Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, Mt. Meakan is a dynamic active volcano where rugged craters and alpine wildflowers exist side by side.

Deep within the pristine wilderness of Akan-Mashu National Park in eastern Hokkaido, Mt. Meakan stands as a striking symbol of the region’s volcanic origin. Recognized alongside Mt. Oakan as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, it offers one of the most rewarding trekking experiences in the area. The trail begins in ancient forest, where cool air, moss-covered ground, and the rustling of Sakhalin fir trees create a calm, meditative atmosphere. Along the lower slopes, seasonal alpine flowers such as Meakan-fusuma add color to the rugged landscape.

As the ascent continues, the scenery shifts from lush greenery to a stark volcanic world of rock and ash. At the summit of Ponmachineshiri, 1,499 meters above sea level, the terrain opens into a powerful panorama shaped by the forces of the earth. Steam rises from active craters, reminding visitors that this landscape is still evolving. The scent of sulfur and rough volcanic ground heighten the sense of a living environment.

From the summit, a 360-degree view reveals Lake Akan and the distant peaks of the Daisetsuzan Mountains. In this quiet space where earth and sky meet, the experience leaves a lasting impression of Hokkaido’s raw natural beauty.