Mt. Usu Nishiyama Foothills Crater Trail｜What to See & Do｜HOKKAIDO LOVE! -Hokkaido Official Tourism Site

Mt. Usu Nishiyama Foothills Crater Trail

Walk Through the Scars of the Eruption

Experience the raw power of the earth on a trail through craters formed by the Mt. Usu eruption in March 2000, where the scars of transformation remain vividly etched into the landscape.

Following the wooden boardwalk, you will encounter roads that were uplifted by as much as 60m and buildings damaged by volcanic debris, all preserved exactly as they were at that moment. These sights stand as a silent testament to nature’s overwhelming force. From the observation deck, the rugged, dramatic scenery of the craters creates a stunning contrast with the tranquil blue of Lake Toya and Mt. Yotei in the distance.

As you walk, white steam rises from the ground and a faint scent of sulfur lingers in the air, a reminder that the volcano is still breathing. If you pause to listen to the sound of the wind, you can truly feel the pulse of a living planet. Today, this well-maintained path offers a safe journey through history. Exploring with a guide provides even deeper insight into the wisdom of a community that lives in harmony with this powerful volcanic landscape.

This is more than just a trail; it is a "living record of the earth" where the forces of nature and the resilience of human life are permanently intertwined.

* Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.

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Area: Central Hokkaido; Area around Toya, Noboribetsu, and Hidaka

Category: With friends; Historic sites, castles, culture properties, architecture; History, culture, art; Family; Travel style; Lake and marsh, waterfall, pond, dam; Red leaves, scenic spots, observation platforms; Natural scenery, spectacular views

Travel Inspiration: Enjoy spectacular views; Have fun with the kids

Nearest airports

General Information

Postal code: 〒049-5721　
Address: 北海道虻田郡洞爺湖町泉
Telephone Number: 0142-75-4400
Open: 9:00-16:00 (Late April-end of October)
Closed: *Closed from early November to mid-April. Access is limited to guided tours (for a fee); please inquire for details.
Prices: Free admission
Car Park: 300 spaces, free
Directions: ●By car: About 10 minutes from Hokkaido Expwy Abuta-Toyako IC
●By car: About 15 minutes from JR Toya Station
Website: Official site (Japanese)