In the summer of 2019, I hiked the scenic trail starting from the Asahidake Ropeway’s Sugatami Station. The hike took about one hour and was perfect for a relaxed outing. The trail was alive with color; alpine flowers like yellow rhododendrons and chinguruma lined the path, adding to the beauty of the experience. I remember the sight of white volcanic smoke rising from Asahidake, reflecting in the calm waters of Meoto-ike and Sugatami-no-Ike ponds—it was mesmerizing. The backdrop constantly changed as I walked, making it one of the most engaging and scenic hikes I’ve done.

Looking back, the summer months, particularly June to early-August, were ideal for this hike. The mountain was vibrant with life, and the views were unforgettable. The ease of access via the ropeway made it all the more enjoyable—an alpine paradise well worth visiting.