Shikotsu–Toya 6 Day Winter Hiking Tour

We meet in Chitose after lunch then head straight to Lake Utonai for our first winter adventure. This flat lakeshore loop provides the perfect opportunity to get accustomed to walking on snow and test out our gear in a serene wetland setting. While we walk, we keep a lookout for migratory birds like Whooper Swans that frequently rest on the water.

Later, we transfer to the deep caldera of Lake Shikotsu within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Our stay at a lakeside ryokan (Japanese Inn) offers the chance to soak in an onsen (hot spring) with views of the lake. We conclude our first day with a traditional dinner at our ryokan.

We head for the mountains to tackle our first peak of the tour, Mt. Monbetsu (865m). This climb offers a steady introduction to Hokkaido’s winter peaks, following a wide mountain road favoured by local snowshoers. As we gain elevation, the trail provides spectacular vantage points over Lake Shikotsu and the neighbouring summits of Mt. Fuppushi and Mt. Tarumae. On a clear day, you can see as far as the smoking vents of the active volcano, Mt. Eniwa.

Because the upper slopes are exposed to Hokkaido's unpredictable winter weather, we remain flexible; if conditions are unsuitable for the summit, we will explore sheltered forest trails at lower altitudes instead. Depending on the day's conditions, we will either enjoy a picnic lunch on the mountain or head into Lake Shikotsu town for a local meal after our descent.

Later, we move to our next base in Kitayuzawa. This riverside hotel features expansive outdoor baths, allowing you to soak in the crisp air and soothe your legs in the healing hot spring waters.

Winter in Hokkaido transforms the landscape, burying dense undergrowth and allowing us to venture off the marked trails. We take advantage of this freedom to explore a secluded valley, following winding streams through the forest to reach dramatic waterfalls. Here, the cascading water is frozen in place, forming towering ice columns that cling to the rock faces.

As we navigate this pristine environment, we follow the unfrozen sections of the stream, keeping watch for Japanese Deer and the Brown Dippers that frequent the open water. We will again enjoy lunch either out on the snow or at a local restaurant, depending on the day's weather. After exploring these hidden natural features, we return to our riverside accommodation in Kitayuzawa to refuel with a traditional meal and another restorative soak in the hot springs.

We head to the rim of the Lake Toya caldera to climb the active stratovolcano, Mt. Usu. Our route takes us through snow-covered old-growth forests as we ascend toward the crater rim. Upon reaching the top, we are met with a dramatic contrast: the vast Pacific Ocean on one side and the steaming, rugged caldera of Mt. Usu on the other. We continue to the crater observatory for a bird’s-eye view of this volatile volcanic landscape before beginning our descent.

Because the crater rim is highly exposed to the elements, we may swap the order of our activities and do this on day 3 instead. This flexibility ensures we have the best possible weather for the volcano, while still experiencing both adventures.

After the hike, we travel to the hot spring village of Jozankei Onsen, where we stay for the next two nights. We end the day with a traditional dinner and a soak in the local thermal waters.

Mt. Kokimobetsu is a popular choice for local hikers due to the exceptionally light, dry powder snow that blankets its slopes. Lined with hardy Erman’s Birch trees, the mountain offers quintessential Hokkaido scenery and a genuine taste of the region's winter backcountry.

The trail begins with a steep climb before flattening out onto a forested ridge where magnolia trees grow amongst the winter canopy. As we push toward the summit at 970m, the trees thin to reveal incredible views of Mt. Yotei. Known as Ezo-Fuji for its near-perfect conical shape, it is one of the most iconic sights in the region.

Because the mountain is at the mercy of the weather, we remain flexible; if conditions are unsuitable for the summit, we will instead explore the powder-filled forests and streams at its base. On our return journey, we stop at the Nakayama Pass Roadside Station to warm up with hot drinks and browse local specialities. We spend our final night back at Jozankei Onsen, gathering for a celebratory dinner to mark the completion of our journey.

Otsukaresama desu! (Good job!) Our tour finishes after breakfast today, leaving you plenty of time for onward travel.

Have a safe onward journey! Itterasshai!