Mount Tokachi

Situated in the southern part of Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido, Mount Tokachi stands as the highest peak of the Tokachi Range, boasting an elevation of 2,077 meters (6,815 feet). Renowned for its skiing, hot springs, and volcanic scenery, it is an active volcano that has endured major volcanic disasters in the past. From its summit, one can not only behold the magnificent mountains such as Mount Furano, Mt. Miune, Mount Biei, and Biei Fuji, all exceeding 2,000 meters (6,600 feet) in elevation, but also catch a glimpse of the peaks of the Daisetsuzan Volcanic Group. 

Winter scenery of Mount Tokachi

The surrounding landscape is truly magnificent, adorned with rich alpine plants and vegetation. At the foot of the mountain, huts, campsites, and natural hot springs are available, offering convenient rest and recreational facilities for tourists.

Best Things to Do in Mount Tokachi

1. Enjoy the hot spring in Tokachidake Onsen

Tokachidake Onsen, located halfway up the Mount Tokachi, is known as “Hot Spring for Beauty.” The water is brown, which is very rare, and it leaves your skin feeling smooth and comfortable after a soak. There are four Japanese-style hot spring inns located here, and the area around the inns is quite spacious and secret, allowing you to truly escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature while soaking in the mineral-rich hot spring baths. You may even have some wild animals as your companions.

2. Appreciate the scenery on the Tokachidake Observatory

The Tokachidake Observatory is located on the slope of Mt. Tokachidake, at an elevation of 930 meters (3,055 feet). Standing on the observation deck, you can see the Mt. Tokachidake volcano, which is still erupting steam, and many mountains over 2,000 meters (6,600 feet) in height up close. Below your feet is the vast Furano and Biei farmland scenery.

The scenery is beautiful all year round, and in the spring and summer, you can take a leisurely walk while admiring the alpine plants; in late September to October, the maple leaves turn red, creating a magnificent autumnal forest; in winter, the snow covers the ground.

Additionally, this is a great spot to watch the sunset, with the setting sun in front of you and the white smoke from the volcano crater behind you, creating a very impressive scene.

Sunset view of Mount Tokachi

3. Skiing

The Mount Tokachi is definitely a feast for ski adventure enthusiasts. Here, you may experience the deepest powder snow in Japan! In Mt. Tokachidake, you won't see any ski lifts, ski patrol teams, or trail markers. And since it's not a ski resort, you won't find any snow-making machines at Mt. Tokachidake. Only nature's snow-making guns have shot down tons of snow in this remote wilderness area.

This is a remote area in the wilderness, and you will have to climb the mountain on your own. The skiing and snowboarding on the way down will be very exciting! However, if you are a beginner skier, you can also choose to experience the joy of skiing at the nearby Furano Ski Resort.

4. Climbing

Mount Tokachi offers four climbing routes to select from. While climbing, one can intimately experience the unique landforms and ecological environment of the volcano, and admire the diverse vegetation landscapes that vary with altitude. Additionally, there are shelter huts and other facilities along the way, providing a certain degree of safety for climbers. Nevertheless, as it is an active volcano and the terrain is relatively complex, climbers must make thorough preparations prior to climbing, including understanding weather conditions and preparing appropriate equipment.

A trail in Mount Tokachi

Best Time to Visit Mount Tokachi

The best time to visit Mount Tokachi is from mid-June to early September, when the climate is more suitable for mountaineering and viewing volcanic landscapes, and from November to March of the following year, when the climate is most suitable for skiing.

How to Get to Mount Tokachi

1. From Biei Town

Take the No. 42 Biei Shirogane Line from Biei Station for 30 minutes to Shirokane Onsen, and then take an 8-minute taxi from Shirokane Onsen to Mount Tokachi. Alternatively, take a taxi from Biei Station and it will take about 30 minutes to reach there.

2. From Furano Town

From Furano Station, take a taxi for about 45 minutes to arrive at Mount Tokachi.

Tips for Visiting Mount Tokachi

1. The conditions for climbing and skiing at Mount Tokachi are complicated, so it is best to travel with a group.
2. Prepare plenty of water, food, and cold-proof and warm equipment before climbing.
3. You may encounter wild foxes when climbing in winter, do not approach them.

4. Before climbing, you need to download the Climbing Plan from the official website, fill it out, and submit it to The Hokkaido Prefectural Police Asahikawa Department Regional Division.

Admission Fee: Free admission

Opening time: All day

Recommended tour time: 4 - 5 hours