Hokkaido offers hiking ranging from gentle lakeside boardwalks to serious multi-day mountain traverses across volcanic ridgelines. The hiking season runs from June through October, with alpine areas opening later (July) and closing earlier (September). The advantage over Honshu: fewer people on the trails, cooler temperatures, and wilderness that feels genuinely remote.
Easy Walks (1-2 hours)
- Shiretoko Five Lakes – flat boardwalk through forest with lake views and mountain backdrop. Fully accessible elevated boardwalk route. See our eastern Hokkaido guide.
- Blue Pond (Biei) – short boardwalk around the volcanic blue pond. 15-20 minutes. See our Furano/Biei guide.
- Lake Shikotsu lakeshore – flat path along the lake edge with mountain views.
- Kushiro Wetland boardwalks – multiple trails through Japan’s largest wetland.
- Hell Valley (Noboribetsu) – boardwalk through volcanic crater. See our Noboribetsu guide.
Day Hikes (3-6 hours)
- Mt. Tarumae (1,041m) – near Lake Shikotsu. Active crater at summit, views of lake and Pacific. 3-4 hours round trip. Moderate.
- Asahidake Ropeway + Summit (2,291m) – ropeway to 1,600m, then hike to Hokkaido’s highest peak. 3-4 hours from ropeway station. Moderate-hard. See our Daisetsuzan guide.
- Mt. Moiwa (Sapporo) – urban hike with ropeway option. Forest trail to summit with city views. 2-3 hours walking, or take the ropeway up and walk down.
- Rebun Island 8-Hour Course – coastal trail along the western cliffs of Rebun. Wildflowers June-July. Challenging but rewarding. See our Wakkanai/northern guide.
- Mt. Rishiri (1,721m) – volcanic island peak. 10-12 hours round trip. Hard. Experienced hikers only.
Multi-Day Traverses
Daisetsuzan Grand Traverse (2-4 days)
The premier hiking route in Hokkaido. Cross the roof of the island from Asahidake to Tokachidake (or reverse), traversing volcanic ridgelines, alpine meadows, and hot spring areas. Mountain huts provide basic shelter. This is serious hiking – alpine conditions, changeable weather, and remote terrain. Proper equipment and experience required.
See our Daisetsuzan guide.
What to Bring
- Bear bell – essential in all Hokkaido hiking areas
- Rain gear – weather changes quickly in mountains
- Layers – summit temperatures can be 10-15°C cooler than base
- Water and food – mountain huts have limited supplies, if any
- Map/GPS – phone signal unreliable in remote areas
- Bear spray – available at outdoor shops in Sapporo if you want extra precaution
When to Hike
- June: Lower trails open. Snow remains at altitude. Wildflowers begin.
- July-August: Full season. Alpine trails open. Wildflowers peak. Best weather but also busiest.
- September: First autumn colours at altitude. Fewer people. Cooler temperatures. Alpine huts begin closing late September.
- October: Lower trails still good. Mountain trails closing. Peak foliage at lower elevations.