Daisetsuzan NP 大雪山国立公園
Japan’s largest national park; ‘rooftop of Hokkaidō’
Japan’s largest national park sits smack in the middle of Hokkaidō and offers up some wonderful nature and hikes. 大雪山 means ‘big snowy mountain’ and there can be snow on the high trails through until July.
You’ll want to have your own wheels to make the most here - there are three main access points, all with wonderful hot springs:
Asahidake Onsen - in the northwest - ride the Asahidake Ropeway up to 1600m to hike short trails or climb Asahidake (2290m).
Sōunkyō Onsen - in the northeast - ride the Kurodake Ropeway up to 1520m to climb Kurodake (1984m).
Tokachidake Onsen - in the southwest - at 1280m, from where you can climb Tokachidake (2077m).
Keen hikers can contemplate walking from Asahidake Onsen to Sōunkyō Onsen in 2 days or take on the 80km Daisetsuzan Grand Traverse (5-7 days). You’ll want to be extremely well prepared to take this on.
Non-hikers can ride the ropeways, enjoy nature and soak in the onsen.