Mt. Tokachi (十勝岳)
Mt. Tokachi is an active volcano, and one of the great symbols of Daisetsu-zan National Park. The image of the peak hovering above the clouds from Mt. Biei is a memory I’ll cherish forever.
The hike: From the bus stop, take the gravel road that starts next to the hotel. The initial trail is pretty easy going, but soon you’ll reach a trail junction, where the real climb begins. Take the trail going to the right, towards Kamihoro Bunki (上ホロ分岐). It should take about an hour before reaching the junction. Turn left here and climb up the wooden steps. There must be at least 5 or 6oo steps built into the volcanic landscape, but eventually (with enough perseverance) you’ll reach the rocky ridge line. Turn left once you do reach it and make your way to the summit of Tokachi. It’ll take about an hour or so to reach the top, where you’ll have outstanding views of the rest of Daisetsu-zan Nat’l Park. Tokachi is a very shy mountain, so consider yourself lucky if the cloud isn’t in. From the peak you’ve got several options. You can either take the trail to the left, which will take you to Bougakudai (望岳台) in about 3 hours. This is in fact the most popular trail to the summit, but there’s no public transport, so you’ll have to either hitch or take a taxi if you go this route. The trail to the right makes its way through a massive scree field before leading up to Mt. Biei (美瑛岳) and the main trekking route to Asahidake. You could also retrace your steps all the way back to the hot spring and reward yourself with a bath. Whichever route you choose to take, you should definitely consider stopping by Fukiagerotenburo (吹上露天風呂), an wonderful, free, mixed, outdoor bath located in the Tokachi vicinity. Click here for some English information. It’s by far one of the best hot springs in Japan.
When to go: This hike can be done from late May to late September without too much trouble. The winter starts early in Hokkaido, and a winter ascent is also possible, but only with the proper avalanche training. 4 people were killed in an avalanche on November 23, 2007, so please heed the warnings.
Access: From Sapporo (札幌) station, take the JR limited express ‘Super Kamui’ to Asahikawa (旭川) station. From there, change to the JR Furano line (富良野線) and get off at Kami-Furano (上富良野) station. At Kami-Furano, take a bus bound for Tokachi-dake Onsen (十勝岳温泉) and get off at the last stop. Click here for the bus schedule. As of 2009, it appears that the bus departs from the town hospital (町立病院) instead of in front of the station. It’s best to ask the tourist information center at Kamifurano station. They definitely speak English there and will be able to get you sorted.
Level of difficulty: 3 out of 5 (elevation change ~1100m).
Explore posts in the same categories: ArchiveTags: Daisetsuzan Nat'l Park, Hokkaido hikes (北海道), Hyakumeizan (百名山), Mt. Tokachi
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Hiking in Japan 
February 19, 2014 at 1:34 pm
Dear Wes,
I ran into your amazing website just now as I am planning a trip to Hokkaido in the end of June.
I am really interested in climbing Tokachi-dake, but to go up Furano-dake as well. Do you know if it’s possible to hike from one peak to another in order to do it in one day (given I start really early in the morning)?
Thank you!
Mat
February 19, 2014 at 1:55 pm
Mat,
It is possible to do both peaks in one day with an early start, but be warned that there will still be a lot of snow on the peaks in late June, so you will need crampons and an ice axe.
February 19, 2014 at 2:05 pm
Hey, thanks for the quick reply!
My wife and I have no experience with an ice axe, so I’m guessing this is not the recommended day hike for us? Should we just climb one of the peaks, or consider someplace else in Daisetsuzan National Park?
February 19, 2014 at 2:38 pm
You could consider doing Asahidake. This is what conditions looked like in late June a few years ago. As you can see, there are still a few snowfields you need to traverse through. This is where a pair of light crampons would come in handy.
http://daisetuzannnikoisite.blog69.fc2.com/blog-entry-36.html
No levels vary from year to year, so it might be something to check up on once you arrive in Hokkaido in June.
February 19, 2014 at 2:55 pm
Is it possible to rent crampons in that area?
Also, is it possible to correspond with you via email regarding other Hokkaido plans?
April 3, 2017 at 12:17 pm
Hi,
Just wondering whether this would be doable in late May? I’ll be with people who have some experience hiking with Crampons but not with ice axes – probably about intermediate level (5-6 hours and 1100 m change would be about the edge)..
I had heard some reports that the peaks around Asahidake are a bit avalanche prone in late May/early June but I don’t know if that was people being a little over cautious…
April 19, 2017 at 11:32 pm
Colin,
Snow conditions vary by year. There were still some snowfields when I climbed Tokachi in mid-August, so I imagine that there will still be quite a bit in late May.
Your biggest worry would be slipping on a rotten ice field and not being able to stop yourself because the snow is too soft. I know this is a concern in April, but not sure about in May.
I think the weather would play a bigger factor than the snow, as it’s an easy place to get lost if the cloud is in.
Anyway, good luck with the planning and let me know if you have any other questions.
Regards,
Wes
July 30, 2017 at 10:59 pm
Hi Wes,
Thanks for all this very useful information. We are plannign to climb Mount Tokachi late September-early October. Do you know if this is feasible without any special equipment (no need of crampons or ice-axe)? Also, do you know if one can easily use public transport in the area? We’re planning to visit Hokkaido – Daisetzusan National Park for about a week?
Thanks in advance,
August 4, 2017 at 1:52 pm
Nuria,
Snowfall varies from year to year, but usually the Daisetsuzan range receives its first snowfall around the time that you are visiting. If you have a pair of light crampons (4 or 6-pointers) it’s a good idea to bring them along.
Transport should be ok that time of year, as the fall colors should be at their peak.
Let me know if you have any other questions,
Wes