Around Daisetsuzan 6 Day Hiking Tour

Asahidake Onsen is a popular entry point to Daisetsuzan National Park. The park is Japan’s largest in size, and one of the first designated as a National Park in 1934. While Daisetsuzan is typically known as the Roof of Hokkaido, in the Ainu world, it is known as ”kamuy-mintar”, meaning the Playground of the Gods.

We make our way into this sacred location by cable car to Sugatami Station at 1,600m/5,250ft, then start climbing to the summit of Mt Asahidake (2,291m/7,516ft), the highest peak in Hokkaido. Our journey continues on the outer ring of the majestic Ohachidaira volcanic caldera, which was formed by an eruption about 30,000 years ago.

In the afternoon, we set foot on the summit of Mt Hokkai (2,149m/7515ft) and Mt Kurodake (1,984m/6510ft) before descending into the Sounkyo Gorge with the help of a chair lift followed by another cable car. Sounkyo Gorge is a picturesque onsen village nestled between the mountains and the cliffs, making it a popular destination for onsen, hiking, skiing and our welcome home for the night. (B, L, D)

Hiking Distance – 12.5 km / 7.7 miles
Elevation – 860m / 2,822ft
Time – 8 to 9 hours

Today we will have an early start and drive over to Kogen Onsen which is 1 hour away from Sounkyo. Daisetsu Kogen serves as a trailhead for the popular Kogen Numa (alpine tarns) hiking trail. This area is far from civilization and home to a great number of native brown bears, higuma, which are often spotted by hikers in early summer. Before we set out on the Kogen Numa hiking trail, we receive a safety briefing at Higuma Information Centre about the latest sightings and the rules to respect the wildlife and stay safe in higuma territory.

Situated between 1,230m-1,460m (4035ft-4790ft) above sea level, the Kogen Numa provides opportunities to observe alpine flora and over a dozen alpine tarns of various sizes scattered along the trail. Once we return from our hike, we board our van to transfer to Nukabira Onsen, the hot spring village situated by Lake Nukabira. We overnight at a historical hotel that has been renovated into a modern Japanese-style inn and is run by a friendly local family. (B, D)

Hiking Distance – 8 km / 5 miles
Elevation – 260m / 850ft
Time – 5 to 6 hours

We’ll kick the day off with a drive to neighbouring Lake Shikaribetsu on a road which is only open during the snowless months from April to October. After approximately 30 mins, we’ll arrive at the start of the trail to Mt Hakuunzan on the shore of Lake Shikaribetsu. We will take a loop walk to the top of Mt Hakuunzan (1,186m/3,890ft) and back on the lakeshore trail, which usually takes about 3 hours to complete. From the summit there’s a stunning view of Lake Shikaribetsu and if we are lucky, a chance to spot the Northern pika (rock rabbit) in their rocky dwellings.

After our hike we’ll hop back in the van and head for our accommodation in the Shikaribetsukyo Gorge. This site is cherished by outdoor onsen lovers because of its remote location and authenticity of the natural hot springs. The upper valley is home to several secluded outdoor onsen sites formed by the river. If you feel up for an extra excursion this afternoon, your guide will lead you on a walk, taking bathing suits and towels with us to revel in this 100% natural onsen experience. (B, L, D)

Hiking Distance – 5 km / 3 miles
Ascent – 280m / 920ft
Time – 3 to 4 hours

We’ll take a break from walking today and drive out to Shintoku Town, the soba (buckwheat) noodle capital. Here not only will we taste fresh handmade soba, but we will also learn to make it ourselves! After having an early lunch, we will head off to Minami Furano, where we’ll jump on a raft and paddle down the Siisorapci River, which is fed directly from the Tokachi Mountains. We will enjoy rafting in the picturesque valley amongst the surrounding greenery for a couple of hours in the afternoon. By 6 pm, we’ll arrive at our accommodation in Furano, famous for its lavender fields & flower gardens. (B, L, D)

No Hiking

After breakfast, we will leave for Central Asahikawa to conclude the tour. Asahikawa is 1 hour drive from Furano. We can drop you off at your desired location in Asahikawa City, Asahikawa JR Station or at Asahikawa Airport. (B)

No Hiking