[summer][ Hokkaido Kamikawa Town] walk through the Daisetsu Mountain Range, experiencing alpine plants and the natural environment of Hokkaido
Located in the center of Hokkaido, the Daisetsu Mountains are part of Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan's largest national park, and are filled with beautiful nature in every season. The symbol of this region is the highland walking course based in Sounkyo. In particular, the "Highland Hot Springs and Swamp Tour Course" offers visitors a special experience. On this course, you can enjoy alpine plants, wildlife, and the scenery that changes with the seasons while touring 10 large and small swamps over a period of about four hours. One of the characteristics of this region is its diverse alpine plant population. In summer, you can see Ezonotsugazakura and Iwabukuro, and in autumn, the mountains are painted with vivid autumn leaves. These plants can only be found in high altitude areas, so the Daisetsu Mountains are a real treasure trove for nature lovers. You can also encounter wild animals unique to Hokkaido, such as Ezo deer and foxes, during your walk. In this way, the highland walking of the Daisetsu Mountains, where you can enjoy the changes of the seasons, is a place that allows visitors to experience the essence of Hokkaido's great nature.
Overview of the Daisetsu Mountain Range and the Charm of Highland Walking
Located in the center of Hokkaido, the Daisetsu Mountains are part of Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan's largest national park, and are filled with beautiful nature in every season. The symbol of this region is the highland walking course based in Sounkyo. In particular, the "Highland Hot Springs and Swamp Tour Course" offers visitors a special experience. On this course, you can enjoy alpine plants, wildlife, and the scenery that changes with the seasons while touring 10 large and small swamps over a period of about four hours. One of the characteristics of this region is its diverse alpine plant population. In summer, you can see Ezonotsugazakura and Iwabukuro, and in autumn, the mountains are painted with vivid autumn leaves. These plants can only be found in high altitude areas, so the Daisetsu Mountains are a real treasure trove for nature lovers. You can also encounter wild animals unique to Hokkaido, such as Ezo deer and foxes, during your walk. In this way, the highland walking of the Daisetsu Mountains, where you can enjoy the changes of the seasons, is a place that allows visitors to experience the essence of Hokkaido's great nature.
Highlights of the Highland Hot Springs and Swamp Tour Course
The "Highland Hot Springs Swamp Tour Course" is a walking route that you should definitely try if you visit the Daisetsu Mountains. The feature of this course is that you can visit 10 large and small swamps in a landscape that is in harmony with the silence of nature. Each swamp has a different shape and color, and you will be taken aback by their beauty. For example, "Oonuma" is characterized by its vast water surface, and the scenery that reflects the mountains is popular among photography enthusiasts. "Shiranuma" is filled with milky white water as its name suggests, creating a mysterious atmosphere. Furthermore, "Aonuma" shines with a clear blue glow, and its beauty stands out especially on sunny days. There are also observation decks scattered along the way, making it a great spot to overlook the vast landscape. Especially during the autumn foliage season, the mountains dyed red and yellow look like a painting, and are the reason why many tourists visit. In addition, the walking trails are relatively well maintained, so even beginners can enjoy it with peace of mind. However, clothing and equipment that can withstand sudden changes in weather are essential. After making such preparations, we recommend that you take your time to enjoy nature.
Access and recommended itineraries for hiking in the Daisetsu Mountains
Sounkyo, the base for exploring the Daisetsu Mountain Range plateau, is about an hour and a half's drive from Asahikawa Airport, and if you use public transportation, there is a direct bus from Asahikawa Station. Access is relatively good, and the scenery along the way is typical of Hokkaido's vast natural scenery, so you will be excited from the start of your trip. A recommended itinerary is to arrive at Sounkyo early in the morning and explore the plateau hot springs and swamps in the morning. After that, it is ideal to soothe your fatigue at Sounkyo Hot Springs. The hot springs in this area have water that is gentle on the skin, and offer a place of refreshment for many travelers. In addition, if you are traveling with an overnight stay, it is also recommended to enjoy stargazing at night. The Daisetsu Mountain Range has little light pollution, and on clear days you can enjoy a starry sky. This experience will provide you with valuable time to forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and refresh your mind in nature. In addition, itineraries that take advantage of the characteristics of each season are also attractive. The charm of the Daisetsu Mountain Range is that you can have a new experience every time you visit, such as mountain climbing and hiking in the summer, autumn leaf viewing in the fall, and snowshoeing in the snow fields in the winter. No matter what season you visit, you are sure to be impressed by its beauty and abundant nature.
[Cool down activities]Other recommended spots
Experience the beautiful scenery on a Blue Cave cruise
Hokkaido Shakotan Town
Take a bus from JR Yoichi Station bound for Shakotan and get off at the bus stop near the Blue Cave.
Shiretoko Kayaking Experience: Enjoy a sense of unity with nature
Hokkaido Shari Town
Approximately 2 hours by car from Memanbetsu Airport
Hakodate Morning Market: Chilled seafood and a refreshing summer experience
Hokkaido Hakodate City
1 minute walk from JR Hakodate Station
Lake Shikotsu canoeing experience Refresh yourself on the lake
Hokkaido Chitose City
From JR Chitose Station, take the Chuo Bus bound for Shikotsuko Onsen for about 30 minutes.
Otaru Aquarium: Marine life and a cool aquarium experience
Hokkaido Otaru City
It is about a 25-minute bus ride from JR Otaru Station, and it is convenient to get off at the last bus stop on the Shukutsu Line, "Otaru Aquarium."
Lake Shikaribetsu sightseeing boat - Enjoy the cool breeze on the lake
Hokkaido Shikaoi Town
Take the Takushoku bus bound for Shikaribetsu Lakeside from JR Nemuro Main Line's Shintoku Station, and get off at the last stop after about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Furano Rafting Summer River Rafting Experience
Hokkaido Furano City
The nearest station is JR Furano Station.
Lake Mashu Observatory Enjoy the coolness in the mist
Hokkaido Teshikaga Town
Approximately 25 minutes by Akan Bus from JR Mashu Station, get off at the "Mashu Lake No. 1 Observatory" bus stop
Abashiri Drift Ice Museum Experience the world of ice in summer
Hokkaido Abashiri City
From JR Abashiri Station, take the Abashiri Bus bound for Tentozan for about 15 minutes, get off at the "Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum" stop and it's a short walk away.