Hiking & Trekking in Hokkaido |
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 円山登山 |
Easy |
1 hr / All year |
Sapporo |
Views of downtown Sapporo; Proximity to Maruyama Park & Zoo |
Mt. Moiwa 藻岩山 |
Easy |
2 hrs / All year |
Sapporo |
Views of Sapporo; Ropeway access; Summit restaurant |
Mt. Teine 手稲山 |
Medium |
4 hrs / All year |
Sapporo |
Waterfalls; Views of Sapporo & mountains; Reaches top of ski resort; Hot springs access |
Mt. Haruka 春香山 |
Medium |
4 hrs / All year |
Sapporo |
Sea of Japan views; Mountain lodge stay possible; Hot springs access |
Mt. Hakken-zan 八剣山 |
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 札幌 神威岳 |
Medium |
4 hrs / May-Nov. |
Jozankei |
Mountain Views; Hike along river & small dam; Citadel-type summit; Hot Springs access |
Mt. Kotengu Dake 小天狗岳 |
Medium |
2.5 hrs / May-Nov. |
Jozankei |
Steep ascent; Sapporo Dam views; Hot springs access |
Mt. Tengu 天狗山 |
Medium |
5 hrs / May-Nov. |
Jozankei |
Rugged peak; Hot springs access |
Mt. Yoichi Dake 余市岳 |
Medium |
6 hrs / All year |
Jozankei |
Long ascent; Mountain views; Hot springs access |
Mt. Muineyama 無意根山 |
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 恵庭岳 |
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 樽前山 |
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 Dake 空沼岳 |
Medium |
6 hrs / All year |
Lake Shikotsu |
Hike along river; Two upland ponds; Mountain lodge stay possible; Ishikari Plain views; Waterfalls |
Mt. Yotei 羊蹄山 |
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. Iwaonupuri イワオヌプリ |
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 Dake 積丹岳 |
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-Maruyama 塩谷丸山 |
Easy |
3 hrs / All year |
Otaru |
Sea of Japan views; Hot springs access |
Mt. Shokambetsu Dake 暑寒別岳 |
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 黄金山 北海道 |
Medium |
2.5 hrs / May-Nov. |
Mashike |
Sea of Japan views; Steep but short ascent; Crumbling ridge peak; Hot springs access |
Mt. Poroshiri Dake 幌尻岳 |
Hard |
10 hrs / May-Oct. |
Hidaka Range |
One of Japan's "100 Famous Mountains"; 25 River crossings; Rim walk; Mountain lodge stay possible |
Kompirayama 金比羅 洞爺湖 |
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 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 旭岳 |
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 黒岳 |
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 Dake 比布岳 |
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 トムラウシ山 |
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 Dake 美瑛岳 |
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 十勝岳 |
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 Dake 富良野岳 |
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, 3 nights in mountain huts; Escape routes |
Mt. Ashibetsu 芦別岳 |
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 |
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 雌阿寒岳 |
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 雄阿寒岳 |
Medium |
4-5 hrs / May-Oct. |
Lake Akan |
Lakeside; Inactive volcano; Excellent views; Hot springs access |
Mt. Shari Dake 斜里岳 |
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 摩周岳 |
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 羅臼岳 |
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 知床五湖 |
Easy |
1-2 hrs / May-Nov. |
Shiretoko Peninsula |
Easy loop-hike around 5 lakes area; Good chance of wildlife spotting; |
Shiretoko Traverse 知床連山 |
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 |
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 利尻山 |
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 礼文山 |
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 礼文島 |
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 |
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. Kiso Komaga Dake 北海道駒ヶ岳 |
Medium |
4-5 hrs / May-Nov. |
Lake Onuma Quasi-National Park |
Sharp, attractive peak; Lake Onuma access; Great views; Camping & islets walks |
|