Hiking in Hokkaido - Part 4: Mt. Yuhidake

Just one hour south of Sapporo lies the beautiful onsen town of Jozankei. It is a popular tourist destination for its many hot springs and stunning nature. Jozankei has a lot to offer - free hand- and foot baths, a big river in a small gorge, a nice red suspension bridge, parks, walking trail, a waterfall, a lot of Kappas, a dam and lots of hiking opportunities! The most famous one is Mt. Hakkenzan, but as I have not hiked it so far, I will write about it another time ;)

When visiting Jozankei Onsen, an easy and rewarding hike is the one up Yuhidake. This is a 594m high mountain om the East side of Jozankei Onsen. It starts just behind the Jozankei Shrine. It is a narrow, winding path up the mountain, but you will be rewarded with a stunning view over the hotspring area from the lookout platform on the way.

If you still have time for another hike, you can go up Mt. Asahidake on the other side of town. It is of similar height (598m), but there is not lookout on top of the mountain. However, it is still a fun hike and you can rest your tired feet at the free foot bath on the foot of the mountain after your hike.

Written by Irene

To the official website of Khaosan Sapporo

More Hiking? Read this:

Yotei-zan

Tarumae

Moiwa

Maruyama

Uzu-san

Hiking in Hokkaido - Part 3: Moiwa

Hokkaido is known for its beautiful nature and many people come here to hike some of its gorgeous mountains. However, you don't have to drive far out from Sapporo to go on a hike. There is a small mountain just in town that you can hike easily and you will be rewarded with an amazing view over the city. I am talking about Mt. Moiwa. 

(The view is better with a netter camera ^^)

Most people just take the cable car up the mountain, but it is also possible to hike to the top in about an hour. 

There are (at least) two hiking trails to the top. The one starting from near Jikei Hospital is the most popular one and you have to be prepared to say 'Konnichiwa" a lot of times on your way. It starts a small temple and is a fairly easy hike. 

My recommendation is to hike up in the late afternoon and stay around for sunset, as Moiwa is known for its stunning night view (Japan's Top 3!). After sunset, you can just take the cable car down and return to the city center by tram. 

It is also possible to hike just walk to another viewing spot at the Asahiyama Memorial Park. It is a nice spot to hang around for a while, before descending the 5min walk to the street.

Written by Irene

To the official website of Khaosan Sapporo

More Hiking? Read this:

Yotei-zan

Tarumae

Yuhidake

Maruyama

Uzu-san

Hiking in Hokkaido - Part 2: Tarumae

Just next to the beautiful Lake Shikotsu you can find an active (in fact, very active) volcano with a lava dome in its centre: Mount Tarumae. 

Tarumae is 1041m high and a  grands great views over the surrounding landscape including Lake Shikotsu (if it's not too cloudy on the top, which it is quite often...). 

Already half way up you have to take a break and look back. You will see Lake Shikotsu in all its beauty. 

The hike to the top is a little steep at some points, but not too difficult all in all. 

When you reach the top, you will see the lava dome - and you can smell it too. Don't try to go down to the caldera to see the dome close up. It is giving off dangerous gases!! 

You can hike around the crater in 1-2 hours. It is possible to access neighbouring Mt. Fuppushi. If you are planning to do this, a bear bell might be a good idea. 

Take sunscreen and a jacket with you, as the weather on Tarumae is unpredictable.

You can either go around the rim completely, or take another way down halfway, which will lead you to the parking spot as well.

Tarumae is best to reach by car, as there is no public transportation to the entrance of the hiking trail. You can take a bus to Shikotsuko-kohan and then hike the rest to the parking lot or try to hitch a ride (works quite well, as far as I heard) or get a taxi (approx.3000yen). 

Written by Irene

To the official website of Khaosan Sapporo

More Hiking? Read this:

Yotei-zan

Moiwa

Yuhidake

Maruyama

Uzu-san