ITINERARY
Experience the living earth at "the playground of the gods."
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Sometimes called “The Roof of Hokkaido,” this area is home to a number of 2,000-plus-meter mountains, including Mount Asahidake, Hokkaido’s highest peak. The indigenous Ainu people used to refer to it as "the playground of the gods.” As the name suggests, the scenery is truly awe inspiring. Hiking with a local guide, you take in the view with its alpine plants and signs of volcanic activity. Rafting will let you experience the dynamism of the earth.
Itinerary Highlights
- Observe alpine plants on Mount Asahidake
- Experience the energy of a volcano
- Take a rafting tour to see columnar jointing
Hiking on Mount Asahidake with its beautiful alpine plants
In the morning, you arrive at Asahikawa Airport and then travel to the Asahidake Ropeway. That brings you right up to 1,600 meters in elevation. From the Sugatami Station, you hike along the foot of the mountain. Along the way, you’ll see the breathtaking grandeur of Mount Asahi along with the beauty of its delicate alpine plants. When the weather is good, Mt. Asahi’s reflection is visible in Sugatami Pond. This hike offers more than just spectacular views. Your guide will provide a thorough explanation of how the deep snow benefits the plants and animals of the area, as well as people's lifestyles at the foot of the mountain. After descending from the mountain, you check in at your accommodation at Asahidake Onsen where you spend the night.
Experience volcanic activity up close at Tokachidake Onsen
After checking out in the morning, you travel by car to the trailhead at Tokachidake Onsen. Walking with your local guide, you learn about the past volcanic activity that shaped Daisetsuzan. You can also have coffee and boiled eggs prepared using the heat from an active volcano. This unique area lets you see at a glance the difference between zones that have experienced past volcanic activity and those that have not. Along the way, you’ll experience nature’s resilience as you encounter forests regenerating in places once destroyed by volcanic activity. After the tour you head to Sounkyo Onsen where you check in. There you can soak in a hot spring bath to your heart’s content.
Rafting a special area of Sounkyo
After checkout, it will be time for a rafting tour. Sounkyo is well known for its columnar joint landforms, which have been named a Natural Monument. This tour allows you to view the area from places that are generally off limits to the public. It’s a great opportunity to take in this incredible landscape created by a combination of volcanic activity and the flow of the Ishikari River. After lunch, you stop at the Sounkyo Visitor’s Center before driving to either Obihiro Station or Tokachi Obihiro Airport.