Image courtesy of:Higashikawa Tourism Association

Mount Asahidake boasts a height of 2,291 meters, making it the highest peak in Hokkaido.
Nestled in the heart of those mountains is Asahidake Onsen, a renowned hot spring resort in Hokkaido with a long history.

But what exactly is its appeal? Where should you stay? The reality is that it's not very well known to people outside of Hokkaido.

So, this time, we'll focus on Asahidake Onsen.
We will introduce some little-known, secluded hot springs in Hokkaido, along with nearby tourist attractions.

I hope that after reading this, you'll be inspired to take a short trip to the mountains of Daisetsuzan, whether you've visited Asahiyama Zoo or Furano.

<Table of Contents>
1. Highlights of Asahidake Onsen
2. The Four Seasons of Asahidake Onsen
3. Asahidake Onsen - Its Charm
4. I would like to stay here. Accommodation facilities in Asahidake Onsen.
5. Access to Asahidake Onsen
Final thoughts

Image courtesy of:Higashikawa Tourism Association

1-1. Asahidake Ropeway

It's surprisingly little known, but the mountain called Daisetsuzan doesn't actually exist.
The collective name for several mountains is Daisetsuzan.

Image courtesy of:Higashikawa Tourism Association

The highest peak among them is Asahidake. At 2291m, its height may not seem very high compared to the highest peaks on Honshu, but this is Hokkaido, located at a high latitude.
Even the Sugatami Station at the 5th station, the terminus of this ropeway which is said to be at an altitude of 1600m, boasts a climate and vegetation comparable to that of a 3000m-class mountain.

Image courtesy of:Higashikawa Tourism Association

These alpine plants, rarely seen even on Honshu, endure the harsh environment, their leaves and flowers swaying delicately in the breeze.
The air density is similar to that of the highlands of Nagano, but you need to be prepared for the same level of clothing and gear as you would for the Japanese Alps in summer.
However, the effort put into the preparation is more than rewarded by the atmosphere and scenery you experience.

It's arguably the best spot to experience pure, unadulterated nature.

[Tourism Information]
★Wakasa Resort Co., Ltd. Asahidake Ropeway
Address: Asahidake Onsen, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0166-68-9111

1-2. Kitōshi Family Travel Village

Higashikawa Town is a town adjacent to Asahikawa City.
Although it's a bit far from Asahidake Onsen, Kitōshi Family Travel Village is a facility in town that can be enjoyed by both adults and children.

Image courtesy of:Higashikawa Tourism Association

Because it's a plateau area, the northern observation deck here offers a panoramic view of Asahikawa and the surrounding Kamikawa Basin.
The park has a go-kart track that kids will love, as well as a pond where they can play in the water and plenty of playground equipment.
This is the perfect spot to stretch out and relax after a long drive.

Not only children, but adults too can enjoy a relaxing stroll through the area, starting with the cherry blossoms in spring, followed by the dogtooth violets in summer, and the autumn foliage.
There's a castle in Takada. It's an observation tower standing at an altitude of 360 meters. Kids would probably love it.

Meanwhile, the South Observation Deck offers a panoramic view of the magnificent Tokachi Mountain Range, part of the Daisetsuzan mountain range.
This large park boasts a variety of outdoor facilities, including a golf course, a park golf course, and a ski resort. It's a place where people of all ages and seasons can enjoy a full day of fun.

[Tourism Information]
★Kitoushi Forest Park Family Travel Village
Address: 44-banchi, Nishi 5-go, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0166-82-2632

1-3. Asahidake Visitor Center and Alpine Plant Specimen Garden

Photo by Flickr: Asahidake Ropeway / Alberth2

Near the Asahidake Ropeway station, a five-minute walk away, is a visitor center that gathers information on outdoor tourism in the Asahidake-Daisetsuzan mountain range.
It's a place you should definitely visit at least once as a starting point for sightseeing.

This facility features a three-dimensional model of Mount Asahidake, exhibits of wild animals, and a collection of seasonal photographs and materials, supporting a variety of nature-based experiences.
Snowshoes and cross-country skis, essential for winter excursions, can also be rented here.
It also has a free rest area that can be used for short breaks, making it a very useful facility.

Located very close to this visitor center is the alpine plant specimen garden, which houses a collection of alpine plants found on Mount Asahidake.
Despite being only about 1000m above sea level, it's a treasure trove of alpine plants, comparable to those found at altitudes of 3000m on Honshu.

Ideally, you would see it in its natural state around the Sugatami Ropeway Station, but that might be a bit daunting for beginners.
It does require some preparation, though. Also, if you're unsure whether you'll have enough time, this is a great spot to easily enjoy authentic alpine plants.

[Tourism Information]
★ Asahidake Visitor Center and Alpine Plant Specimen Garden
Address: Yukomabetsu, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun (Asahidake Onsen)
Phone: 0166-97-2153
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 17:00 PM
Closed on: New Year's holidays (December 31st to January 5th)

1-4. A stroll around Sugatami Pond

Image courtesy of:Higashikawa Tourism Association

The area around the Sugatami Ropeway Station, including Sugatami Pond, is ideal for beginner trekking.
However, don't forget that depending on weather and temperature conditions, you may need to make appropriate preparations.

The surrounding area, viewed from the ropeway, boasts a landscape so beautiful it's described as a garden where the gods play.
From spring to autumn, especially during the fall foliage season, the area is bustling with tourists ranging from beginners to experts.

In particular, the walk around Sugatami Pond is less than 2km long and can be easily explored in an hour. Along the way, you can enjoy the alpine plants in bloom, and if you're lucky, you might even encounter wild animals such as the Hokkaido chipmunk—it's a truly miraculous walking trail.

Despite being easily accessible, it allows you to fully experience the atmosphere of an alpine region.

There's a spot near the Mirror Pond where you can take a short break and immerse yourself for a while in the pure, cool mountain air.
June marks the start of the peak season for alpine plants.
A cluster of yellow rhododendrons, their small yet delicate white flowers swaying in the breeze. Mount Asahidake can be seen in the distance. Be sure to capture your travel memories in photographs.

1-5. A Stroll Through Higashikawa

Image courtesy of:Higashikawa Tourism Association

In Hokkaido, which is blessed with abundant forests, the production of wooden furniture is thriving.

Asahikawa, in particular, is the center of its production.
The neighboring town of Higashikawa is also a furniture town, producing 30% of Asahikawa's furniture.
The production of handcrafted goods, which developed from furniture making, is also thriving.
There are many shops selling lovely handcrafted items at reasonable prices, perfect as souvenirs, as well as cafes that also sell handcrafted goods.

I especially recommend the "Craft Road," also known as the Craft Street, which runs along the foot of the mountains in Higashikawa town on the way from Kitōshi Family Travel Village to Asahidake Onsen, where craft shops line the street.
Prefectural Road 1160 is also the town's main street. Here you'll find shops selling authentic lumber and building materials, as well as furniture stores, giving you a real sense of this woodworking town.

Furthermore, the town boasts numerous cafes that utilize the delicious water from the Daisetsuzan mountain range, guaranteeing that you can fully enjoy a slow-paced lifestyle in northern Hokkaido.
For experienced travelers, I also recommend café hopping.

Image courtesy of:Higashikawa Tourism Association

[Tourism Information]
★Higashikawa Tourism Association
Address: 1-1-15 Higashimachi, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0166-82-3761

2-1. Spring

Image courtesy of:Higashikawa Tourism Association

The seasons other than winter are extremely short on Mount Asahidake.
Conversely, most of the year is winter. That's why, if you miss the time of year other than winter, you'll have to wait a whole year.

Spring lasts for about six weeks, from May to June.
As the snow melts, alpine plants peek out from the gaps in the remaining snow, burning with life force to grow to their fullest extent during the short snow-free period.
The golden color of the Meakan Kinbai, a species endemic to Hokkaido, and the pale purple of the Ezo Kozakura add color to the mountains and valleys, beautifully adorning the rock faces.
The common alpine plant, *Chinguruma*, also grows in clusters, and it's the season when its white flowers sway in the wind.

The animals awaken from their long winter slumber and begin to roam the fields all at once. It's the season when everything comes alive.
As expected, there is no snow remaining near the base station or around Asahidake Onsen, but you should be especially careful of your footing when walking around Sugatami Pond and at an altitude of 1500m.

While the remaining snow is beginning to melt, snowfields remain in various places.
Trekking shoes or rubber boots are essential preparations to have.

2-2. Summer

Image courtesy of:Higashikawa Tourism Association

A refreshing summer in Hokkaido.
One might think that it would be even colder in the highlands, but even in summer, the Daisetsuzan mountain range, with its climate at an altitude of 3000m, can have mornings and nights that are more than just refreshing, but downright cold.

Summer can only be considered a short period of about five weeks, from July to the beginning of August.
Along the walking path around Sugatami Pond, you can see yellow rhododendrons, mountain avens, Ezo rhododendrons, Ezo rhododendrons, and mountain gentians, among others.

Among them, the one that really catches the eye with its unique name and appearance is the Chinglema.
It is said that the flower was named because its shape resembles a child's carriage (chigoguruma).

In terms of appearance, a distinctive feature is that the shape of the flower changes three times.
Initially, it produces delicate, wheel-shaped flowers. After they finish blooming, feathery hairs surround the flowers, and in autumn, the leaves turn red, creating a beautiful autumn foliage.

This mixed colony of Geum pentapetalum and Phyllodoce caerulea is at its finest, spreading a stunning contrast of white and red across the entire hiking trail, weaving an intricate tapestry.
The summer climax is definitely worth seeing.
However, since this is a place where mountain accidents have occurred during the summer, it is necessary to plan your trip carefully and without overextending yourself.

2-3. Autumn

Image courtesy of:Higashikawa Tourism Association

One of the distinguishing features of Asahidake is that it has the latest cherry blossoms and the earliest autumn leaves in the entire country.
By the end of August, we can already hear the sounds of autumn. The autumn leaves begin to change color every year from the beginning of September, and over the course of about a month, the brilliant colors slowly spread from the mountaintop to the foot of the mountain.
This is the place where you can enjoy the unique autumn foliage of Hokkaido, where coniferous and broadleaf forests are mixed, earlier than anywhere else.
Naturally, many tourists visit.
Even during the autumn foliage season, when the sun sets early, you can enjoy the scenery at Asahidake before the autumnal equinox, allowing you to leisurely admire the vibrant crimson colors.　

The safest way to enjoy this view of the autumn foliage is from inside the ropeway.
A short aerial stroll of just over 10 minutes is truly a time to enjoy the garden where the gods play.
The group of ponds in the Otanohara area on the left side offers truly the best scenery. You will experience a moment of being left speechless by the magnificence of the divine creation.

If you get off at Sugatami Station, I recommend the First Observation Deck, which is easily accessible.
It's about a 5-minute walk.
The coniferous trees still retain their green leaves, while the deciduous trees are ablaze with red and yellow.
The dazzling array of complex colors makes the entire Asahidake mountain shine as if it were wrapped in one large tapestry.

A scene so breathtaking that you feel it's a shame for time to pass by. It will surely remain in the hearts of travelers forever.

2-4. Winter

Image courtesy of:Higashikawa Tourism Association

If you're not properly equipped, winter on Mt. Asahidake is truly a giant white mountain, far too challenging for beginners.
Let's be content with viewing the magnificent sight of a vast area, comparable in size to Kanagawa Prefecture, completely covered in white, from afar.

Even so, the entire Asahidake Onsen area is at an altitude of 1000 meters, so you can enjoy yourself thoroughly just in that vicinity.
Skiing and snow trekking are unique ways to enjoy Hokkaido that you can't experience on the main island of Honshu.

Unusual phenomena such as sun pillars and diamond dust, which occurs in worlds with temperatures below -20°C.
You can get a good view of it from the cross-country skiing courses and ropeway near Asahidake Onsen.

Image courtesy of:Higashikawa Tourism Association

Compared to Sounkyo Onsen, located to the east across the Daisetsuzan mountain range, Asahidake Onsen, situated within a national park, is a relaxed and tranquil hot spring town.
On the other hand, it's an ideal location for leisurely enjoying nature and hot springs.

Its greatest appeal is undoubtedly its abundant hot springs and the quality of its spring water.
Not only do each inn have a different hot spring source, but some facilities even have multiple hot spring sources within a single inn.

The hot spring at Yukomanso was discovered in 1914, and since its opening, it has continuously gushed out more than 300 liters of hot water per minute.

The spring water types include sulfate springs and orthognathic springs ("magnesium"), gypsum springs ("calcium"), bicarbonate springs ("alkali metals"), and ferrous sulfate springs ("iron").
In particular, "Seikami-sen" is considered one of Japan's finest hot springs due to its relatively small water volume.

Enjoy the true essence of hot springs in the uniquely designed indoor baths of each accommodation, or in the rustic open-air baths where stars fall in the summer and diamond dust dances in the winter.
This secluded hot spring boasts a 100-year history, dating back to 1914 (Taisho 3).
This is one of the hot springs in Hokkaido that I highly recommend.

4-1. La Vista Daisetsuzan

Photo by Flickr: La Vista Daisetsuzan / alberth2

La Vista is the most popular hotel in Asahidake Onsen. The group's hotels are also renowned in Hakodate for their excellent breakfasts. The exterior evokes images of mountain resorts in Germany or the Alps.

Photo by Flickr: La Vista Daisetsuzan / alberth2

The warmth of real wood permeates not only the building but also the guest rooms, and time seems to flow slowly within the building, which offers a view of Mount Asahidake in the distance.
From the entrance, which makes the most of the natural texture of wood, to the spacious public bath, you can enjoy a truly luxurious and relaxing space.

The facilities are kept to a minimum, yet sufficient. There's "Dining Nonno," which serves Western-style course meals, and "Ezo Nabe and Hunter's Grill Nupuri," which mainly serves local cuisine on a teppanyaki grill.
You should be completely satisfied with the food as well.

[Tourism Information]
★La Vista Daisetsuzan
Address: Asahidake Onsen, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0166-97-2323
Official site:http://www.hotespa.net/hotels/daisetsuzan

4-2. Lodge Nutapukasiupe

It means "Great Snow Mountain" in the Ainu language.
The facade has the feel of a classic log cabin. The interior also has the perfect lodge atmosphere.

Simple yet luxurious furnishings that cherish the texture of wood.
The tables and chairs are made from logs themselves. The warmth of handmade craftsmanship permeates the entire building.

The biggest draw, without a doubt, is the view of the river and forest from the handmade open-air bath.
Soaking in the hot spring while listening to the gentle murmur of the stream, combined with the excellent quality of the spring water, truly gives you the feeling that your body is melting into nature.
Many repeat customers use it as a base for climbing Mt. Asahidake, and it has a homey atmosphere.

Here you'll find nature in its purest form.

[Tourism Information]
★Lodge Nutapukasiupe
Address: Asahidake Onsen, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0166-97-2150

4-3. Yukoma-so

This is the oldest and most traditional Japanese inn in Asahidake Onsen.
This inn, which is also a member of the "Association for the Preservation of Japan's Hidden Hot Springs," boasts five large hot spring sources on its premises, offering a diverse range of spring types.
The magnesium-rich spring, a rare find nationwide, is definitely a bath you'll want to experience.

A large, dynamic public bath that makes use of natural formations, giving it a rustic and natural feel.
The open-air baths offer a variety of baths with different hot spring sources and temperatures, allowing you to enjoy a different experience throughout the year.

Relax your mind and body to your heart's content in our exquisite, secluded hot springs. The fireplace in the lobby, made from volcanic rocks from Mount Asahidake, also adds to the wonderful atmosphere.
You can enjoy the peaceful and relaxed atmosphere of the Asahidake Mountains.
This is definitely one of the accommodations I would recommend.

[Tourism Information]
★Yumoto Yukoma-so
Address: Asahidake Onsen, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0166-97-2101
Opening hours: Day-use bathing *Annex: 11:00-19:00 *Main building: 13:00-17:00
Admission fee: 700 yen for adults, 350 yen for children (annex)
Official site:http://www.yukoman.jp

4-4. Asahidake Manseikaku Hotel Bearmonte

Image courtesy of:Free stock photos of Hokkaido: DO PHOTO

Manseikaku is located in a major hot spring resort area in Hokkaido.
Among them, Bearmonte is an authentic European-style resort hotel.

As part of the Manseikaku Group, which is renowned for its high-quality service, this hotel wholeheartedly welcomes travelers with superior service and luxurious interiors.
Enjoy the rich spring waters of Asahidake to your heart's content in our large public baths and open-air baths, and fully indulge in the hot springs.

The hotel boasts an excellent location, just a 5-minute walk from the ropeway and directly across from the Asahidake Visitor Center.
This is a high-quality inn where everything is enveloped in a relaxed atmosphere.

[Tourism Information]
★ Asahidake Manseikaku Hotel Bearmonte
Address: Asahidake Onsen, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0166-97-2321
Official site:http://www.bearmonte.jp/

Image courtesy of:Free stock photos of Hokkaido: DO PHOTO

From JR Asahikawa Station, take the "Ideyu-go" bus bound for Asahidake Onsen; the journey takes 86 minutes.
There are three round trips per day, so it's relatively easy to use.

If you use your own car or a rental car, the distance is 43 km and takes approximately 60 minutes.
Traffic volume isn't particularly high, but you need to be extra careful about icy roads during the winter months.

During the summer months, the roads often overlap with major transportation routes to Furano and Biei, and areas near tourist facilities tend to experience traffic congestion.
If you're coming from the Furano area, Prefectural Roads 213 or 543 are convenient.

Final thoughts

How was that.
In recent years, the popularity of Asahidake Onsen has been on the rise, along with the increasing popularity of Asahiyama Zoo and the Furano/Biei area.

With its beautiful mountains, vast natural landscapes, and superb hot springs, this hot spring town in Hokkaido has all the elements you could want for a hot spring experience, and can be enjoyed in all four seasons.
Please come and visit us.

A hidden hot spring that is not very well known outside of Hokkaido.
The fact that many tourists come from within Hokkaido is also proof of the appeal of this hot spring resort.
This is especially recommended for experienced travelers.

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