We started our hike by taking the Asahidake Ropeway up to Sugatami Station, where the boardwalk quickly gave way to open volcanic terrain. Following signs for Nakadake Onsen, we passed steaming vents and crossed a rocky plateau marked by cairns before dropping into a shallow riverbed. There, hikers have built small rock-ringed pools where hot spring water mixes with cold stream flow—you fine-tune the temperature by shifting a few rocks. After a short soak with big-sky views of Daisetsuzan, we retraced our steps back to the ropeway. The outing took about 5 hours roundtrip, including soak time.
If you take the loop route which includes hiking Asahidake, it will take around 7 hours.

Trailhead: Sugatami Station (via Asahidake Ropeway)

Access

By Car:
Drive to Asahidake Onsen and park at the ropeway base, then ride up to Sugatami.

By Public Transport:
Bus from Asahikawa Station → Asahidake Onsen, then the ropeway to Sugatami.
Note: Ropeway may suspend for wind or volcanic activity—check before you go.

Accommodation

Asahidake Onsen Town has several onsen lodgings right below the ropeway.

Hike Details (Loop trail)

• Distance: 7 km roundtrip (11km)

• Duration: 5 hours (7 hours)

• Incline: 300 m (800m)

General Information & Summary

Nakadake Onsen is a wild, riverside hot spring in Daisetsuzan National Park—no facilities, just rock pools fed by geothermal flow. The route is straightforward but exposed (wind, sulfur fumes, fog possible). Bring a towel and sandals, no soap/shampoo, and keep soaks short. On clear days, combine with the Sugatami Pond loop for classic crater views before or after your soak.