The Northeastern Prefecture in Japan, Hokkaido, is a massive stretch of land with the most surreal, unspoiled natural sceneries and incredible wildlife in the country. Because of the abundance of scenic vistas and indigenous fauna in Japan's Snow Country, aka Hokkaido, it is an attractive location for adventurists, particularly those who love hiking.
Hiking in Hokkaido is readily practiced by beginners and pros alike as the endless trails in the region provide hiking avenues of varying difficulty levels, allowing everyone to plunge into the wilderness. Besides, the absolutely exquisite landscapes one gets to witness while exploring the mighty mountains make hiking in Hokkaido unbelievably tempting.
If you haven't walked the rugged pathways dotting the mountains and valleys in Hokkaido, then you are missing out on an experience of a lifetime. Rumor has it that many trekkers who have gotten the taste of hiking in Hokkaido regard the trails in the Northeastern Prefecture as some of the best hiking courses in the world. Simply put, anyone with a passion for exploring the wilderness has to check out Japan's Snow Country to witness breathtaking views firsthand.
If you are still not entirely convinced to plan your next trip to Hokkaido, then let us take you through the picturesque visuals and exciting twisty trekking tracks in the Northeast of Japan.
Mount Rausu sits on the border of the towns of Shari and Rausu on the peninsula of Shiretoko. Resting inside the serene Shirekoto National park, the spectacular mountain range is the highest peak on the Shiretoko headland.
Mount Rausu is a stratovolcano, a conical volcano containing layers of hardened lava, which means getting to the summit might be a little tricky for beginner-level hikers.
The trail to Mount Rausa begins at Iwaobetsu onsen (hot spring) in Shari Town and runs for approximately 16.4 kilometers out and back. The views on either side of the trail consist of unending stretches of green terrain, while the mountains ahead offer a more majestic vista for hikers to take in.
Hiking in Shiretoko is a particularly delightful experience for animal lovers as this region is home to multiple ecosystems. When treading along the winding tracks of Mount Rausu, hikers are sure to run into a diverse set of animals, out of which bears are the most common species people encounter.
If you are up for some facetime with exotic animals in the middle of enthralling landscapes, you need to trek up to Mount Rausu on the Shiretoko Peninsula.
Mount Rausu
Often referred to as Ezo-Fuji due to its stark resemblance to mighty Mount Fuji, Yotei is among the famed “One Hundred Mountains of Japan”. It is also a stratovolcano but one that hasn't erupted for thousands of years, from 1050 BC, to be precise.
If treading up an active volcano, like Mount Rausu, is not your thing, you should try to conquer Mount Yotei. 10 kilometers from the town of Niseko in Hokkaido, Mount Yotei rests in Shikotsu-Toya National Park.
There are four trails to reach the summit, Hirafu (Hangetsu Lake), Kyogoku, Kimobetsu (the hardest but the quickest route), and Makkari. Hikers can pick any of the four courses to conquer Mount Yotei, but the trip will be thrilling regardless. That said, the picturesque vistas along the way to Ezo-Fuji are so completely awe-inspiring that the hike turns out to be immensely rewarding. Unending green terrain, gorgeous flower fields, and mesmerizing skyline remain ever-present on the journey to the top.
If you want to take up one of the most popular hikes in northern Japan amidst stunning landscapes, then Mount Yotei has to be your next holiday destination.
Mount Yotei
Another one of the top hundred mountains of japan on our list, Mount Meakan is an active volcano situated in the heart of Hokkaido. It is the highest peak in Akan National Park, offering panoramic views of the neighboring sky-high mountain ranges and the nearby bubbling crater.
Akan National park is also home to Akan lake, across which sits Mountain Oakan often referred to as the male counterpart of Mount Meakan.
Getting to Mount Meakan entails a mind-blowingly exciting journey, regardless of the track a hiker chooses. There are three trails from the town of Akan that run-up to the top of the mountain, each of which takes approximately 3.5 hours. Moreover, each of the three tracks offers breathtaking natural scenes comprising blooming green fields, thick red pine forests, serenely flowing lakes, and chocolate-colored hills.
Mount Meakan
If you want to see an extensive, seemingly never-ending collection of diverse rocks up close, you need to take up a hike to Mount Tomuraushi. Known for being a gloriously rocky peak, Mount Tomuraushi lies amidst the Taisetsu mountain ranges in the unimaginably enormous Daisetsuzan National Park.
Daisetsuzan National Park is approximately the size of Kangwana prefecture (Japan's second most populous state), and Mount Tomurasushi sits somewhere in the middle of the huge park. The summit is uniquely structured as a crater rests between it’s two peaks.
The scene surrounding Mount Tomuraushi is magnificent, starring trails of rocks cutting through thick green vegetation under the azure sky. And that's not all; trekkers also get to witness some crystal clear lakes running out from the lush alpine growth.
The entire scenery seems to have come out of a painting by Claude Monet. If you admire nature like the famous impressionist artist, you need to take a trip to Daisetsuzan National Park in central Hokkaido. Once there, you can wander about and see many more enchanting natural scenes that look like an artsy creation, such as Mount Asahi and Mount Tokachi.
Mount Tomuraushi
Daisetsuzan National Park is home to endless mesmerizing natural features, and Mount Asahi is one of them. In fact, this summit is often called the icon of Diasetsuzan.
Offering the quintessentially breathtaking views exclusive to the said natural reserve, Mount Asahi is the highest mountain in Hokkaido, which means reaching the top takes some time. However, like almost all other hiking avenues in Japan, the trek to Mount Asahi has splendid views to offer that attract trekkers from all over Japan to the northeastern region.
Although this part of Hokkaido is pretty distant from Sapporo, the prefecture's capital, it still receives a significant population of adventure-seeking travelers. Since it's a famous hiking spot among the locals, the Diasetsuzan national reserve remains easily accessible for all.
Since Diasetsuzan is crisscrossed with several trails, you can get up Asahidake via any number of routes. But most hikers choose the track starting from the Asahidake Onsen, going straight up the mountain, or turning in a loop.
If you want to see the stunning landscapes dotted by fumaroles emitting gas clouds surrounding Mount Asahi up close, plan your next trip to central Hokkaido.
Mount Asahi or Asahidake
Springing from the edge of the volcanic lake Mashu, Mount Mashu is another natural feature that offers spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. Trekkers treading up the range get to the peak after walking along the 7km long ridge, where they get to enjoy the surrounding scenic beauty.
From the gorgeous view of Lake Mashu and neighboring lofty mountains covered in thick clouds to luscious trees and glimpses of the Shiretoko National Park, travelers witness nothing but breathtaking beauty all around once on the top. And on the way up, encounters with brown bears add to the overall hiking experience and make the trip all the more memorable.
Plan your next trip to Mount Kamui to enjoy the perfect combination of spectacular sceneries and wildlife.
Mount Mashu
Often described as one of the most challenging hikes in the country, treading up Mount Poroshiri makes for an incredibly thrilling trekking trip. Tucked deep into Hidaka mountain ranges, Mount Poroshiri is often found on the bucket list of the most experienced hikers. Why? Because at many points on the journey to Mount Poroshiri, travelers have to power through raging rivers to get ahead. But that's not all; if the rain makes an appearance, then the challenge of wading through turbulent waters becomes that much more difficult.
But of course, going through such trouble has its perks, which in this case are the splendid vistas you will enjoy going up Mount Poroshiri. Enjoy panoramic views of alpine sceneries without any artificial structures mottling the raw natural scenes.
Mount Poroshiri
Touching the skies in northern Hokkaido, Mount Rishiri is another dormant volcano on our list that is also named as one of the hundred most famous mountains in Japan. Getting to the peak is pretty challenging, yet not like Mount Poroshiri. So, if you are an intermediate or advanced hiker, you can enjoy an incredibly exhilarating trek with the perfect amount of challenges.
However, keep in mind that Mount Rishiri lies in a remote part of the Hokkaido Prefecture, so getting there can cost you quite the pretty penny. If you are up for a little splurging, you should take up hiking in Mount Rishiri without any reservations because the striking panoramic views visible from the top will leave you speechless.
The alluring scene that unfolds before a hiker when treading up Mount Rishiri comprises thriving alpine flora, picturesque valleys, and lofty mountains. And once at the peak, the ocean will lay in front of you in all its glory. One of the many noteworthy features that make Mount Rishiri an enticing hiking spot is the uninterrupted, wholesome view of the ocean that it offers. The colossal blue body of water reflecting bright sunlight with birds cooing in the background could pass as a scene straight out of a fairytale!
If you wish to transcend to a mystical world, head to Mount Rishiri in Hokkaido and witness some of the most surreal sights ever. But remember to pack sufficient sleep and cooking gear along with your hiking kit to be prepared for any unpleasant emergencies.
Mount Rishiri
Another one of the many Diasetsuzan National Park's marvels, Mount Tokachi is an active volcano that goes up to 2 077 meters. In other words, those who reach the peak find themselves surrounded by white, cotton-like clouds all around.
Most travelers who attempt the challenging walk to Mount Tokachi carry cameras to capture the unusual moment when they come face to face with clouds. While proximity to the sky is a highlight of scaling Mount Tokachi, there are many more inviting aspects of the trip. The vast alpine fields spread all around the summit are abundantly mesmerizing in all seasons, but they get exceptionally enchanting in the fall as the crimson foliage blankets the entire landscape. That is perhaps why autumn is the most favored time of the year to travel up Mount Tokachi.
Like all mountain ranges in Hokkaido, there are many hiking courses that a traveler can take to go up Mount Tokachi. Ansei Crater trail, Mt. Furano course, and Mt. Sandan course are a few of those names.
But no matter which route you pick to make your way up the mountain, you will see splendid views in all seasons, and especially the brilliant colorful leaf litter exclusive to Mount Tokachi in the fall.
Mount Tokachi
Climbing Mount Tarumae could quite easily be one of the most, if not the topmost, butterfly-inducing hiking experience in Hokkaido because of the unstable lava dome that sits on top. Since Tarumae is an active volcano, going up to the peak opening filled with molten lava is unquestionably daring. That said, daredevils who make the thrilling trip maintain a safe distance, so you can too!
Aside from the up-close encounter with volcanic gasses and fumes, the stunning view of Lake Shikotsu is why nature enthusiasts hike up Mount Tarumae. Sitting beside the gorgeous waterbody, Mount Tarumae has access to the most magnificent view of the waterscape.
If you are interested in feeling an intense rush of adrenaline, then perhaps Mount Tarumae should be your next travel destination.
Mount Tarumae
As you can probably imagine by now what an absolute treasure Hokkaido is for hikers, you shouldn't need any more convincing to head to the Northeastern prefecture. Because if you are an adventurer, you might already be looking up flights to get to Japan as soon as possible! You should keep in mind hiking in Hokkaido during the winter can be challenging because the winter season is pretty harsh. The landscape is lovely in every season, so consider which is right for you to begin planning your incredible Hokkaido hiking adventure!
