HNT Snowshoeing
For those who love hiking and nature walks, winter offers a superb opportunity to explore remote mountain, lake, river and seaside areas with the use of snowshoes. Snowshoeing is similar to hiking, where racket- sized extensions are strapped onto winter hiking boots to give access to nearly limitless terrain through all winter conditions.

On a typical nature trail, we can often spot deer and foxes, as well as a range of birds and eagles. On summit trips, reaching the top is always accompanied by a feeling of success at overcoming a challenge! In all, snowshoeing is a perfect activity for getting out and into nature throughout the winter season. We offer snowshoeing excursions for all levels, and for anyone that likes hiking or nature walks, the experience is unforgettable. 

Mt. Asariyama Snowshoeing Day Trip

The Mt. Asariyama snowshoeing day trip departing from Sapporo is perfectly suited for those without prior snowshoeing experience, without being overly demanding or requiring any technical climbing skills. The hike begins with a gondola ride to the top of Kokusai International Ski Resort, followed by a gradual incline to the peak of Mt. Asariyama an hour away. You’ll be well taken care of during the hike, with an experienced nature guide helping you every step of the way. Also included is a soak at Hoheikyo Onsen, where the large outdoor baths are the perfect ending to a winter day in the central mountains of Hokkaido.
HNT Mt. Asariyama Snowshoeing Day Trip Itinerary.pdf
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Snowshoeing & Nature Sightseeing

We have a number of incredible routes at some of Hokkaido's most iconic locations, such as at Lake Mashu's crater rim, at Lake Shikotsu to reach frozen waterfalls and for deer spotting, and at Notsuke Peninsula, a wildlife spotting mecca in winter. We also have a few secret routes to wild onsens and frozen waterfalls that can be included in your winter tour!

Snowshoeing at Daisetsuzan National Park

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.  ​

Mountain Summits

While there is no shortage of mountains to tackle in winter, there are countless hazards and a high degree of stamina and experience is required. Below is a list of our most popular summit ascents, with a focus on safety and available facilities, but it is by no means exhaustive. Please contact us for more details.
  • Mt. Sandanyama & Mt. Maetokachidake Minor peaks below the mighty Mt. Tokachidake, with fumaroles and other-worldly views on a clear day  (Intermediate: 5-6 hrs. rt)
  • Mt. Sapporodake Located just Jozankei Hot Springs Village, this moderate snowshoe hike offers varied terrain and impressive views (Intermediate: 5-6 hrs. rt)
  • Mt. Shioya Maruyama This small mountain is great for beginners, with a gradual ascent and stunning sea views from the peak (Beginner: 3-4 hrs. rt)
  • Mt. Shiribetsudake With part of the small volcano connected to Rusutsu Resort, this lift assisted summit hike is short & steep, offering unobstructed views of Mt. Yotei just an arms-length away (intermediate; 3-4 hrs. rt)
  • Mt. Asahidake Even as Hokkaido's highest peak, the relatively straightforward ascent of Mt. Asahidake is manageable and unforgettable on a clear day, and with great views, steaming sulfur fumaroles and facilities, it offers a great base for further exploration (Advanced; 5-6 hrs. rt)
  • Mt. Kurodake The ascent begins from half-way up Mt. Kurodake, at the top chair lift station, from where it's a consistently steep incline until reaching the final promontory at the peak, where grand views of Daisetsuzan National Park await (Advanced; 5-6 hrs. rt)
  • And more. . .