Asahidake

On Saturday, after the last day at the school, I took a train to the city of Asahikawa, and then an infrequent bus to the remote Asahidake Onsen, in Daisetsuzan Park in central Hokkaido. The park is very large with opportunities for multi-day hikes around several mountains. Asahidake Onsen consists of half a dozen hotels, each with its own hotspring bath, on the road leading to the tram at the base of Mt. Asahidake.

I stayed a few nights in a hotel here. On my first full day I took the tram, which is a 10 minute ride part way up the mountain to an altitude of 1600 m. This is just above the tree line giving great views of the mountain.

I was particularly fascinated by the vents of sulphuric steam coming out of the side of the mountain.

At the top of the tram there is a walking path that takes about 30 minutes, and has great views of the area and the valley below.

In addition, part way around the circuit there is a path that leads to the top of Mt Asahidake, the highest mountain in the park at about 2300m. Many people were taking the path, the weather was good, and its only a couple of hours to the top, so I decidedI to go.

Just over half way, I entered the clouds, and the wind became very strong blowing raindrops. The terrain became steep and scrambly as well. Overall not that bad though, and I was at the top pretty soon.

I was lucky to get up the tram when I did, since it was closed for the next couple of days due to high winds.