Mt. Asahidake Adventure 1-Day Guided Hiking Tour

Follow in the footsteps of Hokkaido’s Ainu ancestors and trek across a volcanic alpine landscape of dramatic contrasts. Join us on this diverse and adventurous hike to Mt. Asahidake, Hokkaido’s tallest peak. Come and see for yourself why the Ainu people call this breathtaking mountain Kamui-mintara, the Playground of the Gods.

HIGHLIGHTS
Discover the beauty of Daisetsuzan National Park, a protected land of natural and cultural significance
Journey through dramatic (and active!) volcanic landscapes, expansive valleys, alpine meadows and clear lakes
Climb to the summit of Mt. Asahidake, Hokkaido’s tallest peak (2,291m)
Take in the magnificent panoramic views of Daisetsuzan’s mountain range
Leave civilisation behind and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Daisetsuzan, Japan’s largest national park and hike to the summit of Mt. Asahidake. Mt.Fuji is undoubtedly Japan’s most famous mountain, but Mt. Asahidake holds a special place for the people of Hokkaido. Checking in at 2,291 metres, it is the tallest mountain in Hokkaido. It is also the highest point on the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range, known as a holy site to northern Japan’s indigenous Ainu people, who call the area Kamui-mintara, or the Playground of the Gods. This sacred mountain is the youngest in the mountain range, where steam seeping out of vents can be observed from Higashikawa in the far distance. Enjoy the trek while learning more about the cultural and ecological values of Daisetsuzan from your local guide.

Experience the best of Daisetsuzan National Park’s diverse alpine vegetation, expansive valleys, rich history and amazing views over the rugged volcanic scenery on this guided hiking tour.

THIS TRIP IS PERFECT FOR TRAVELLERS THAT ENJOY…
A challenging hike with continuous ascent to the peak
Hiking in the alpine terrain for more than 5 hours
Learning about the cultural and ecological values of the region

LANDSCAPES OF THE FOUR SEASONS
We run this tour from June to early October and anytime during these months is the perfect time to go! During the June and July months, expect some snow on the trails. Generally on this trip we approach the snow-covered areas during the day when the temperature is milder to avoid icy conditions. If you’re interested in seeing the alpine flowers in full bloom, we suggest hitting the trail between June and mid-July for the spring season in the mountains. Summer arrives in Daisetsuzan in August, when most of the snow has melted away. During September, the mountain sees a change in colour with the leaves blazing with yellows, oranges and reds. The first snowfall occurs just before October on Mt. Asahidake marking the end of the autumn hiking season.

ITINERARY
Kick off your adventure at 8am with a convenient hotel pick up service or meet your guide at a pre-arranged location in central Asahikawa and drive for an hour out to Asahidake Onsen village. Skip the long and arduous climb and hop in a cable car and arrive at Sugatami Station at 1,600m altitude. After a short walk, we will arrive at the popular Sugatami Pond and the fifth station of Mt. Asahidake, which is the half-way mark to the summit. From this point onwards, the steepness of the trail will gradually build up and the gravel covering the ground surface will become finer, like volcanic ash. If the weather is fine that day, you’ll be able to see a spectacular 360 view of the Daisetsuzan and and Tokachi mountain ranges. After a brief break, we’ll head back down the way we came and around mid-afternoon, we’ll jump on the cable car and head back to Asahidake Onsen village. We highly recommend staying overnight in Asahidake Onsen and enjoy a leisurely soak in the local onsen resort, otherwise we will drop you off back at your hotel or in a nearby town.

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