Best trails in Daisetsuzan National Park
Daisetsuzan National Park, also known as the ``Roof of Hokkaido'' and the ``Garden of the Gods'', is characterized by its magnificent alpine scenery and high mountain range. It is also the national park with the largest area in Japan. Daisetsuzan National Park is home to numerous active volcanoes and Mt. Asahidake, known as Hokkaido's highest peak. The Ishikari River, Hokkaido's longest river, and the Tokachi River also flow through this park.
Autumn is the recommended season to visit. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Hokkaido's nature. Another highlight is the diversity of living organisms, including rare alpine plants. There are also hot spring facilities dotted around the park that come from abundant sources and soothe people's bodies. It also has the longest snow season (ski season) in Japan.
Top trails
- (247)·Hard·3.4 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hrThis trail is a climb to the summit of Mount Asahidake, an active volcano and the highest peak in Hokkaido. The hike begins from the Sugatami Station. From here, the first part of the trail is a gentle boardwalk loop around the Sugatami Ponds, offering stunning views of the peak, its reflection in the ponds, and close-ups of steaming volcanic vents known as fumaroles. Beyond the pond loop, the trail becomes a steep, rugged climb on loose volcanic rock and gravel. The path is almost entirely...
- (236)·Hard·7.3 miThis trail is a well-maintained loop of wooden boardwalks and stone steps. The main highlight of this walk is the raw, volcanic scenery. Hikers will get a close-up view of steaming volcanic vents, which billow sulfurous steam from the side of the mountain. The area is also a treasure trove of unique alpine plants. In the summer, the tundra is covered in a carpet of rare wildflowers, including the Aleutian avens and blue mountain heath. A ticket is required to use the Asahidake Ropeway to...
- (59)·Hard·4.6 miMount Kamifurano - Tokachidake Onsen (上富良野岳 - 十勝岳温泉) A hike up Mount Kamifurano from the famous Tokachidake Onsen, tucked within the dramatic Tokachi Range of Daisetsuzan National Park. From the start, hikers are treated to sweeping volcanic vistas, vibrant red rock formations, and hardy alpine flora that thrives in this high-altitude terrain. The path is well-maintained and offers excellent access to the newly rebuilt Kamihorokamettoku Hut (上ホロカメットク避難小屋), reopened in 2023, making it an...
- (53)·Moderate·2.2 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hrThis trail offers a cool, tranquil walk through a dense forest environment. The path ascends gently through the gorge, which is characterized by the volcanic rock cliffs of the Daisetsuzan range. Momijidaki Falls is a beautiful, accessible waterfall that plunges into a clear pool, making it an ideal spot for forest bathing. The entire area offers a peaceful introduction to the natural beauty and pristine air of Japan's largest national park.
- (41)·Hard·9.9 mi·Est. 7–7.5 hrThis trail begins at the upper station of the Kurodake Ropeway. The path is a rugged, rocky trail. You will be climbing over large boulders. Along the way, you will be in a stunning alpine world, surrounded by fields of alpine flowers in summer and hardy Siberian dwarf pine. At the peak, you get a view of the entire Daisetsuzan range, including the lunar-like landscape and steaming vents of Mount Asahidake. You might also spot local wildlife, such as the chipmunk, the pika, or the rock rabbit.
- (33)·Moderate·1.0 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrMomijidaki Falls Trail (紅葉滝散策路) This trail leads to the Momijidaki Falls, located at the end of the Momijidani Valley walking path. It is known as one of the best spots in Hokkaido for viewing autumn leaves. The trail to Momijidaki Falls begins just outside the Sounkyo Onsen area and gently winds its way into the forested mountains. In spring and summer, hikers are treated to a lush green tunnel formed by thick groves of maple and birch trees. Come autumn, the valley truly earns its name,...
- (26)·Moderate·4.6 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrThis journey follows the Ishikari River, winding beneath towering, 100-meter-high columnar basalt cliffs that resemble giant byobu screens. The main destination is the pair of waterfalls known as the Husband and Wife Falls, also referred to as Ginga Falls, meaning Milky Way Falls, which cascades gracefully like thin white threads, and Ryusei Falls, meaning Shooting Star Falls, which plunges powerfully in a single thick stream. The trail offers excellent views of the gorge's geology, including...
- (25)·Hard·7.4 mi·Est. 5.5–6 hrThis route links Mount Furano, Mount Sanpo, and Mount Kamifurano. The journey traverses the main spine of the volcanic range, which is characterized by a high, treeless environment. The path is a rough mountain track that climbs relentlessly over volcanic rock, loose scree, and patches of deep snow. Hikers navigate highly exposed ridges that demand sure-footedness and preparedness for rapidly changing alpine weather. The main reward is the panoramic view from the high ridge. The exposed...
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Frequently asked questions
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Attractions
- Hard trails in Daisetsuzan National Park
- Forest trails in Daisetsuzan National Park
- Hot springs trails in Daisetsuzan National Park
- Lake trails in Daisetsuzan National Park
- Long trails in Daisetsuzan National Park
- Moderate trails in Daisetsuzan National Park
- River trails in Daisetsuzan National Park
- Short trails in Daisetsuzan National Park
- Trails with views in Daisetsuzan National Park
- Waterfall trails in Daisetsuzan National Park
- Wildflower trails in Daisetsuzan National Park
- Wildlife trails in Daisetsuzan National Park