Daisetsuzan Circuit 2 Day Hiking Tour

Overnight Guided Hiking Tour from Asahidake Onsen

from

¥54,000

Leave civilization behind on this overnight hiking tour deep into the backcountry of Daisetsuzan National Park. Challenge yourself in this inspiring alpine environment as we traverse the Roof of Hokkaido.

Tour Duration
2 Days
Minimum Travellers
4 People
Accommodation
1 Night at Kurodake Ishimuro Refuge
Tour Starts
Asahidake Onsen
Included Meals
1 Breakfast
2 Lunches
1 Dinner
Tour Finishes
Asahidake Onsen

Tour Highlights

Climb to the summit of Mt. Asahidake, Hokkaido’s tallest peak.
Hike along the ridgeline around the caldera of Ohachidaira.
Stay overnight at Kurodake Ishimuro Refuge.
Enjoy a foot spa at Nakadake Onsen, a wild hot spring surrounded by untouched alpine terrain.

About Daisetsuzan National Park

Designated as Japan’s National Park in 1934, Daisetsuzan holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Hokkaido. The national park covers over 2,300 square kilometres (bigger than the size of Tokyo!) and is home to a dramatic mountain range, giving Daisetsuzan the nickname “the Roof of Hokkaido”.

Keigetsu Omachi, a writer of the Meiji and Taisho period (late 1800s, early 1900s), challenged the length of these peaks long before a trail had been established. He famously said “To understand the height of a mountain, climb Mt. Fuji. To understand the vastness of a mountain, climb the Daisetsuzan mountains.”

Who is this tour for?

Active hiker who love challenging themselves on alpine trails for more than 7 hours per day.
Adventurers who love the idea of spending a night out in the backcountry.
Curious travellers who want to discover the off-beat tracks and unique experiences Japan has to offer.

When is the hiking season in Daisetsuzan National Park?

We run this tour from June to early October and anytime during these months is the perfect time to go! Expect some snow on the trails in the spring season, from June to July. Spring is also the prime time to see the alpine flowers in full bloom, with the meadows coming alive with carpets of colour. 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 ablaze with yellows, oranges and reds. The first snowfall usually occurs just before October on Mt. Asahidake which marks the coming end of the autumn hiking season.

Tour Inclusions
Items that are included in the cost of tour price.

1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner
Fare for overnight stay at Kurodake Ishimuro Refuge
Return trips of cable car from/to Mt. Asahidake
English speaking local guide(s)

Not included
Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.

Transport to/from Asahidake Onsen

Meet your guide

Yasu

Ayu

Tobaji

Day 1 Hiking to Mt Kurodake

Your adventure kicks off at 8am when you meet your Adventure Hokkaido guide at Asahidake Onsen. After a prep meeting to ensure that everyone is adequately prepared for our adventure, we’ll jump on a cable car up to Sugatami Station at 1,600m (5,200 ft). Enjoy the spectacular views of Sugatami Pond and observe the volcanic activity of Mt. Asahidake along the route.

Once we reach the summit of Mt. Asahidake, we’ll slowly descend down to the other side of the mountain. This part can be quite challenging as it’s a relatively steep track with fine gravel. We’ll journey on to Mt. Araidake (2,183m / 7,160 ft) from which the impressive Ohachidaira volcanic caldera can be seen in the distance. A leisurely walk along the ridgeline will take us through to Mt. Hokkai (2,149m / 7.050 ft) and eventually Kurodake Ishimuro, which is a refuge hut available for accoommodation during the summer season.

If you’re up for it, there is the option to hike on your own to Mt. Kurodake (1,984m / 6,390 ft) or Mt. Keigetsu (1,938m / 6,360 ft), which are both within 30 minutes from the hut. The stone-hut we’ll be staying at is almost 100 years old and can accommodate up to 80 people in bunks. There are bio-toilets next to the hut. In the evening, your guide will prepare dinner and drinking water for the following day.

Hiking distance
– 10km/6 miles
Elevation gain
– 810m/2.660ft
Time
– 7 to 8 hours
Day 2 Hiking to Sugatami via Nakadake Onsen

Our departure time today will depend on the weather conditions, your guide will decide this on the day. After having breakfast prepared by your guide, we’ll continue our walk to the other side of Ohachidaira and complete the Daisetsuzan circuit. On the way, we’ll stop at Kumonotaira, a very special area where a variety of beautiful alpine flowers bloom. We highly recommend hiking this area between the months of June and August when the flowers are in full bloom.

We’ll then push on for the main ascent of the day, to the junction to Mt. Hokuchin (2,244m / 7,360 ft), the second highest peak in Hokkaido. We’ll then make our way to Nakadake Onsen, a wild hot spring tucked away deep in the valleys of Daisetsuzan. The hot sulfur springs that surge from the ground flow to meet a mountain stream, making this a perfect site for enjoying a foot spa. After re-energising our legs and feet, we’ll make our way back to Sugatami Station, where we’ll take the cable car back to Asahidake Onsen. The tour will wrap up in Asahidake Onsen in the late afternoon.

We advise against making reservations for ongoing travel straight after this particular tour as delays and time changes can occur due to bad weather.

Hiking distance
– 10km/6 miles
Elevation gain
– 520m/1,710ft
Time
– 6 to 7 hours

What to bring on your Daisetsuzan Circuit 2 Day Hiking Tour

Essentials

Waterproof jacket and pants
Mid- to high-cut hiking boots
Fleece or down jacket (even in the summer the temperatures can drop below 10˚C/50˚F)
Thermal layers top & bottom
Base layers top & bottom
At least one spare pair of socks
Gloves, beanie, and items to keep you warm
Sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
Water bottle or hydration system of more than 2L
Quick-dry hand towel
Sleeping bag (3 to 4 seasons)
Sleeping mat
Plate/bowl, cup, and cutleries
Head torch
2 lunches and snacks
Toiletries
Personal medications
Travel insurance
Backpack with enough capacity to carry all of the above
Rain cover for the backpack