Mountains of Hokkaido

One of the representatives of the mountains of Hokkaido is Mt. Daisetsuzan. It is a volcanic group that is located in the center of Hokkaido, and is designated as the Daisetsuzan National Park.

Both Mt. Asahi (Asahi-dake, the highest peak in Hokkaido) on the west side and Mt. Kurodake in the east are equipped with a ropeway from the foothills, inviting many hikers. The traverse route extending southward from Mt. Kurodake includes Mt. Tomuraushi (Tomuraushi-yama), which is famous for beautiful lakes and marshes around its summit. The ridgeline continues southwestward, ultimately reaching the Tokachi Peaks, which is a range of mountains around the active volcano, Mt. Tokachi (Tokachi-dake).

Another representative range are the Hidaka Mountains, running from south to north in the southern part of Hokkaido. Most of the trails run across deep, precipitous streams and over a very steep ridgeline, making them suitable for advanced hikers.

Furthermore, mountains of Hokkaido include several of Japan’s 100 most famous mountains, and are very popular among hikers. Selected mountains include Mt. Rishiri (Rishiri-zan) located on the northwest edge of Hokkaido, on the Rishisi Island in the Sea of Japan; Mt. Rausu (Rausu-dake) on the World Natural Heritage site Shiretoko Peninsula, located in the eastern part of Hokkaido; Mt. Sharidake located at the base of the Shiretoko Peninsula; Mt. Akandake, located in the northwest of Japan’s largest Kushiro Wetland (Kushiro Shitsugen) by Lake Akan (Akan-ko); and Mt. Yotei (Yohtei-zan) that soars tall on the southwest side of the City of Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido.

When hiking in Hokkaido, hikers needs to pay extra attention to wild brown bear attacks, and echinococcosis infections from drinking mountain stream water.

• Round Trip Hike of Mt. Rishiri via the Oshidomari Course Trek a beautiful peak which towers over the sea.
• Mt. Asahi Beginning at Sugatami-daira (Round Trip) Use the ropeway to help you hike Hokkaido's highest peak.
• Traverse Hike of Daisetsuzan Mountain Range from Mt. Asahi to Mt. Kuro-dake Traverse “the roof of Hokkaido” in a single day trip.
• Round Trip Hike of Mt. Yotei via the Makkari Trail Hike up a beautiful free-standing mountain in the southern region of Hokkaido.
• Mt. Rausu Round Trip from Iwaobetsu Onsen (hot spring) Hike the Highest Mountain in Shiretoko, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.