Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

An active volcano at 618m altitude located at the eastern tip of the Kameda Peninsula. Enjoy 360-degree panoramic views from the summit surrounded by sea on three sides, and azaleas in spring.

Mount Esan in Kashiwano-cho, Hakodate City, located at the eastern tip of the Kameda Peninsula jutting into the Pacific Ocean, is an active volcano at 618m altitude surrounded by sea on three sides. Starting from the crater plain parking lot at 300m altitude, multiple hiking courses are maintained: Summit Course (round trip about 120 minutes), Cape View Course (round trip about 60 minutes), and Esan Observatory Course (round trip about 80 minutes). From the summit, a 360-degree panorama spreads, offering views of Hokkaido's mountains, Muroran, and the Shimokita Peninsula floating beyond the Tsugaru Strait. White smoke still rises from the reddish-brown volcanic slopes, and the scent of sulfur drifts on the wind.

Walking the hiking trails, volcanic geothermal heat is conveyed from underfoot, and the sound of fumaroles heard from afar makes you feel the volcano's breath. On the Observatory Course, you can observe smoke up close and witness white steam vigorously gushing up. In spring, azaleas bloom throughout the mountain base, painting the slopes with vivid pink and red flowers. Known as an azalea village, the season when sweet flower fragrances fill the mountain is particularly popular. This is a representative hiking spot near Hakodate where you can experience the unique location surrounded by sea on three sides and the powerful force of a still-active volcano.