Mt. Asahidake
A Journey into the Playground of the Gods
Experience Japan’s earliest autumn colors and sweeping panoramas on Hokkaido’s highest mountain, rising to 2,291 meters.
Mt. Asahidake, Hokkaido’s highest peak, is the iconic symbol of Daisetsuzan National Park. Known as “Kamuy-mintar” (The Playground of the Gods) in the Ainu language, it offers some of Japan’s most dramatic seasonal scenery.
At these high elevations, nature changes quickly. In mid-June, Chishima-zakura cherry blossoms signal one of Japan’s latest springs, while from late August, brilliant reds and golds announce the country’s earliest autumn colors.
The mountain is alive with natural energy. Listen for the calls of pika among rocky slopes and the sound of steam rising from active fumaroles. Cool alpine air carrying a hint of sulfur reflects the volcanic forces that shape this landscape.
For a more relaxed visit, the Asahidake Ropeway offers a 10-minute ride to Sugatami Station at 1,600 meters. From there, an easy trail leads through alpine vegetation to Sugatami Pond in about 30 minutes. Reflections of Mt. Asahidake on the mirror-like water, framed by drifting steam and the silence of the highlands, create a scene worthy of its name, “The Playground of the Gods.”
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
- Category
- With friends
- Ropeways, lifts
- Couple
- Family
- Travel style
- Camping
- Activities & Outdoors
- Mountain, ridge, plateau, marshland, canyon
- Red leaves, scenic spots, observation platforms
- Natural scenery, spectacular views
- Mountain climbing, trekking
- Experiences, tours
- Visit mountains and forests
- Travel Inspiration
- Enjoy spectacular views
- Nearest airports
General Information
- Postal code
- 〒071-1472
- Address
- 北海道上川郡東川町旭岳温泉
- Telephone Number
- 0166-68-9111（Higashigashiwa Tourism Association）
- Open
- ■Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway
6:30-17:30 (Open year-round; *Closed for several days from November to December for maintenance)
■Asahidake Visitor Center
9:00-17:00 (Closed during the New Year’s holiday period) - Prices
- Ropeway: Paid
- Car Park
- 150 spaces, charged (Ropeway)
90 spaces, free (Visitor Center) - Directions
- ●By car: About 50 minutes from Asahikawa Airport
●By car: About 80 minutes from Hokkaido Expwy Asahikawa-Kita IC
●By bus: About 90 minutes from JR Asahikawa Station - Website
* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
