Daisetsuzan
Map
Daisetsuzan is Japan's largest national park, spreading across central Hokkaido with an area of about 230,000 hectares. Many high mountains line up led by the highest peak, Asahidake (2,290.93 m), and it is called the 'roof of Hokkaido.' It has an alpine environment comparable to the 3,000-meter peaks of Honshu, and the earliest autumn leaves in Japan can be enjoyed here.
Nature Info
- Type
- Alpine zone and volcanic group
- Elevation
- Highest peak Mt. Asahi (Asahigadake), 2,290.93m; national park area about 230,000ha
- Access
- About 1 hour by car from Asahikawa Airport to Asahidake Onsen. The Asahidake Ropeway takes about 10 minutes to reach the 1,600m point.
History & Origins
Daisetsuzan National Park was designated in 1934. For the Ainu people, this mountain area was called 'Kamuimintara' (the garden where the gods play) and was regarded as a sacred place. The Asahidake Ropeway opened in 1966 and greatly improved access to the alpine zone.
Highlights
From July to August, alpine plants such as Ezo-kozakura and Kibana-shakunage bloom profusely. In early September, Japan's earliest autumn leaves color the mountainsides. The traverse course linking Asahidake and Kurodake is a representative Hokkaido mountain route, with hot springs scattered along the way.
Visitor Guide
The area can be reached from two directions: the Asahidake Onsen side and the Sounkyo side. The Asahidake Ropeway (Asahidake Onsen Station to Sugatami Station) and the Kurodake Ropeway (Sounkyo to Kurodake Station) are convenient. The walking course around Sugatami Pond is easy even for beginners, and weather can change suddenly near the summit, so bring warm clothing.
Best Season
The alpine plants peak from July to August, and autumn leaves are at their best from early to mid-September. Remaining snow may last into June, and walking on snowfields in early summer is also appealing.
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