Hiking Shines at Asahidake in Any Weather

Billowing volcanic fumaroles await walkers who visit Asahidake in Daisetsuzan National Park, in Hokkaido.

A ropeway carries up to 100 visitors to the base of the hiking trails, although mountaineers are very welcome to hike up from the bottom. The ropeway costs around 3000 yen round trip, or less for children and people with disabilities.

At the top of the ropeway, there are marked walking paths with steps and ropes in places to assist unsteady walkers. There is also a souvenir shop and cafe with free wifi to help you share your photos with friends on the spot.

From here, it is a short walk to the base of the summit hike. These lower paths take you past delicate alpine wildflowers and beautiful glacial lakes. There are benches and tables to stop for the view, a rest, or a picnic.

On a clear day, Asahidake looms above showing all of its 2291 metres, which make it the highest peak in Hokkaido. On a cloudy or rainy day, the atmosphere is broody and just as beautiful, and the ropeway carries you high into the clouds.

For the summit climb, set three hours aside for ascent and an hour and a half to descend, but very fit hikers will do it in less. The journey is as enjoyable as reaching the peak so you need not rush, and it’s important to plan for the slowest member of your party.

Whatever walks you choose, be prepared for steaming, sulfur-scented plumes. These are fumaroles allowing heat and gasses to escape from the volcano under Asahidake, which is very much alive.

In winter, the lakes are frozen, and backcountry skiers and snowshoe hikers go right over the top of them to summit Asahidake or explore the terrain with experienced guides. In autumn the red and golden leaves at Asahidake are among the most beautiful in all of Daisetsuzan National Park.

There are hotels, inns and hostels near the base of the ropeway. All have onsens, or natural hot spring baths, to soothe your weary legs if they need it.

Hearing, seeing and smelling the volcanic fumaroles is exciting, whatever the weather or the season. Hiking at Asahidake is an experience you will never forget.

Access

There are three buses daily from Asahikawa station or airport to the Asahidake ropeway station.

Address(Asahidake Ropeway): Higashikawa-chō, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaidō 071-1472

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