The 10 Best Hiking Trails In Hokkaido

While Mt. Fuji may be the most recognizable symbol of Japan, the ultimate destination for hikers is the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido. The high mountains, deep valleys, and massive volcanoes are a must see for anyone with hiking boots and a passport.

1. Mt. Meakan

Hill Station, Natural Feature

Mount Meakan in Hokkaido prefecture, Japan

This active volcano located in central Hokkaido is the highest mountain in Akan National Park. At the summit, hikers can see the volcano’s bubbling crater from a close yet safe distance. On the opposite end of Lake Akan is Mt. Oakan, which is said to be the male counterpart to Meakin.

2. Mt. Yotei

Hill Station, Natural Feature

If the idea of climbing an active volcano isn’t really your thing, Mt. Yotei might be a safer bet; this huge volcano located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park hasn’t erupted since 1050 BC. Often compared to Mt. Fuji due to its similar appearance, Yotei has become one of the most popular hikes in northern Japan.

3. Mt. Rausu

Mt. Rausu is located in the Shiretoko Peninsula, an area said to be the last unexplored region of Japan. The highest point in the peninsula, Rausu was registered as a World Heritage site in 2005 thanks to its natural beauty and abundance of wildlife. Hikers might want to consider buying a can of bear spray before visiting as the area has one of the highest incidences of bear sightings in the country.
Mount Rausu, Onnebetsumura, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido Prefecture 099-4100, Japan

Mount Rausu view from the Sea of Okhotsk at Shari, Hokkaido prefecture, Japan. | © 663highland / Wikimedia Commons

5. Mt. Poroshiri

This is a mountain for the serious hikers in your group. Recognized as one of the most scenic – and challenging – hikes in the country, Poroshiri is located deep inside the Hidaka mountain range. At several points during the hike travelers will be forced to trek through a fiercely flowing river, so proceed with caution if it rains before or during the trip. Midsummer to early autumn is the ideal season to hike Mt. Poroshiri.
Mount Poroshiri, Toyonuka, Biratori, Saru District, Hokkaido Prefecture 055-0415, Japan

Mount Idonnappu and Lake Poroshiri seen from Mount Poroshiri | ©tondemasu / Wikimedia Commons

6. Mt. Rishiri

Yet another inactive volcano, Mt. Rishiri is listed among the “100 Famous Japanese Mountains” for its conic peak and panoramic view of the ocean. While more suitable for novice and intermediate hikers than Poroshiri, the trail is still quite challenging at certain points. The mountain officially opens for hiking and climbing in early July.
Mount Rishiri, Kutsugata, Rishiri, Rishiri District, Hokkaido Prefecture 097-0401, Japan

7. Mt. Tarumae

Located in western Hokkaido, this active volcano sits along the picturesque shore of Lake Shikotsu. The lake view alone is reason enough to climb to the top, but it isn’t all Tarumae has to offer; near the peak of the mountain is a massive (and unstable) lava dome. It is a sight to behold, but keep your distance – this is an active volcano and the fumes and gasses from the dome are extremely dangerous.
Mount Tarumae, Tarumae, Tomakomai, Hokkaido Prefecture 059-1265, Japan

8. Mt. Shari

Hill Station, Natural Feature

This rocky mountain is located halfway between the Shiretoko Peninsula and Akan National Park. On a clear day, the view from the summit is quite breathtaking as it is possible to see the town of Shari, the Sea of Okhotsk, Kunashiri Island, Mt. Rausu, and Mt. Meakan. The trail is somewhat challenging but perfectly doable for intermediate hikers.

9. Mt. Tomuraushi

Hill Station, Natural Feature

Mount Tomuraushi seen from Mount Chūbetsu

Another rocky peak, Tomuraushi is part of Daisetsuzan National Park in central Hokkaido. To say the park is huge would be an understatement; the area of the entire park is roughly the size of Kanagawa prefecture. The area is also home to the Japanese pika, an endangered species and one of the highest living mammals on Earth, typically found at heights of over 6,000 meters.

10. Mt. Tokachi

Hill Station, Natural Feature

Yet another active volcano, Mt. Tokachi is also located in Daisetsuzan National Park. At 2,077 meters tall, a trip to the summit will take hikers above the clouds, so bring a camera for this one. At the base of the mountain is a campground and natural hot spring, a perfect ending to a long day on the trail.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.