3 Days: Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido

Highlights:

• Beginner-friendly hikes accessible via ropeway in the summer and autumn seasons

• Winter paradise for experienced backcountry skiers and snowboarders

• Stunning year-round scenery — from wildflowers and autumn colors to deep powder snow

Perfect for:

• Nature lovers looking to explore Hokkaido’s rugged terrain

• Hikers of all levels (especially beginners using the ropeway-access trails)

• Winter sports enthusiasts seeking backcountry adventure

• Those looking to avoid crowds and experience Japan’s remote wilderness

Access:

• ✈️ Fly into Asahikawa Airport, the closest and most convenient gateway to the park. From there, it’s about a 1-hour drive to Asahidake Onsen, the main base for exploring the park.

• 🚗 Alternatively, you can drive from Sapporo — it takes around 2 hours to reach the Asahidake area by car.

Accommodation Recommendation:

• 🏡 Stay at YamaTrips’ Airbnb, located within easy reach of Asahidake Onsen.
  It’s a cozy, modern space ideal for 2–4 people, perfect for groups or families looking to explore the park while having a comfortable base to return to.

Why Visit Daisetsuzan?

Japan’s Largest National Park:
Spanning central Hokkaido, Daisetsuzan is home to volcanic peaks, alpine meadows, and vast untouched forests — offering a real sense of scale and solitude.

Beginner-Friendly Hiking:
The Asahidake Ropeway makes it easy to access scenic high-altitude trails without needing advanced hiking experience. In autumn, the colors are spectacular.

Backcountry Skiing in Winter:
Come winter, this area becomes one of Japan’s top destinations for backcountry skiing and snowboarding. Asahidake and nearby peaks offer steep terrain, deep powder, and fewer crowds — best suited for those with experience and avalanche safety gear.

Open Year-Round:
Whether it’s hiking in summer, leaf-peeping in fall, or soaking in a hot spring surrounded by snow in winter.

While we recommend renting a car for the most flexibility, it’s also possible to reach the area using public transportation.

If you're booking a stay at YamaTrips Base, you can request meals along with your accommodation — we have a cozy café located right next door that serves breakfast and dinner.

And if you’re coming by car and have the freedom to explore, I’ve pinned some great local restaurants on the map that are definitely worth checking out.