Explore the wilderness in Daisetsuzan, Hokkaido's largest national park

Daisetsuzan is Hokkaido prefecture's largest national park, also known as the "Roof of Hokkaido". From numerous volcanoes to stunning emerald blue lakes, Daisetsuzan offers a range of wildernesses to explore. Therefore, this is why this national park is literally a paradise for hikers and outdoor lovers.

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Daisetsuzan, the garden where Gods played

Daisetsuzan is Japan's largest national park, that is full of magnificent high mountains and astonishing natural wonders. It is located in the central part of Hokkaido, at an elevation of more than 2000m. Daisetsuzan is also known as the "Roof of Hokkaido", the Hokkaido's indigenous Ainu people used to call these mountains the garden "where the Gods played". The meaning of Daisetsuzan is "Big Snow Mountain" in Japanese Kanji characters. Daisetsuzan is perfect for visiting throughout the year as each season offers a different kind of view and experience.

Daisetsuzan, home to the highest mountain in Hokkaido

Mt. Daisetsuzan

Daisetsuzan is full of natural wonders but it is probably best known for its highest mountain in Hokkaido, Mt Asahidake. It has an elevation of 2,291m and it belongs to the Daisetsuzan Volcanic Group of the Ishikari Mountains. During summer, Mt Asahidake is a popular spot amongst hikers as it offers scenic hiking trails and you will be able to spot many wild summer flowers that cover certain parts of the mountain like a carpet. As you get to the summit of the mountain, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of alpine meadow spreading out around the Sugatami Pond. During the winter time, the mountain turns into a paradise for skier and snowboarders and you will be able to spot Japan's best powder snow here. The white snow covers the whole area, creating a magical atmosphere and under certain weather conditions, you will be able to spot diamond dust or sun pillars. If you are a nature lover, Mt Asahidake is also a perfect spot to view the autumn leaves change in the transition from summer to autumn, covering the whole Daisetsuzan national park and turning it to a sea of vibrant bright colours. Take the gondola ropeway to view the endless wonderful view of Mt Asahidake and view the surroundings from high above. At the Daisetsuzan spring water fountain, you can drink the fresh and pure water directly from the fountain and taste the natural fresh spring water.

Explore the highest lake of Hokkaido, Lake Shikaribetsu

Lake Shikaribetsu

Lake Shikaribetsu is a freshwater lake in Daisetsuzen National Park and it is located at 900m above sea level, which is why Lake Shikaribetsu is the highest lake of Hokkaido. This lake is surrounded by high mountains and you won't see houses or buildings around the lake except two hot spring resorts. Between December to May, the lake freezes over turning it into a magical winter wonderland. To experience the snow at its best, every year between January to March, the village of igloos festival called "Shikaribetsu-ko Kotan" is held on the frozen lake. Here, you can experience the igloos and even outdoor hot springs baths that are made of snow. If you are up for more lake adventures, you can visit Lake Shinonome and Lake Komadome.

Discover the "Husband and wife waterfalls" at Sounkyo Gorge

Sounkyo Gorge is situated in the North East of Daisetsuzan National Park, at the base of Mt. Kurodake. Sounkyo Gorge is considered the most popular spot in Daisetsuzan for its beautiful natural sceneries and waterfalls. Ginga and Ryusei waterfalls are two famous waterfalls which are located at the foot of the mountain. The water comes down from the Mt. Daisetsu cascades through the columnar joints on the sheer cliff. Ginga waterfall is a cascade of thin rivulets that flow gracefully, whereas the Ryusei waterfall is comprise of a powerful thick stream of water bursting away from the rock. These two waterfalls are also called the "wife and husband" falls by the local people and both of these waterfalls have been selected as one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan. Sounkyo Gorge is also very popular in autumn as the mountain's gold birch trees, dwarf stone trees and mountain ash trees turn yellow and red, displaying magical and vibrant autumn colours. After a long day of exploring the wonderful Sounkyo Gorge, take a relaxing break at Sounkyo Onsen hot spring.

Relax at the highest altitude hot spring of Hokkaido

Kogen Onsen hot spring is situated at an elevation of 1,350m in an environment comprising significant levels of geothermal activity. At the Kogen Onsen hot spring, you will be able to see columns of volcanic smoke through the cracks of the ground and view magnificent nature of the Daisetsuzen volcano belt. Kogen Onsen is also the trailhead of a popular hiking trail that offers breathtaking autumn colours during fall and the area is also a home to brown bears so hikers need to cautious while hiking in the area.

How to visit?

To get to Hokkaido, take 1.5 hours plane ride from Tokyo. To get to Daisetsuzan national park, it is located approximately 192km from Sapporo city which is about 3-hours drive. Alternatively, take a domestic flight to Asahikawa airport and Daisetsuzan national park within 2 hours drive from there.