Mount Nishibetsu Hiking Trail

Hike up Mount Nishibetsu for alpine wildflowers and panoramic views of the Mashu area

This course starts at the Nishibetsu Mountain Hut and takes you to the summit of the 799-meter Mount Nishibetsu. The trail is deceptively gentle until you arrive at a steep section called Gamanzaka, literally "perseverance slope." Once you conquer Gamanzaka, the path opens up into an expansive meadow. At the summit, enjoy views of Mount Mashu, Lake Mashu and Mount Oakan and Meakan in the distance. On clear days, you may be able to spot the Shiretoko mountain range and Kunashiri Island. The roads to Nishibetsu Mountain Hut are closed in winter: parking is available in front of the forest roads' gates. It's a 2-hour walk from each gate to Nishibetsu Mountain Hut.

Highlights

Nishibetsu Mountain Hut

Nishibetsu Mountain Hut marks the starting point of the course. Its cozy interior has a wood burner and shelves filled with books. There are toilets and parking spaces outside. Ensure to bring your own water as supplies are not available at the hut.

Bristle-pointed iris (above), Kamtchatka rhododendron (below)

Alpine flowers

Once you reach the top of the steep Gamanzaka slope, Mount Nishibetsu's most challenging stretch, you will arrive at a field covered in beautiful alpine wildflowers. Although Mount Nishibetsu is at a relatively low elevation of 799 meters, mist from Lake Mashu carried over by the wind allows various alpine plants to bloom on the slopes from spring to fall. Expect to see colorful flowers such as Kamchatka rhododendrons, yotsubashiogama (Pedicularis japonica), woolly geraniums, keyflowers, Kamchatka thistles and bristle-pointed irises.

View from Mount Nishibetsu's summit

View from the summit

Mount Nishibetsu's summit has unobstructed panoramic views of Mount Mashu and Lake Mashu. On clear days, you can see Mount Oakan, Mount Meakan, Mount Shari and Kunashiri Island. Look to the southeast for the idyllic pasture lands of the Konsen Plateau.

Trail Map

Mount Nishibetsu Hiking Trail

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