Duration
3 days
Season
Jun-Aug
Plan your visit carefully and allow plenty of time for your activities in the park. Always check the latest weather information, and avoid overexerting yourself if you feel unwell.

ITINERARY

Hiking, Rafting, and Hot Springs Excursions in Daisetsuzan National Park

Discover the wonders of the Japanese Alps in Daisetsuzan National Park, where you can hike across volcanic landscapes, go river rafting, and take a dip in the healing waters of hot springs over an exhilarating three days.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Hiking through the Tokachi mountains and ascending to the plateau of Mount Asahidake.

  • Onsen therapy in the hot springs of Tokachidake, Asahidake, and Sounkyo.

  • River rafting with an expert guide.

Trip Overview

Geotour of the Tokachi mountains
Ascending Mount Asahidake
Rafting adventure in Daisetsuzan
Day 1

Geotour of the Tokachi mountains

Arrive at Asahikawa Airport in the late morning and take a car to the Tokachidake Onsen trailhead. Your day begins with a hiking tour of the Tokachi mountains, where a local guide will bring you around the crater of the active volcano, followed by a therapeutic dip into the nutrient-rich, open-air hot springs. At 1,280 meters above sea level, you can enjoy a dreamlike view of clouds stretching all the way to the horizon.

Later in the afternoon, head to Asahidake Onsen and check in to your accommodations. Relax in this picturesque resort area surrounded by trees and take another dip in the hot springs to soothe your muscles after the hike.

Day 2

Ascending Mount Asahidake

Start your day off by walking to the Asahidake Visitor Center, where you can spend some time learning about the features of this part of the park. Then set off on a hiking tour of Mount Asahidake, ascending to Sugatami Station (1,600 m) via a ropeway and a trail that passes Sugatamiike Pond. This journey gives you an opportunity to admire the alpine plants and snowy landscapes of Hokkaido's highest mountain.

After the hike, take a car to Sounkyo Onsen and unwind over another evening in the hot springs. Sounkyo is the largest hot spring resort in Daisetsuzan National Park and has not only many onsen accommodations, but also restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and other diversions. The beautiful mountains and the Ishikari River that runs through the resort create a stunning landscape.

Day 3

Rafting adventure in Daisetsuzan

Travel to the rafting station in the morning and get ready for an exhilarating three-hour adventure over the rapids of Daisetsuzan National Park. This experience takes you along the waterways of Kamikawa and Sounkyo, with an expert guide determining the route based on the weather and seasonal conditions. A photographer will also capture your experience from the riverbank so you have visual documentation of this thrilling journey.

Once rafting concludes, find a place for lunch. Check out the Sounkyo Visitor Center where you can learn about the prehistoric origins of the area's volcanoes and reflect on the geological history of Daisetsuzan National Park by visiting the nearby monumental rock formations. From here, you can take a car back to Obihiro Station or Tokachi Obihiro Airport to wrap up your Hokkaido adventure.

Related Itineraries