Hokkaido's most famous frozen waterfalls, and of course, when you've had your fill, you can take a long soak in a local hot spring. The 2016 Sounkyo Ice Festival will be held from January to March. 

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiers will definitely want to head to Asahidake Resort. Kilometers of developed trail networks in mountain-plateau scenery offer days of exploration and fitness. Beginner's welcomed! Rentals available.

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