The Daisetsuzan mountain range in Hokkaido is famous for having the earliest autumn foliage in Japan. Among its many locations, Ginsendai is a particularly renowned spot for viewing autumn leaves, and it's definitely a place you'll want to visit at least once.

However, there isn't much information available, so many people may be unsure how to get there and feel anxious, right?

So, I actually went there during the long weekend in mid-September, which is said to be the best season, and I'd like to share my experience with you!

1: What is the autumn foliage at Ginsendai? [Time, location]
2: How to get to Ginsendai during the autumn foliage season [Traffic restrictions, parking, shuttle bus]
3: Walk to the autumn foliage spot.
4: Heading towards the summit of Mt. Akadake
5. Things to keep in mind when going to Ginsendai [Preparation, Weather]
6. Source of information
Final thoughts

Where is Ginsendai located?

First of all, Ginsendai is located in Kamikawa Town, which is in the central part of Hokkaido.

Ginsendai is located in the mountains, about an hour's drive from Sounkyo, a famous tourist spot in Kamikawa Town.

(Image of Sounkyo Onsen)

However, during the autumn foliage season from mid- to late September, private cars are prohibited from a certain point (on the Ginsendai Prefectural Road), and it is necessary to take a shuttle bus (taxis and chartered buses are permitted).
Sounkyo is about a 3-hour drive (200km) from Sapporo via expressway, and about a 100-minute drive (70km) from Asahikawa.

There are also local buses that run from JR Asahikawa Station to Sounkyo.
http://www.dohokubus.com/files/17s-0701kamikawa.pdf

When is the best time to see the autumn leaves at Ginsendai?
The autumn leaves at Ginsendai typically begin to change color in early September, reaching their peak around the 20th of September, or mid-to-late September. Incidentally, in 2017, the peak was slightly earlier.

Traffic restrictions

Now, if you're planning a trip to Ginsendai, most people would probably think of using a car or renting one, right?

However, the road from the nearest national highway (Route 273) to Ginsendai (Ginsendai Prefectural Road) is closed to general traffic only during the peak of the autumn foliage season (September 16-24 in 2017), and you will need to transfer to a shuttle bus at "Daisetsu Lake Site".

*Taxis, charter buses (with vehicle restrictions), and minibuses are permitted to pass. However, a toll is required.

・Daisetsu Lake Site [Parking]

Daisetsu Lake Site is a parking lot located along the Daisetsu Dam, which appears when you head further into the mountains from Sounkyo Onsen.

From Sounkyo Onsen, head towards Kitami on the national highway for about 10 minutes. At the fork in the road where National Route 39 and National Route 273 diverge near the "Daisetsu Dam," take the route towards Obihiro.

After driving for about 7-8 minutes, you'll see the entrance on your left (you'll see signs several times from the Daisetsu Dam junction, so you'll know where it is).

The parking lot (with a cooperation fee of 200 yen per person) is large enough to accommodate well over 100 cars. There's no need to worry about it being full and not being able to park.

(It's a large parking lot.)

A shuttle bus to Ginsendai departs from here.

Shuttle bus

Shuttle buses to Ginsendai run every 30-45 minutes from 6:00 AM until early afternoon (the last return bus is at 16:30 PM).

The fare to Ginsendai is 500 yen one way. We cannot exchange high-denomination bills other than 1000 yen notes.

The timetable is posted on the following page (Kamikawa Town Hall).
http://www.town.hokkaido-kamikawa.lg.jp/section/sangyoukeizai/chs81200000015es.html

For those who do not use their own car or rental car to get to Sounkyo, there is a shuttle bus from Sounkyo to Lake Site (fare: 450 yen). However, this service only runs 5-6 times a day.

Incidentally, from September 21st to October 1st (2017), there is a bus service from Lakesite to Kogen Onsen, another famous spot for autumn foliage. Please use this service if you would like to go on a marshland tour.

After a bumpy 35-minute drive along a narrow, mostly unpaved road, we finally arrived at Ginsendai.

(Reference) Map of Sounkyo, Daisetsu Lake Site (parking lot), and Ginsendai

The first thing you'll see after getting off the bus is the forest patrol office. You'll need to fill out a mountain entry form here with your name and other information before you set off.

There are toilets near the office. There are no toilets once you enter the mountain, so be sure to use the facilities beforehand.

First, we walk along a gentle forest path for about 8 to 10 minutes. We proceed with light steps.

Then we enter the mountain trail.

About 10 to 15 minutes after entering the hiking trail, just when you start thinking, "Wow, this is pretty tough," a spectacular view finally appears!

This is a popular angle often used to showcase the autumn foliage at Ginsendai!

Watch the video here!

After another 20-30 minutes, you will arrive at "Daiichi Hanazono" (approximately 1.3 km from the office, usually taking about an hour).

The colorful autumn leaves spread out below are truly a breathtaking sight!

If simply enjoying the autumn foliage is enough for you, then you can turn back here.

At this point, I felt I could still go further, so I continued on my way towards the summit of Mt. Akadake.

Located about 1.9km from the office, in the "Second Flower Garden," lies a snowfield, also known as perpetual snow!

It's not a steep slope, but be careful as your feet can slip. It's safest to proceed while holding onto the rope.

There were also some small, pretty flowers in bloom♪

Komakusa-daira is approximately 2.3 km from the office.

After walking for a while, you'll come across a rocky slope. This is the tough part!

This time, it was 16 PM, with only three hours left until the last bus (00 PM). I turned back when I was 800m from the summit of Mt. Akaishi (I could have made it if I hadn't overslept and woken up at 7 AM...). I'll get my revenge next year!

It's a breathtaking view that will make you forget all your fatigue!

The day I visited (September 17th) was perfectly sunny! Therefore, light clothing was sufficient. However, if it rains, the temperature drops sharply, and the ground becomes muddy.
If you cannot choose the weather in advance and are coming from far away, we recommend that you prepare the following.

1. Rainwear: A regular transparent raincoat is not suitable. You'll need waterproof trekking wear (top and bottom) sold at outdoor stores.
　In case it gets cold, bring a fleece hoodie or something similar to layer up underneath.
2. A backpack with a rain cover is preferable.
3. Trekking shoes: If you're going above the First Flower Garden, choose a type that covers your ankles.
4. Trekking poles (walking sticks): Especially recommended for those going above the First Flower Garden.
5. Gloves: You will need to use your hands when going above the First Garden.

In reality, if the weather is clear and the temperature is high, you can go to the First Garden in comfortable shoes and everyday clothes (and some people do).

However, if you're going all the way there, I think you'll enjoy the nature of the Daisetsuzan Mountains many times more if you're fully equipped and climb to Mt. Akadake while enjoying the autumn foliage!

While it is possible for relatively elderly people to walk slowly to the area around Ginsendai where the autumn leaves can be seen, it would be difficult for those who are not accustomed to walking regularly.

Below are some websites that may be helpful for those planning to go.

Kamikawa Town Hall [Vehicle Restriction Information, Shuttle Bus Timetable, Hiking Trail Guide]
http://www.town.hokkaido-kamikawa.lg.jp/section/sangyoukeizai/chs81200000015es.html

Sounkyo Visitor Center [Autumn foliage information, hiking map]
http://sounkyovc.net/

Sounkyo Tourism Association [Tourism Information]
http://www.sounkyo.net/

Daisetsuzan National Park Liaison Council [Information about Daisetsuzan]
http://www.daisetsuzan.or.jp/

7. Conclusion

So, that concludes our introduction to the autumn leaves at Ginsendai, which are at their peak right now!

This time, I went to Ginsendai by car and shuttle bus, and along with the magnificent autumn foliage, what left the biggest impression on me was the shuttle bus.

The road to Ginsendai is too narrow for buses to pass each other, so drivers and headquarters communicate via radio at each of the more than ten passing points along the way to ensure smooth passing.
Frequent radio communications were heard, such as "Ginsen 1 (bus name), Nobori 32 (this is a passing point) has passed!" or "Ginsen 6 and Ginsen 57 and 28 are passing each other."

(Shuttle buses passing each other on a narrow road)

I understand now why we can get to Ginsendai so smoothly, thanks to this kind of meticulous operational management! Impressive.

I hope you all will also visit Ginsendai to see the earliest autumn leaves in Japan, while expressing your gratitude to the bus company (Dohoku Bus) and the locals who will be guiding you in the parking lot!

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