Hokkaido, Japan is one of the most beautiful places you would love to visit for a holiday. This Island is home to never-ending attractions which you can always check out while here for a sightseeing experience like no other. What’s more is that it is one of the most mountainous places you can ever visit in Japan, and you’ll find a lot of hot springs scattered all over the island. If you’re planning to go to Hokkaido, make sure to go with a hiker who’ll never get enough of the beautiful views that this country has to offer. Read on to find out our list of the best mountains in Hokkaido for trekking, which are the best places to visit in Japan for nature lovers.
1. Mount Yotei
This is an active volcano mountain located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park and is also called Yezo Fuji because it almost resembles Mount Fuji. If you love skiing, this is one of those places you might want to visit because it is the highest mountain in the region and has the longest vertical ski descent. It normally takes six to eight hours to reach the summit, which is why planning is crucial for a successful climb. Bad weather can come unexpectedly in this region, and you need the right gear to finish the climb safely.
Mount Yotei
Address: Shisamunai, Chitose, Hokkaido 066-0284, Japan
Price: Free
2. Mount Rishiri
Mount Rishiri is a dormant volcanic mountain located off the coast of Hokkaidō where it rises out of the Sea, forming Rishiri Island. Because its cone shape resembles Mount Fuji, too, locals in this place decided to call this place Rishiri Fuji. Normally, people climb this mountain from June to early October, which is the perfect hiking season for climbing. Trying to hike to the top can be strenuous, even for advanced hikers, so come prepared and bring adequate supplies for your hike.
Mount Rishiri
Address: Oniwaki, Rishirifuji, Rishiri District, Hokkaido 097-0211, Japan
Price: Free
3. Mount Poroshiri
Mount Poroshiri is the highest mountain in the Hidaka mountain range. This mountain provides hikers the opportunity to go on one of the best treks in Hokkaido. At the peak, you’ll be able to see awe-inspiring panoramic views. The thrilling trek also lets you experience crossing several rivers with crystal clear waters. Climbing Poroshiri is open from July 1st to September 30th, which is usually the best season to attempt the hike. Whatever you do, do not attempt this hike after it has rained or if the river is swollen because heavy rapids in the river can prove to be fatal.
Mount Poroshiri
Address: Toyonuka, Niikappu, Niikappu District, Hokkaido 055-0415, Japan
Price: 14 USD
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4. Mount Tokachi
Mount Tokachi is an active volcano located in Daisetsuzan National Park, and it is the tallest among the Tokachi volcanic mountains. It is one of the top 100 famous mountains in Japan, and it has four hiking trails that lead to its peak. Hiking this mountain is not as treacherous as hiking other mountains in the region. Most hikers usually go for a trek from late May to late September without too much trouble. The winter starts early in Hokkaido, and an ascent during that season is also possible but only with the proper avalanche training.
Mount Tokachi
Address: Mount Tokachi, Hokkaido, Japan
Price: 10 USD
5. Mount Rausu
This is a dormant volcanic mountain found on the Shiretoko peninsula in Hokkaidō, and it sits on the border between the towns of Shari and Rausu. Mount Rausu is one of the top 100 famous mountains, and an annual festival held nearby which happens on July 3. Brown bears are a common sight on this hike, so please be prepared. You can rent bear spray from the mountain hut, but it’s not really necessary unless there have been sightings recently. This is a six to eight-hour hike that can be done from early June to early October, though you’ll want to be prepared for a lot of snow if you plan on hiking before July.
Mount Rausu
Address: Yunosawacho, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido 086-1822, Japan
6. Mount Shari
Mount Shari is one of Japan’s top 100 famous mountains. It’s a quaternary volcano that has its peak consisting of Mount Shari, Southern Mount Shari, and the western ridge. The views from the summit overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk and the Pacific Ocean are pretty amazing, and these picturesque views just some of the things you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Hokkaido. During the hike, you will climb past countless waterfalls. However, if these waterfalls and the rivers connected to them are swollen, you might want to reconsider hiking this trail. In addition, you will find a lot of streams to cross and plenty of ropes and chains that you need to use in tricky areas. It’s not too terribly difficult if you have shoes with good traction because it is not a hard climb. Hiking can be done from late June to early October when most of the snow is gone. A winter hike is also possible with the right equipment and experience. If you plan on climbing this mountain, do note that everyone is prohibited from starting their hike after 12 noon, so it’s important that you arrive at the trailhead in the morning.
Mount Shari
Address: Konan, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido 099-4404, Japan
7. Asahi-Dake
Mount Asahi is an active volcanic mountain located in the town of Higashikawa, and it is the tallest mountain in Hokkaido. It is located in the northern part of the Daisetsuzan National Park and is called by the locals as “Kamuimintara” which means “A garden that gods have a good time” in Ainu language. There are several brown bears here, so you need to be careful as you ascend to avoid coming into contact with them. The perfect hiking season here is between June and July when there is less snow and it takes around 7 hours, so come with the right hiking gear.
Asahi-Dake
Address: Nokanan, Higashikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-1471, Japan
Price: Free
8. Mount Meakan
Mount Meakan is an active volcanic mountain found in Akan National Park and is the tallest mountain in the Akan Volcanic ranges. The volcano consists of nine overlapping cones that grew out of a caldera, on the shores of Lake Akan. It also has a triple crater at its summit. While here, you will have a unique opportunity to stare into the mouth of the steaming volcanic crater which is a great sight to behold. A hike here can be done from July to early October when most of the snow is gone. It can also be climbed during winter, but only by those who have the right experience and equipment.
Mount Meakan
Address: Moashoro, Ashoro, Ashoro District, Hokkaido 089-3964, Japan
9. Mount Tomuraushi
Mt.Tomuraushi is a wonderful rocky peak located roughly at the halfway point on the Daisetsuzan trekking route. This mountain’s scenery and views will certainly make you want to come back to this place and enjoy the views. A hike in this place can only be done during the summer, when the bus to the trailhead is in operation. However, the peak is on the main Daisetsuzan trekking route and can be approached from the north via Chuubetsu-dake, so come prepared with the right gear to tackle this challenge.
Mount Tomuraushi
Address: Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235, Japan
10. Mount Tarumae
Mt.Tarumae is an extremely active volcano located on the shores of Lake Shikotsu, in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. This is the place where you will have the chance to have some spectacular views of the volcanic dome that is always steaming. A hike in this mountain can be done from mid-April to late November when there is almost no snow and clarity is perfect. You can also do mid-winter ascent if you have enough winter mountaineering experience and equipment, but you’ll have to use a much longer road since the trailhead is usually closed at this time.
Mount Tarumae
Address: Tarumae, Tomakomai, Hokkaido 059-1265, Japan
Visit this majestic holiday spot
Take a vacation, head out to Hokkaido, Japan, and enjoy the most scenic places you can ever come across in this part of the world. There are several places you can hike while here, which is why you ought to check out this amazing list of the best mountains in Hokkaido for trekking. There is a lot to reminisce about this place once you visit because of the nostalgia you’ll get here will make you want to come back again for a second visit.
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