The Hokkaido Hike (trip)
The Hokkaido Hike
- Akan town ,Japan
- Active & Adventure
| from $4,312* per person | 10 Days | June, July |
| Comfort accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: Walk Japan Limited | 12 people max | |
An 11-day, 10-night tour, Walk Japan's Hokkaido Hike takes us through Japan's largest wilderness. We pass through remote verdant forests, across wet lands, up spectacular volcanoes, past steaming vents and onto high plateaux. Panoramic views, which stretch for tens of kilometres across this beautiful land, are a reward when reaching the high peaks. Closer to is the flora and fauna special to Hokkaido. We will see alpine flowers peculiar not just to Hokkaido but some so rare that they are found only on one mountain. In all there are about 500 different alpine flowers blooming through the summer season. These include Minezuou (Loiseleuria procumbens), Meakan-kinbai (Potentilla miyabei), Kibana-shakunage (Rhododendron aureum), Ezo-kozakura (Primula cunefolia), Jimukade (Harrimanella stelleriana), Ezo-no-shigazakura (Phyllodoce aleutica), Tchinguruma (Sieversia pentapetala), Ezo-in-tsutsuji (Ledum palustre ssp.diversipilosum), Ukon-utsugi (Weigela middendorffiana), Iwabukuro (Pennelianthus frutescens), and Kokemomo (Vaccinium vitisidaea).
Wildlife is in an abundance that many other countries today would find hard to compare to. Foxes, deer, eagles and many different aquatic birds are some of the animals we are likely to see. With luck we may gain a glimpse of the Tancho, 'dancing' Japanese Crane in Kushiro. In essence, Walk Japan takes you to a natural wonderland that belies the usual image of Japan as a modern, industrial nation.
In common with Walk Japan's Nakasendo Way, Kunisaki and Shogun Trail, Hokkaido Hike provides a unique experience of Japan. This time, though, the emphasis is on nature. Hokkaido was only settled by the Japanese in the 19th Century and there is little of the history commonly associated with Japan. Not that this matters as Hokkaido more than makes up for its lack of cultural monuments with the grand scale and beauty of its scenery and quality of its food.
Hokkaido fauna
The tour begins at Kushiro, a port town on Hokkaido's southern coast. The next morning, we visit the nearby massive nature reserve, Kushiro Shitsugen (wet marshes), before journeying to central Hokkaido and the Daisetsuzan National Park and Sounkyo gorge famous for its hot springs and the gorge itself; then to Asahidake hot springs, hiking via Hokkaido's highest mountain, Mt. Asahidake. From here we transfer to the island's western side and the seaside town of Otaru before going to Niseko, which has fabulous walking in the summer and skiing in the winter; next Lake Shikotsu for hikes to the nearby volcanoes and finally soothing baths in natural hot spring overlooking the lake.
In short, the trip reaches the natural highlights of Hokkaido. The distances walked and heights ascended are challenging, but do not require the stamina of a high alpine trekker. Maximum height is 2,290 metres. We have chosen hikes that generally include some 'horizontal' sections or rolling countryside. This is a good trip for those who walk regularly and enjoy spectacular sights. The hikes are detailed in the itinerary.
Loading map, please wait...
Locations visited/nearby
Japan
Itinerary
Day 1The tour starts at beautiful Lake Akan, a Ramsar Convention site. Our accommodation, which is close by the Lake, includes an onsen, hotspring.Everyone meets at 18:00 in the tour hotel lobby for a briefing and equipment check before enjoying the first of many sumptuous meals during the tour. Afterwards, a foray into Akan town for the rest of the evening.
Dinner provided.
Flights by JAL, ANA and AirDo to Kushiro from Haneda Airport, Tokyo's domestic airport, and Itami, Osaka's domestic airport. JAL also flies from Nagoya's Chubu Airport, which handles both domestic and international flights. Connecting express buses to Haneda and Itami run at regular intervals from Narita Airport and Kansai Airport, respectively Tokyo's and Osaka's international airports. Both journeys are approximately 60 minutes each.
Day 2
We start early and begin our ascent of Mt. Me-Akan (1,499m), an active volcano. At the top we take in the views of Lake Akan and Daisetsu-zan, the mountain range at the heart of Hokkaido and our destination for the evening. We descend Me-Akan by a different route to return to Lake Akan. An express bus then takes us to Sounkyo Onsen (hot springs), our gateway to the Daisetsuzan National park, and our base for two nights. Sounkyo is an impressive gorge a hundred metres deep that stretches for 24 kilometres. Many hot springs provide a plentiful supply of hot water to relax in. Stay in Sounkyo. 5-6 hour hike.
Breakfast & dinner provided.
Mt. Me-Akan (1,499m) Ainu name: Ponmachi-neshiri
Mt. Me-Akan towers over Lake Akan affording views to its nearby 'twin', Mt. O-Akan and beyond to Daisetsuzan, the high mountain area at the centre of Hokkaido. Mt. Me-Akan is the first of several active volcanoes we climb on this tour.
Day 3
A taxi ride to the beginning of today's hike, the first of several we will enjoy in the spectacular Daisetsuzan National Park. After reaching the peak of Mt. Akadake (2078m) there is an optional excursion to Mt. Hakuundake (2229.5m), but only for the very energetic. We then continue our hike back to Sounkyo. En route, we briefly skirt Ohachi-daira, a spectacular two kilometer wide caldera, before cresting Mt. Kurodake (1,984m) and descending to Sounkyo. A chair lift and cable car take the strain for us on the last leg of today's hike. 7-8 hour hike. Stay in Sounkyo.
Breakfast & dinner provided.
Daisetsuzan National Park & Mt. Kurodake (1,984m)
Daisetsuzan is Japan's largest national park, covering 230,000 hectares and containing 15 mountains reaching 2,000 or more metres in altitude. It is a rugged, beautiful area that the Ainu call Kamui-mintara, or 'Playground of the gods'. Here the northerly latitude creates an alpine environment found only at an elevation of 3,000 metres in the rest of Japan. Snow is found near the mountain summits even at the height of summer, a season when many alpine plants bloom. The steep sided Mt. Kurodake is our first climb in Daisetsuzan and, at its summit, provides grandstand views of Ohachi-daira, the caldera at the centre of the Daisetsuzan National Park and beyond to Mt. Asahidake.
Day 4
Early morning start. We reverse our journey of yesterday on the cable car and chair lift up from Sounkyo to the beginning of our walk for the day. A steep, one hour climb brings us back to the crest of Mt. Kurodake (1,984m). Here the landscape suddenly changes from the deep gorge of Sounkyo to an almost Shangri-la like land of Ohachi-daira, an enormous caldera ringed by a series of mountains. Our route takes us around one side of the caldera, still spuming smoke and steam, to Mt. Asahidake, Hokkaido's tallest peak. En route, we pass through alpine flower meadows. On the far side of Mt. Asahidake another cable car saves our energy and legs and brings us down to Asahidake Onsen. 8 hour hike. Stay in Asahidake Onsen.
Breakfast & dinner provided.
Mt. Asahidake (2,290m) Ainu name: Nutakukamu-ushuppe
We climb the park's tallest peak, Mt. Asahidake, which is also Hokkaido's highest peak and an active volcano. Steam continuously venting from the side of the mountain provides a spectacular sight as we descend from the peak. On the lower slopes is verdant forest that turn into rugged, lava rock slopes that are carpeted by alpine flowers in full bloom from mid-June through the summer. A hot spring welling up between rocks in a valley provides a welcome spot to refresh oneself.
Day 5
Today we ride the cable car again to the high plateau at the foot of Mt. Asahidake. Our hike, to Aizankei Onsen, is a less demanding trek that takes us through fields of alpine flowers, over residual snowfields and past marshy ground. Many of the alpine flowers are in their full glory and are all the more striking with Mt. Asahidake, smoking fumeroles and the snow providing a fabulous backdrop. 5~6 hour hike depending on route chosen.
From Aizankei Onsen we make our way to our hotel in Furano by train, arriving in time for dinner at a restaurant in town. Dinner is not provided this day so you may choose your own restaurant and style of meal. Your guide will provide ideas of where you may like to eat and settle you into the restaurant of your choice. Or, you are welcome to join your guide for dinner. Stay in Furano.
Breakfast provided.
Tarumaezan
Day 6
An early morning transfer to the start of today's climb of Mt. Tokachidake (2,077m), another volcano and one of the most active in Japan. It most recently burst into life in 1988 and climbing was prevented until 1990. At the top, on a clear day, we will be afforded views right across the Daisetsuzan National Park to Mt. Asahidake. We descend to our lodgings at Tokachidake Onsen, where we will stay for two nights. Tokachidake Onsen is at 1,270 metres making it an ideal base to hike from. 6-7 hour hike depending on route chosen. Stay in Tokachidake Onsen.
Breakfast & dinner provided.
Day 7
Today we continue our exploration of the south-western part of Daisetsuzan National Park, including a climb of Mt. Furanodake (1,893 metres) before returning again to our lodgings in Tokachidake Onsen. Stay in Tokachidake Onsen.
Breakfast & Dinner provided.
Day 8
Time to relax until mid-morning when we begin our transfer to Lake Shikotsu-ko, the deepest and one of the most beautiful lakes in Japan. We will spend two night here. Stay in Shikotsu-ko Onsen.
Breakfast & Dinner provided.
Day 9
Early morning taxi transfer (30 minutes) to start of the climb of Mts. Fuppushidake & Tarumaezan. Minibus pick-up for return to our lodgings in Shikotsu Onsen and where we stay the night. Hike 4 hours for Tarumaezan; 6 hours for Tarumaezan and Fuppushidake. Stay in Shikotsu-ko Onsen.
For those who would rather not walk, pleasure boat tours, fishing for rainbow trout and scuba diving activities on Lake Shikotsu-ko are available at extra cost. These tours and activities are provided by local companies not affiliated with Walk Japan. Walk Japan cannot assume any responsibility in respect of these tours.
Breakfast & dinner provided.
Mt. Tarumaezan (1,041m, climb to 1,023m) and Mt. Fuppushidake (1,102.5m). Ainu names: respectively, Taoro Mai and Fuppu Ushi
Tarumaezan is on the south side of Lake Shikotsu-ko, a 360m deep, sparklingly clear water lake formed in a calder created over 30,000 years after a gigantic volcanic explosion. Its beauty is enhanced by being ringed by three active volcanos, including Tarumaezan. This mountain was most recently active in 1981. Another explosion in 1909 created the Tarumaezan's lava rock dome, an impressive and imposing sight, that distinguishes the mountain. A relatively easy walk and climb over volcanic rock. The lower slopes are particularly abundant in alpine plants and flowers.
Adjacent to Tarumaezan is Fuppushidake. Unlike the former, Fuppushidake is dormant and has not been active since ancient times and its slopes are covered in forest. Given enough time and energy we can walk over both peaks of Fuppushidake and Tarumaezan. Spectacular views are provided from both mountains over Lake Shikotsu to Mt. Yotei, and the low lands across to Sapporo, Chitose Airport and the North Pacific Ocean. There are a number of routes between and around the two mountains and our route will reflect the interest of the group, the weather, time available, etc.
Day 10
The tour finishes after breakfast in Shikotsu-ko Onsen. Travel to Shin-Chitose Airport, Hokkaido's main airport, is by direct express coach from Shikotsu-ko Onsen. Onward travel from here to elsewhere in Japan by air or, in Hokkaido, by rail. Please note that the first bus to depart for the airport leaves Shikotsu-ko Onsen at 09:45 arriving at 10:36. If you have an early morning flight a taxi to the airport will be necessary.
Breakfast provided.
More information from Walk Japan Limited:
- Email this trip page to a friend
-
Comments from Facebook