Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Sugatami Pond lies at the foot of the 2,291‑meter Mt. Asahidake, the highest peak in Hokkaido. A 1.7 km alpine trail circles the crater pond and can be completed in about 90 minutes, offering an accessible high‑mountain hiking experience.

The trail begins at Asahidake Ropeway Sugatami Station and follows well‑maintained wooden boardwalks, making it suitable even for beginner hikers. At around 1,600 meters above sea level, the area comes alive with color from June as alpine plants such as rhododendrons bloom across the landscape.

In the clear mountain air, white steam rising from the crater and the occasional hissing of fumaroles remind visitors that this is an active volcano. As you walk along the sulfur‑scented trail, the majestic form of Mt. Asahidake comes into view. On calm days, the mountain is beautifully reflected in the mirror-like surface of Sugatami Pond.

From early September, the once‑green slopes turn brilliant shades of red and yellow, creating some of the earliest autumn foliage in Japan. Several viewpoints along the loop trail offer different perspectives of Mt. Asahidake and the surrounding alpine scenery. Walking through the crisp mountain air while surrounded by the vast nature of Daisetsuzan National Park makes for a truly unforgettable hiking experience.