Support site for "Hokkaido Comprehensive Tourist Map (Marumaru Hokkaido)" for a bird's eye view of sightseeing in Hokkaido
Hokkaido Information for Slow Travel｜Marumaru Hokkaido｜Hokkaido Mountain Climbing Sightseeing / Recommended 18 Climbs
Hokkaido Mountain Climbing Sightseeing / Recommended 18 Climbs
Nine of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan,Hokkaido
Hokkaido is a sacred place for mountain climbing tourism
Most of the mountains in Hokkaido are volcanically active and have unique mountain shapes. As many as nine of Japan’s 100 most famous mountains are located in Hokkaido. There are few places where you can walk along a long ridge line, and there are few long approaches. Therefore, climbers can begin their ascent directly from the parking lot and reach the summit area in a short time. It is popular among backcountry enthusiasts.
Because of the many effects of volcanic activity, high-quality hot springs are gushing out of the mountain. Mountain climbing and sightseeing, Hokkaido is truly a mecca for mountain climbing tourism. In addition, Hokkaido has two World Heritage sites, two Geoparks, seven national parks, five national quasi-national parks, and 13 provincial parks, and many of the mountain climbing areas in Hokkaido are protected natural areas, making protection of the natural environment a duty for mountaineers.
Plus 1000m Ascent
In Honshu, alpine flora and coniferous forests are said to start at altitudes of 2000m. Due to high latitude weather conditions, the mountains of Hokkaido have ridges starting at around 600m above sea level, and alpine flora can be enjoyed even at around 1000m. In other words, even a 1000m peak in Hokkaido is a 2000m peak in Honshu. Even in summer, you can encounter lingering snow and alpine flora even at low altitudes. Being aware of the conditions at 1000m, one should understand the necessity for protection against cold and wind.
The Blakiston Line
The appeal of hiking in Hokkaido includes the Blakiston Line, an animal distribution boundary along the Tsugaru Strait. This line marks the southernmost range for certain animals that don’t inhabit Honshu. Notable animals found in Hokkaido but not in Honshu include the Ezo brown bear, Ezo deer, red fox, long-tailed tit, Ezo chipmunk, pika, Blakiston’s fish owl, Siberian flying squirrel, and black woodpecker. These unique wildlife encounters, such as combining hiking with birdwatching or wildlife viewing, are among the reasons why Hokkaido’s hiking tourism attracts worldwide interest.
Hiking in Hokkaido often brings you into the habitat of these unique animals, and special caution is needed for the Ezo brown bear. If bear sightings are reported, trails may be closed. Even with bear bells or spray as precautions, please avoid unnecessary entry into closed areas for the safety of both residents and hikers.
Winter Mountaineering in Hokkaido
In October, autumn foliage begins to change here and there in Hokkaido. Naturally, the higher elevations and latitudes are earlier. Snow begins to fall on the remaining summer snow from late October to early June. At this time of year, the temperature difference between the trailhead and the summit is often more than 30 degrees Celsius, and the strong winds take a toll on one’s stamina. In addition, blizzards often cause zero visibility. The freshness of summer is completely different from the harshness of winter mountaineering.
