Hokkaido

Daisetsuzan National Park

national parks
Daisetsuzan National Park is the largest mountain park in Japan and stretches across central Hokkaido. Daisetsuzan is a mountain range whose main peak is Asahidake, the highest peak in Hokkaido, and includes the headwaters of the Ishikari and Tokachi Rivers, which represent Hokkaido, and is referred to as the roof of Hokkaido. The national park can be roughly divided into the Omote-daisetsu area, the Tokachidake mountain range area, and the Higashidaisetsu area. Omote-daisetsu area is the core of the park and includes the Daisetsuzetsu volcano group centering on Asahidake and the magnificent mountain top plateau located in the south, with large mountains and deep canyons that overwhelm people with their presence. The Tokachidake mountain range is a group of volcanoes with the active volcano Mt. Tokachi in the center, and the view of the mountain range from Biei and Kamifurano at the foot of the mountains over farmlands and forests is spectacular. The Higashi-Daisetsu area is located in the Tokachi River basin and is a mountainous region with its own unique charms, including the Higashi-Daisetsu mountains and deep forests such as Mount Nipesotsu, Lake Shikaribetsu, Lake Nukabira, and the Tokachi Mimata Caldera. At the foot of the mountains, abundant hot springs gush out, making the area an excellent tourist base for visitors from Japan and abroad. (Source: Ministry of the Environment website https://www.env.go.jp/nature/nationalparks/list/)

Activity

Enjoy the silvery white world with a private guide at Asahidake Ski Resort!

 

Highlights

・Asahidake Ski Resort is a ski resort where you can enjoy sidecountry and backcountry skiing. Besides using the ropeway to ski the course, skiing off course or hiking a bit to ski from the top of another mountain is one of the fun things to do at Asahidake. In this case, a guide who knows the mountain inside out is a must. ・Asahidake's periglacial landforms are formed by the cold temperatures of minus 20 degrees Celsius and strong winds. It is one of nature's most spectacular sights, where snow from the harsh environment freezes like a glacier, carving away the hard bedrock of Asahidake. ・Asahidake ski resort, diamond dust can be seen on sunny days when the temperature is below -15 degrees Celsius. This phenomenon occurs when water vapor in the air freezes in an instant and falls to the ground, shimmering in the sunlight.

 

Detail

You can enjoy skiing and snowboarding with spectacular views in Daisetsuzan. Asahidake, you can experience an impressive silvery-white world at the top of the mountain. Asahidake in the evening is the best time to see the sun pillar shining in the landscape of mountains and clouds. Sun pillar is also called "sun pillar", and it looks like a pillar of light when the sun's rays reflect off the frozen air. Asahidake, you can see it during the ropeway ride or near the summit. For lunch, enjoy local specialties at the foot of the mountain.

 

Summary

Location Furano,Asahikawa

Operating Hours In the morning

Required time 5~6hours

Transportation No

Meal No

Let's go on a Canadian canoe to see a special scenery that you can't imagine from the land! in Lake Shikaribetsu

 

Highlights

In this Canadian canoeing activity, you will paddle through the forest while gazing at its reflection on the water. Birds chirping, trees rustling. The view from the surface of the water is a completely different world from the one on land. A nature guide will take you to Lake Shikaribetsu, the only natural lake in Daisetsuzan National Park!

 

Detail

Lake Shikaribetsu is so clear that on a clear day you can even see the rocks and fish swimming at the bottom of the lake. Enjoy canoeing on the beautiful clear lake in pairs.

 

Summary

Location Obihiro City

Operating Hours In the morning or In the afternoon

Required time 1.5hours

Transportation No

Meal No

Day Trip Bus Tour: Explores the Furano and Biei Areas

JPY 9,100
 

Highlights

• Efficiently discover three iconic Hokkaido destinations in a single day: the vibrant Farm Tomita, the expansive flower fields of Shikisai no Oka, and the mystical Blue Pond. • Savor a delightful petit cheese fondue and hamburger steak lunch at Furano Wine House, enjoying panoramic views of Furano city and the Tokachi mountain range. • Immerse yourself in the breathtaking seasonal landscapes of Hokkaido, including fields of lavender, poppies, and marigolds. • Benefit from informative commentary provided by a multilingual audio guide system available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean

 

Detail

This captivating day trip bus tour, departing from Sapporo, offers a seamless and efficient way to explore the enchanting Furano and Biei areas. You'll journey through picturesque landscapes, visiting renowned spots such as Farm Tomita, famous for its stunning flower fields, and Shikisai no Oka, a 150,000 square meter flower paradise where you can also meet adorable alpacas. The tour also includes a visit to the globally celebrated Blue Pond, known for its beautiful and mystical blue scenery. While on the bus, you'll enjoy scenic views of the Biei Patchwork Road and the Seven Stars Tree. The tour includes lunch and is approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes in duration, promising an immersive experience of Hokkaido's natural beauty and culinary delights. Departure is at 8:55 AM from JR Sapporo Station West Concourse, and check-in is required 15 minutes prior to departure.

 

Summary

Location FURANO / BIEI

Operating Hours Full day

Required time about 10 hours

Transportation None

Meal Lunch include

A Hakka Mint-Filled Cycling Course in Mint Town, Kitami

JPY18,000~
 

Highlights

This tour offers a unique and refreshing experience in Mint Town, Kitami, with a focus on Hakka mint. The highlight is a cycling course specifically designed for beginners, allowing you to easily explore Kitami's beautiful nature while refreshing your mind and body. You'll also get to taste special sweets made with local Hakka mint, adding a delightful and exclusive treat to your journey.

 

Detail

This cycling tour is the perfect way to explore the region's Hakka mint sites. You'll not only enjoy a scenic bike ride but also participate in a tour of a mint distillation facility, try making aroma cream, and savor some special mint sweets. For winter travelers, the experience transforms into a snow ride with a studded bike, making it a wonderful activity no matter the season.

 

Summary

Location Kitami / Daisetsuzan

Operating Hours Full day

Required time 6hours

Transportation Pick up not Available

Meal None

Access

How to get there

Daisetsuzan National Park in central Hokkaido has volcanic mountain ranges, vivid autumn colors, hot-spring towns and diverse wildlife. Hokkaido's indigenous Ainu people call the Daisetsuzan mountain range the “playground of the gods.” Public transportation links many areas of the park, but service is infrequent. To fully explore the park's many attractions, stay in nearby Sounkyo Onsen or Asahidake Onsen and rent a car.

From Tokyo

Flights to Hokkaido's Asahikawa Airport operate from both Haneda Airport and Narita Airport (90 min). Once you’ve arrived, rent a car from one of the companies near the airport. If you prefer public transportation, take the shuttle bus (35 min) to Asahikawa Station, which serves as a transportation hub to many areas of the park. Some buses also run directly to popular spots in the park. The bus company Asahikawa Denkikidou runs buses from Asahikawa Station to Asahidake Onsen (90 min).

From Sapporo

Asahikawa Station is a 90-minute train ride from Sapporo Station aboard the Lilac or Kamui limited express train.

Getting Around

A car is the best option to explore the park, but public transportation is available from Sounkyo Onsen. The Kurodake Ropeway, a cable car that departs from the town center and connects to a chair lift, provides access to numerous hiking trails in the Daisetsuzan mountain range. The closest peak to the top of the Kurodake Ropeway is Mount Kurodake. A bus from Sounkyo Onsen connects to the Ginsendai Trail, leading to the peak of Mount Akadake, a popular hike in autumn. Buses to areas popular for their autumn colors run more often during the high season, but even then, service is still relatively infrequent. Renting a car provides easier access to most areas of the park but note that cars are prohibited on many park roads during the peak foliage-viewing period (mid-September) due to congestion.

National Park or Japan
Hokkaido
Tohoku
Kanto
Chubu
Kinki
Chugoku and Shikoku Region
Kyushu and Okinawa