Daisetsuzan to Akan–Mashu 9 Day Hiking Tour

We start our adventure by meeting at Asahikawa Station at 9:30 before heading to Mt. Asahidake. After picking up lunch enroute, we take a ropeway to 1,600m at Sugatami Station. We walking the Sugatami Loop around crater ponds, getting close to steaming fumaroles and exploring the volcanic landscape.

We will descend on the Tennyogahara Marshland Trail, winding through bamboo grasses and mixed forests that open up to peaceful marshes. This warm-up hike gives us a preview of the trails ahead. We end the day in Asahidake Onsen, relaxing in natural hot springs at 1,100m surrounded by crisp mountain air.

Today we hike across the roof of Hokkaido, an area known to the Ainu as kamuy-mintar, the "playground of the Gods". We again ride the cable car to 1,600m and begin our epic alpine traverse by climbing to the summit of Mt. Asahidake - Hokkaido's highest peak at 2,291m.

After reaching to top of Hokkaido, we traverse the magnificent Ohachidaira volcanic caldera, a landscape formed 30,000 years ago. The open ridge takes in other-worldly colours and hardy alpine plants. Our route continues across Mt. Hokkai (2,149m) and Mt. Kurodake (1,984m), offering stunning views of vast, breathtaking alpine terrain. We descend into Sounkyo Gorge, where we'll spend the night in a picturesque village nestled in a dramatic gorge.

Alternate route: This entire route is exposed to the weather. Depending on weather and group conditions, we may adjust our route, potentially descending from the ridgeline early and returning to Asahidake via Nakadake Onsen, then driving to Sounkyo.

We start our day at Daisetsu Kogen, a remote wilderness home to higuma (Brown Bears). After a briefing on the recent bear activity at the Higuma Information Centre, we start our hike in a native forest of spruce, fir and birch.

Daisetsu Kogen sits between 1,230m and 1,460m, we explore a unique ecosystem with over a dozen scattered alpine ponds. As we hike the forest opens up and we are treated to mountain views, with the possibility of spotting the region's famous bears in the distance.The landscape feels wild and untouched, with each pond reflecting the surrounding mountains and vegetation.

After our hike, we transfer south to Nukabira Onsen, where we'll stay at a historical hotel lovingly renovated and run by a local family.

We hike a loop trail in south Daisetsuzan, exploring two mountain summits with incredible alpine landscapes. We start along Lake Shikaribetsu, Hokkaido's highest natural lake before climbing Mt. Tenbou (1,174m), passing the tranquil Shinonome Lake, a small alpine gem nestled in the highlands.

Next we tackle Mt. Hakuunzan (1,186m), where jumbled rocks create a dramatic landscape. From the summit, we can enjoy breathtaking views of the lake. We'll keep our eyes peeled for the rare Northern Pika, who make their homes among the rocky terrain. For lunch we enjoy rice balls prepared by our hosts.

After a full day of hiking, we return to Nukabira Onsen to relax in their hot springs.

This morning we will have a lazy start then check out of our accommodation and drive 2.5 hours to Lake Akan, a scenic caldera lake in the Akan-Mashu National Park. Once arriving, we will stop into the Akankohan Eco Museum Centre and enjoy a short forest hike to bokke, a bubbling mud pool that hints at the regions volcanic power.

After arrival, you are free to rest, or explore Lake Akan at your leisure for the remainder of the day! 

Lake Akan is home to many Ainu families and artisans, whose workshops and galleries are found along the street at the Lake Akan Ainu Kotan. We highly recommend going for a wander around the Kotan and visiting the Ainu-run shops.

We hike the iconic Mt. Meakan (1,499m), an active volcano that often features in Ainu folklore. Our trail winds through ancient conifer forests, dwarf pine trees, and rocky alpine slopes, revealing a stunning volcanic environment. Colorful alpine flowers dot the landscape, including Meakan-fusuma, a sandwort, which is named after the mountain itself.

At the summit, we're rewarded with spectacular views of the deep summit crater, home to steaming vents and a vivid blue pond. The hike concludes at the tranquil Lake Onneto, nestled in an old-growth forest. We end our day transferring to Kawayu Onsen, where we'll soothe our tired muscles in the town's famous hot springs.

We climb Mt. Mokoto 1,000m, enjoying a gradual 4.1km ridgeline hike that rewards us with sweeping views over Lake Kussharo, the Kussharo caldera and somtimes Mt. Meakan in the distance.

After descending, we treat ourselves to a delicious home-cooked lunch at a local restaurant. Our afternoon takes us to Mt. Io, an active volcano where steaming fumaroles showcase the earth's raw energy. We walk the 2.3km trail through changing vegetation, observing nature's resilience after centuries of volcanic activity.

We end our day back in Kawayu onsen, soaking in the hot springs with first hand knowledge of the source of the relaxing water.

We will traverse along the caldera of Lake Mashu. We start our day with an early breakfast and pick up lunch on the way to the trailhead.

The trail quickly challenges us with Gaman-zaka, the aptly named "endurance hill" that pushes us above the tree line to reveal an open panorama. From the top of Mt. Risuke (787m) we catch our first glimpse of Lake Mashu if the weather cooperates.

Continuing along the ridgeline to Mt. Nishibetsu (800m), we admire the steep caldera cliffs rise above the lake. Next we reach our high point, Mt. Mashu (857m), where we can enjoy lunch with stunning views of the lake below before descending back to the caldera rim and continuing to the carpark, where our van is waiting.

We then transfer to Lake Notoro where we stay in a traditional Japanese inn. We will celebrate our hike over a typical Japanese meal at the inn.

Our tour finishes in the morning in Abashiri. After breakfast, we check out of our accommodation. We will drop you off at either JR Abashiri train station or Abashiri Memanbetsu Airport (MMB), depending on your onward travel.

From the train station you can catch a Limited Express train to Sapporo. From the airport you can fly directly to Tokyo Haneda (HND). We will bid our farewells as you set off to your next destination in Japan. Itterashai!