Adventure Hokkaido Hiking Guides and Guests at Daisetsuzan

Daisetsuzan Circuit 2 Day Hiking Tour

Overnight Guided Hiking Tour from Asahidake Onsen

from
¥45,900

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

    2 People

  • Accommodation

    1 Night at Kurodake Ishimuro Refuge

  • Tour Starts

    Asahidake Onsen

  • Included Meals

    1 Breakfast
    2 Lunches
    1 Dinner

  • Tour Finishes

    Asahidake Onsen
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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

The four seasons of Daisetsuzan

We run this tour from June to September 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.

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

Tobaji

Ayu
  1. 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 – 810m/2.660ft
    Time – 7 to 8 hours

  2. 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 – 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 temperature can drop below 10℃)
  • 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
  • Sleeping bag (3 to 4 seasons)
  • Sleeping mat
  • Plate/bowl, cup, and cutleries
  • Head torch
  • Quick-dry hand towel
  • 2 lunches and snacks
  • Toiletries
  • Personal medications
  • Rain cover for backpack
  • Backpack with enough capacity to carry all the above
  • Travel insurance

Recommended

  • Walking poles
  • Cellphone power bank
  • Ear plugs
  • Snacks which you’re used to eating while hiking
  • Camera

We supply

  • First aid kit
  • Drinking water
  • Safety equipment and maps
  • A blanket at Kurodake Ishimuro

What to bring on your Hokkaido Hiking tour graphic

Average temperature at Kurodake Ishimuro

June July August September
6.6℃/43.8℉ 10.8℃/51.4℉ 11℃/51.8℉ 5.8℃/42.4℉