Mt Asahidake & Biei Blue River
2 Day Snowshoeing Tour
Guided overnight tour from Asahikawafrom
Experience the best of Hokkaido’s winter wonderland on your snowshoeing adventure on Mt Asahidake in Daisetsuzan National Park and the Biei Blue River.
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Tour Duration
2 Day -
Minimum Travellers
2 People -
Accommodation
1 Night at Shirogane Onsen -
Tour Starts
Asahikawa -
Included Meals
1 Breakfast
2 Lunches
1 Dinner -
Tour Finishes
Asahikawa
Tour Highlights
- Snowshoe hiking in the snow in the foothills of Mt. Asahidake
- See the spectacular fumaroles steaming vigorously
- Snowshoe hiking in the serene forest to Biei’s Blue River
- Overnight at Shirogane Onsen at the base of Tokachi Mountains
About Asahidake & Biei
Checking in at 2,291 metres (7,500 feet), Mt Asahidake in Daisetsuzan National Park is the tallest mountain in Hokkaido. Also known as the “Roof of Hokkaido”, the mountain has a special place in the hearts of Hokkaido people, including the indigenous Ainu. The mirror lakes and rugged gullies of Mt Asahidake take all hikers’ breath away in summer, but winter is as exciting as you can imagine: vapors discharging high in the air with the mighty Asahidake as a backdrop.
Biei, in contrast, has charms in its rolling hills and tranquil forests. The iconic Blue Pond gained a worldwide recognition when the image was used as the Apple wallpaper. It’s always been a highly popular site to visit in summer, but in winter the frozen waters are shrouded in silence and snow. We take advantage of the snow to put on our snowshoes to explore the forest further behind this pond, where the Biei River feeds the blue water. Mt Asahidake & the Blue River are the best-matching winter gems of the area we’d like you to experience at least once in your lifetime!
Who is this tour for?
- Brave adventurers who like to spend a day in the outdoors in winter conditions, where temperatures can drop below -20˚C/-4˚F
- Winter hikers & snow lovers who love hiking in snow with the help of snowshoes (No experience required)
- Curious travellers who love learning about the cultural and ecological values of the regions they visit
What is the Hokkaido winter like?
We run this tour from late December to early April. The first snow of the season falls on Mt Asahidake usually around the third week of September. From then the snow melts and accumulates until it stabilizes and sticks around from early December. During the stormy start to winters in Hokkaido, the snow usually grows deep enough for skiing & snowboarding by Christmas, when the Asahidake Ropeway operation gears up to accommodate skis and snowboards. Generally, January is the coldest month, easily hitting -20˚C/-4˚F or lower! The weather becomes more stable towards March, and we can still enjoy snowshoeing up on Mt Asahidake & Biei in April (quite often under blue skies), although the snow starts disappearing from the streets in the towns below.
Please be aware that the cable car at Mt Asahidake can be suspended due to the bad weather, in this case, our guided tour takes place in the native forest around Asahidake Onsen village or at an alternative site in Higashikawa.
Tour Inclusions
Items that are included in the cost of tour price.- 1 Breakfast, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner
- 1 night accommodation on a twin share basis
- Return cable car to and from Mt Asahidake
- Snowshoe rental
- Visit to woodcraft workshop in Higashikawa
- English speaking local guide(s)
- Transport to/from Asahikawa
- Accommodation pick up and drop off
What to bring on your Mt Asahidake & Biei Blue River 2 day snowshoeing tour?
Essentials
- Hard shell jacket and pants
- Winter/snow boots & thick socks
- Thick fleece or down jacket
- Warm base layers top & bottom
- Ski gloves, beanie, and items to keep you warm
- Sunscreen & sunglasses
- Insulated drink bottle
- Personal medications
- Backpack with enough capacity to carry all the above
Recommended
- Personal snacks
- Camera
We supply
- Snowshoes and poles
- First aid kit
- Safety equipment and maps
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Mt Asahidake in winter under the cloudless sky
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Our Singaporean guests taking a picture next to the steam
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Hikers in snowshoes walking towards the fumaroles
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Winter hiker in snowshoe by Biei Blue River
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Fun time playing with soft snow
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Only in winter we can get this close to the steaming vents
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Snowshoers enjoying lunch by the Biei Blue River in Hokkaido
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Guide Tobaji and guests making snow balls
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Snowshoers playing in the fresh soft snow by Biei Blue River in Hokkaido
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Snowshoeing tour on Mt Asahidake in Hokkaido
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In the forest there's so much fun you won't find in the ski fields
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Approaching the fumaroles in a valley of Mt Asahidake
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Mt Asahidake and its breath looking spectacular in the winter air
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Thanks for the fun day out!
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Gentle slope just above Sugatami Station
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In the forest of Shirogane Onsen at the start of snowshoeing tour to Blue River
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Taking in the view of Blue River
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Finding frost flower hidden under a roof of snow
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A group of snowshoers reaching the Biei Blue River
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Finding frost flower hidden under a roof of snow
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Local guide Ogura san sharing the story about how the Blue Pond was formed
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Hiker getting up to the Biei River
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Snow mushrooms floating on the river
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Our special rest site on the riverbed of Biei Blue River