Witness the power of the Earth
Hike around dramatic volcanic craters and see firsthand the cracked roads and landscape scarred by recent eruptions.
Explore a stunning national park a stone’s throw from Sapporo. You’ll hike through steaming volcanic landscapes, past lakeside vistas and hidden forest oases… and of course, take a dip in some of Hokkaido’s best hot springs!
Shikotsu-Toya National Park lies close to Sapporo and is home to a number of spectacular caldera lakes and steaming active volcanoes. The volcanoes concentrated in the region have of course given rise to several natural hot springs, meaning that it is popular among domestic Japanese visitors for its many resorts.
For us, however, it is not the resorts that we are interested in but the amazing landscape that makes this national park perfect for adventure travel. As well as hot springs, it is also home to rich forests, fascinating geological hikes and incredible wildlife. The trails that open up in spring allow the adventurous to experience the unique sight of fuming volcanoes and explore forests, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of Hokkaido’s nearby capital city.
Tour Highlights
Explore pristine native forests
Immerse yourself in Hokkaido’s natural woodlands, home to a diverse array of native flora and wild fauna.
Soak in volcanic hot springs
Bathe in natural onsen waters heated by the very volcanoes we explore—perfect for soothing tired legs after a day on the trail.
Learn about indigenous Ainu culture at Upopoy
Visit the National Ainu Museum, Japan’s largest facility dedicated to celebrating Hokkaido's native Ainu people and educating visitors on their rich culture and history.
Discover Hokkaido’s most accessible National Park
Get a taste of hiking just a stone's throw from Sapporo, offering a convenient and approachable escape into nature.
Itinerary
Day 1 Meet at Lake Toya, Hike Nishiyama-Kompira Trail & Visit Mt. Usu
Meet at Lake Toya, Hike Nishiyama-Kompira Trail & Visit Mt. Usu
We begin our adventure at Lake Toya, a stunning caldera lake forged by explosive volcanic activity—forces that are still very much alive today. We spend the morning exploring the Nishiyama and Kompira trails (4.1km) at the mountain's foot, walking along cracked roads and past housing damaged by the eruption in 2000.
Our hike leads us to the Visitor Centre, where we discover the local saying, "Mt. Usu never lies", before heading to the summit crater for a closer look. A cable car takes us to the summit plateau where the earth is still very much alive. We take a 3.2km walk around the rugged crater basin, witnessing the raw power of the volcano as we pass fuming vents and look out over the dramatic landscape.
Day 2 Hike on Nakajima Island at Lake Toya
Hike on Nakajima Island at Lake Toya
We take a ferry to Nakajima Island, a peaceful oasis sitting in the centre of Lake Toya. Entirely free of the brown bears found on the mainland, the island offers a relaxed atmosphere for our 8.8kmloop hike. We walk through the beautiful Daiheigen area, hoping for views of Mt. Yotei in the distance.
Back on the mainland, we drive over the scenic Orofure Pass to reach Noboribetsu. This famous onsen town is defined by Jigokudani (Hell Valley), a dramatic crater of hissing steam vents and sulphurous fumaroles. Our ryokan is situated just a short stroll away, giving you the freedom to visit the valley at your leisure before enjoying a traditional Japanese dinner.
Day 3 Hike in Poroto Forest & Visit Upopoy National Ainu Museum
Hike in Poroto Forest & Visit Upopoy National Ainu Museum
We travel to the coastal town of Shiraoi where we embark on a morning hike in the Poroto Recreation Forest. Once a nursery for native trees, this area has grown wild, allowing us to walk among Hokkaido spruce, Japanese oak, and elm while keeping an eye out for squirrels and wild birds.
After our hike, we explore the neighbouring Upopoy National Ainu Museum, Japan's largest facility dedicated to the indigenous Ainu people. Here, we gain a profound understanding of the region's history before transferring to Lake Shikotsu for dinner and a soak in natural hot springs.
Day 4 Hike Mt. Tarumae & Kaedesawa Moss Corridor
Hike Mt. Tarumae & Kaedesawa Moss Corridor
For our final day on the trails, we have saved the tour's most challenging hike. We climb Mt. Tarumae (7.4km), an active volcano looming over Lake Shikotsu. The initial ascent gets the heart pumping, but the stark, vegetation-free landscape offers the potential for sweeping views of the lake and the Pacific Ocean on clear days. As we traverse the summit cone, we witness the volcano's power through its steaming vents and imposing lava dome
After descending and enjoying a local lunch, we explore the Kaedesawa Moss Corridor (2.2km). Feeling a world away from the barren volcano, this sheltered gorge is carpeted in velvet-green moss, creating a lush atmosphere to wind down our final day on the trails.
Day 5 Farewells in Chitose
Farewells in Chitose
After a hearty breakfast and perhaps a final morning dip in the hot springs, we check out and transfer to Chitose Station. From here, trains connect quickly to the airport or to other cities like Sapporo and Hakodate for your onward travel.
Whatever your onward plans, we hope you leave with a taste of the incredible hiking Hokkaido has to offer and a deeper appreciation for the culture and geology of our unique island.
What is the Hiking like on this tour?
This is our easiest hiking tour and is a great introduction to hiking in Hokkaido. On average, we cover 8km a day on easy going smooth trails. There is less than 500m elevation gain most days, with the tour building up to the most challenging trail on the last day. The pace each day will be relaxed, with plenty of time to take in the flora and fauna as we walk.
As such, this tour is perfect for new hikers as long as you are comfortable on your feet for a whole day. If you have done the popular Kumano Kodo or Nakasendo Trails then you will find the hiking on this tour comfortable, whereas the trails on our intermediate and advanced hiking tours are more rugged.
The next step up is either our Japan’s Far North 7 Day Hiking Tour or Around Daisetsuzan 6 Day Hiking Tour. Both actually cover less distance than this tour, but the trails are more challenging with the former taking in lots of ups and downs and the latter tackling the rugged mountain trails in Daisetsuzan National Park.
Get in touch with us if you are unsure what tour is best for you! We are happy to answer any questions you have and describe the hikes in more detail.
What Guests Say
“We really enjoyed the experience.”
Engaged Adventure Hokkaido for our first hiking trip in Hokkaido and had a wonderful time. The whole process was smooth and hassle-free. Our guides, Richard and Mitchy, were fantastic — super attentive and made sure everyone was well taken care of throughout the hike. We really enjoyed the experience.
Travel Style
This hiking tour is a series of day hikes; either return or loop. We always come back to our van at the end of the day and transfer to our accommodation. This means your overnight luggage can stay in the van and you can experience the best of Shikotsu-Toya National Park with just a light day pack!