Highlights

  • See Mount Asahidake, the tallest peak in Hokkaidō

  • Experience a private Ainu performance in Asahikawa

  • Enjoy Hokkaidō’s unique and delicious cuisine

  • Explore Asahikawa and delve into the history of the Ainu

  • Soak in soothing onsen waters after your hike

  • Take in the majesty of Daisetsuzan National Park

Home to rolling alpine meadows, dramatic peaks stretching into the sky, and a dizzying array of flora and fauna, Daisetsuzan National Park is one of the largest – and arguably most magnificent – national parks in Japan. Also nicknamed ‘the roof of Hokkaidō’ for its multitude of mountains (many of which were formed by volcanic activity tens of thousands of years ago), Daisetsuzan boasts rich biodiversity and over 500,000 acres of unspoilt wilderness. It is also your destination on this self-guided tour.  

The variety of beauty here cannot be understated; each hike on this tour will transport you to a wholly new place. Mount Kurodake’s alpine slopes are covered with foliage in any season, and the summit opens to a wide-panning view of the surrounding volcanic mountains; Kōgen Onsen’s boardwalks take you through a lush marsh, flanked by beautiful meadows. Trace your way up the side of Mount Asahidake, the tallest mountain in Hokkaidō, hiking past its steaming fumaroles and clear alpine ponds; if you’re lucky, you may see alpine flowers blooming, or hear the call of an Ezo pika. Looking out from any of the vista points, you are greeted by landscapes that seem to roll into eternity. 

The Daisetsuzan mountains are sacred to the Kamikawa Ainu, who have lived here for centuries; it is believed to be the closest place on earth to Kamuy Mosir, the land where gods (kamuy) dwell. As you explore the city of Asahikawa, located on the foothills of the mountain range, you will delve deep into Ainu history, culture, and traditions, including being treated to a special private performance of Ainu oral tradition. Sit back and listen to a tale of the kamuy told through song; transcend language and feel yourself be transported.      

Vibrant nature and vibrant culture intertwine in this tour to some of Hokkaidō’s most dramatic landscapes.

You will be supported by our team in Kyōto and our bespoke guidebook and topographical maps. Feel secure on your hike with our detailed turn-by-turn walking directions, and let our recommended highlights act as a guideline for your Exploration Day in Asahikawa. We also provide a guide to many of the plants and animals that you may encounter – several of which are only found here.

Are you ready to start your journey on the roof of Hokkaidō?

Please note that while this tour does not include daily luggage transfer, we have crafted the itinerary so that you will have access to your luggage each night.

What is included

  • 5 nights at accommodations on the island of Hokkaidō
  • 5 breakfasts and 3 dinners
  • Taxi ride to and from Kо̄gen Onsen
  • Cable car return trip at Mount Asahidake and Mount Kurodake
  • Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions
  • Detailed maps
  • Our Traveller's Guide handbook
  • Local support by telephone and email
  • Visit to Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Museum
  • Private traditional Ainu performance in an authentic chise dwelling

What is not included

  • Flights
  • Airport transfers
  • Drinks and meals not included in itinerary
  • Transportation to your starting point in Asahikawa and onwards from Asahikawa at the end of your trip
  • Local bus journeys which must be paid directly to the bus driver
  • Single room supplement(s) for solo occupancy
  • Daily luggage transfer
  • Entrance fees for sites and activities not listed in 'What's Included'

Hokkaido Daisetsuzan self-guided walking 6 days

(subject to change until the booking has been finalized)

Day 1 (Exploration Day): Arrive in Asahikawa

You start your tour exploring Asahikawa, Hokkaidō’s second most populous city. Whether coming from Asahikawa Airport or the Sapporo area, we suggest an early arrival in order for you to take in this culturally rich city, be it at your own pace or following the suggestions in our Walking Guidebook. From a charming pottery village to rāmen that the city is famous for; from a museum which features sake-tasting to your first chance to learn about the Ainu culture, Asahikawa is a delight to explore.


Walking distance: Allow for roughly 2 km / 1.2 mi of walking to get the most out of your Exploration Day.

Accommodation: Western-style hotel

Day 2 Walk the Sugatami Pond Loop Course at Mount Asahidake

After breakfast this morning, you will head to Asahidake Onsen via local bus. This charming town is located in Daisetsuzan National Park, one of Japan’s largest national parks, which houses a wide variety of interesting flora and fauna.

Enjoy the gentle Sugatami Pond loop course which, at an elevation of 1,600 metres (1,969 feet), overlooks Hokkaidō’s vast landscapes. You also have the chance to take in Mount Asahidake, Hokkaidō’s highest peak, and its beautiful reflection in pristine Sugatami Pond.

Upon finishing your walk, make your way to this evening’s accommodation, a relaxing onsen hotel in Asahidake Onsen.

Walking distance: 2.2 km / 1.4 mi
Elevation gain: 69 m / 226 ft ascent and descent
Time required: About 1 hour

We offer an additional walk of about 3 hours (5.6 km / 3.5 mi) for those who wish to extend their walking for the day. The Susoai Plateau is known for its Aleutian avens, a species of alpine plant native to Hokkaidō which blooms in summertime.

Accommodation: Onsen hotel (hot spring hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 3 Visit A Local Ainu Museum and Enjoy a Private Traditional Performance

After breakfast, return by local bus to Asahikawa city to visit a local Ainu museum for a chance to gain further insight into Ainu culture. While here, you will visit a chise, a traditional Ainu dwelling with a roof and walls covered in broadleaf bamboo, and enjoy a private performance of a traditional legend told through song.

In the afternoon, you will head to Sōunkyō Onsen, a charming hot spring town, where you will spend the night.

Accommodation: Onsen hotel (hot spring hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 4 Travel to Kogen Onsen and Hike the Daisetsu Kogen Onsen Numa-Meguri Course

Kōgen Onsen sits at an elevation of 1,260 metres (853 feet) and is one of the most biodiverse areas of Daisetsuzan National Park. The Daisetsu Kōgen Onsen Numa-Meguri trail features ponds filled with water from melted snow, magnificent marshlands, lush forests, and breathtaking waterfalls.

As bears inhabit this area, you will first attend a lecture and learn more about brown bear ecology before undertaking the hike. Please note that certain routes may be closed if there is heightened bear activity; your Walking Guidebook will provide you with alternative options.

In the afternoon, return to Sōunkyō Onsen for another night.

Walking distance: 6.8 km / 4.2 mi
Elevation gain: 261 m / 856 ft of ascent and descent
Time required: About 3 hours

Accommodation: Onsen hotel (hot spring hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 5 Climb Mount Kurodake

Enjoy your breakfast and then depart from your accommodation, beginning your journey to today’s hike on Mount Kurodake. After cable car and chairlift rides, you will find yourself at an elevation of 1,520 metres (4,987 feet), where you will begin your hike.

Today’s route will take you to the peak of Mount Kurodake, at a grand 1,984 metres (6,509 feet), with stunning panoramic views of the Sōunkyō area along the way. From here, take in the majestic scenery of the Daisetsuzan mountain range, with its contrasting greenery and snow.

After finishing your hike today, travel by bus to Asahikawa for your final night.

Walking distance: 3.8 km / 2.4 mi
Elevation gain: 455 m / 1,493 ft of ascent and descent
Time required: About 2.5 hours

We offer an extension on today’s walk of about 1 hour (1.7 km / 1.1 mi) if you wish to further enjoy the area’s alpine environment.

Accommodation: Western-style hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Complete Your Tour and Travel Onwards

Your tour will finish this morning after breakfast. Asahikawa Airport offers connecting flights to Tokyo.

Meals: Breakfast

Mount Asahidake in Hokkaido, Japan – Hokkaido’s highest peak in Daisetsuzan National Park, featuring dramatic volcanic landscapes, alpine scenery, and scenic hiking trails
Ainu Museum in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan – discover Ainu culture, traditional heritage, indigenous history, and the rich cultural traditions of northern Japan.
Traditional Ainu chise in Hokkaido, Japan – a historic Ainu dwelling showcasing traditional architecture, indigenous culture, and the unique heritage of northern Japan.























    I consent to receive communications by email. I understand I may opt out at any time using the unsubscribe link provided in all communications *
    We are aware of our responsibility to protect your personal data. We act in accordance with the principles introduced by applicable legal regulations and the general principle on good faith in the processing of personal data.
    We determine clearly and precisely its legitimate and lawful purpose for processing personal data and process personal data to the extent necessary and in connection with the products and services we offer.
    We transfer your personal data in compliance with applicable laws and only when it is necessary. We take required technical and administrative measures to protect your personal data and also we ensure that Data Processors take administrative and technical measures regarding data security by signing non-disclosure agreements.