The season of lush greenery and vibrant nature is here. The mountains of Hokkaido are waiting for hikers. You've been looking forward to this year's mountain opening information, haven't you? Let's explore the latest updates for this year together.

Mt. Usu is recommended for beginners and families who want to enjoy hiking with ease, as there is a ropeway that takes you near the summit. You can climb to the outer rim to enjoy the powerful volcanic scenery and stunning views. It is also a popular tourist spot as part of a Geopark. This year, the mountain opening and safety prayer festival were held on April 29.

This is a great course for beginners, and you can reach the summit in about 2 hours. At a junction along the way, there is a detour path where you can enjoy a leisurely climb through a beech forest. On a clear day, the summit offers views of Mt. Oshamanbe, Mt. Oohira, the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and even Mt. Yotei and the Niseko mountains in the distance.

Niseko's "Weisshorn" is named after the mountain of the same name in Switzerland and is one of the easier mountains for beginners to climb. The Shinsennuma Nature Recreation Forest is also a popular hiking spot where you can enjoy beautiful natural scenery throughout the seasons.

The recommended route for beginners is to take the Furano Ski Resort Ropeway to the top of the ski area and aim for the summit from there. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Furano Basin, the Tokachi Mountain Range, and the Daisetsuzan mountains.

The route from the Genshigahara trailhead is popular. Genshigahara is a high-altitude marshland on the way to the summit, and as its name (meaning "primitive fields") suggests, it offers a magnificent landscape of untouched nature. The hiking event offers a "Genshigahara Exploration" course that everyone from children to adults can enjoy.

This famous peak in Nakatonbetsu Town has its trailhead at the "Michi-no-Eki Pinneshiri" roadside station. It takes about 2 hours to reach the summit through a well-maintained, refreshing forest. From the top, you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of both the Sea of Okhotsk and the Sea of Japan.

This popular mountain, also famous for its autumn colors, is enjoyable for everyone from beginners to advanced hikers. For a casual view, the scenery from the Tokachidake Bogakudai Observatory and a stroll along the nearby walking paths are recommended. The nearby hot springs are another great bonus.

Mt. Yotei, also known as "Ezo Fuji," is a popular mountain among hikers with four main trails. The "Makkari Trailhead Course" is the most beginner-friendly route with a relatively gentle slope. While it's popular for being easier to climb, it is also the longest, making the sense of accomplishment at the end all the more rewarding.

This is the classic trail for climbing Mt. Yotei, starting from Hangetsu Lake Nature Park. It is the second easiest after the Makkari Trailhead Course, making it suitable for beginners. If you're looking for a bit more of a challenge, this is a great option to try.

The main peak of the Akan Volcanic Complex, known as one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. It is a popular mountain that all hikers aspire to climb, with three main routes. The Meakan Onsen Course is popular, but the Onneto Course, which heads to the summit from the Onneto Campground, is also recommended.

When you go hiking, please be mindful of the weather, your physical condition, equipment, and clothing. Be sure to follow all rules and etiquette to enjoy your hike safely.

※All information is current as of May 2024.
※Please note that all information is subject to change. Please check official websites for the latest details.

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