Nihon Hyakumeizan: The Japan 100 Mountains Podcast

Hakkoda Odake is not merely a mountain; it is the heart of a vast volcanic realm in northern Aomori, a collective of approximately twenty peaks that breathe with seasonal fire and ice. To walk its trails is to step into a living tapestry of ancient worship, tragic history, and breathtaking natural beauty.

⛩️ Sacred Traditions: The Breath of the DragonBefore seting foot on the slopes, one must understand that the Hakkoda range is a spiritual axis, believed to be the "vertebrae" of the Japanese archipelago. For centuries, locals have revered these peaks as the home of dragons and spirits that offer "Shinshin Kairo"—the absolute cleansing of the heart and body.The mountain is overseen by the Hakkoda Mountain Shrine (Hokkodasan Jinja), which exists as a network of sacred sites. At the very summit of Odake sits the Okunoin, an ancient stone cell that serves as the shrine's inner sanctuary. Another shrine, the Nakanoin, rests in the volcanic plateau of Sennintai, where hikers often pause to steady their hearts before the final push. When praying at these high-altitude altars, the traditional etiquette is "Reihai-Nihakushu-Ippai"—bowing twice, clapping twice, and bowing once more in gratitude for the mountain's protection.

🥾 The Ascent: Walking the King’s RouteThe most iconic journey to the summit, often called the "King’s Route," begins with a ten-minute flight on the Hakkoda Ropeway.

• The High Wetlands: From the top station at 1,320m, you first traverse the Tamoyachi Wetland, a "natural bonsai garden" of dwarf pines and alpine flowers like cotton grass.
• The Volcanic Ridge: The path steepens as it climbs over Akakura-dake and Idodake, where the landscape turns primal. Here, you can peer into an ancient crater pond before the trail drops into a saddle near the Odake Shelter Hut, a crucial refuge for those caught in sudden weather.
• The Summit: The final ascent to Odake (1,585m) reveals a 360-degree panorama. On clear days, the view stretches across the Tsugaru Peninsula to the north, Mt. Iwaki to the west, and even the distant coast of Hokkaido across the sea.
• The Golden Descent: For a truly beautiful finish, descend through the Kenashitai Wetlands toward Sukayu Onsen. This two-tiered marshland system is legendary for its wooden boardwalks that wind through vibrant alpine flora.

• Summer (June–August): A time of cool breezes and blooming wildflowers like the "Hina-zakura".
• Autumn (Late Sept.–Early Oct.): This is the peak of Koyo (foliage). The Kenashitai wetlands transform into a sea of rust and amber, a sight many consider the finest in Tohoku.
• Safety Essentials: The weather on the summit ridge is unpredictable. Hikers should carry at least 1.5 liters of water, wear waterproof boots for the slippery boardwalks, and bring a windproof jacket even in summer. Navigating via the YAMAP app is highly recommended, as fog can quickly obscure trail junctions.

📖 Legends and Shadows: The Eagle and the SnowHakkoda’s history is etched with both light and shadow. A cherished local legend tells of the "Godly Eagle" (Kamitaka), the divine messenger of the mountain. It is said that the great artist Shiko Munakata was once blessed by the sight of an eagle with sun-like markings on its wings while on the mountain, a sign that foretold his future greatness.However, the mountain also demands respect through the memory of the 1902 Hakkoda Incident. During a winter military exercise, 199 soldiers perished in a sudden, brutal blizzard. This tragedy remains the most lethal disaster in mountaineering history and serves as a permanent reminder to all who visit that the mountain’s beauty is matched only by its power.

🧭 Seasonal Wisdom and SafetyThe "dream" season for hikers runs from late June to early November.After the descent, the journey ends at the historic Sukayu Onsen, where the "Sennin Buro" (Thousand-Person Bath) offers a soak in acidic sulfur waters—a final, steaming gift from the volcano to the weary traveler

Rising above the Tsugaru Plain in western Aomori, Mount Iwaki stands as a solitary sentinel, its near-perfect conical silhouette earning it the nickname "Tsugaru Fuji". To the people of Aomori, it is more than just a mountain; it is the affectionate "O-Iwaki-sama," a spiritual heart that has watched over the region for centuries.

📖 Ancient Whispers: Legends and FolkloreThe mountain’s history begins with its name, which some believe is Ainu in origin, derived from Kamuyiwaki, meaning "God's Home". Others suggest it stems from Iwaake, meaning rock, or an archaic Japanese term for "stone castle".The summit, with its jagged peaks, tells a story of divine temper; local legend says the mountain was once perfectly symmetrical until the deity within split the peak in a fit of anger during an 18th-century eruption. Another tale speaks of a beautiful princess who, unable to choose between two lords, was told by the mountain deity in a dream to serve the shrine instead, leading her descendants to become hereditary keepers of the sacred ground for twelve generations. Even today, farmers look to the summit for a different kind of magic: a persistent folk belief holds that as long as snow remains on Iwaki's peak, the rice crops in the valleys below are safe from frost.

⛩️ The Sacred Ascent: Mountain WorshipAt the southeastern foot of the mountain lies Iwakiyama Shrine, established around 780 CE. The entire 1,625-meter volcano is considered legally part of the shrine grounds, making it one of Japan's largest sacred precincts. Its buildings, including the black-lacquered main hall and a three-story pagoda, are designated Important Cultural Properties, often called "Oku-nikko" for their intricate, ornate carvings.The spiritual pulse of the mountain is strongest during Oyama Sankei, a late-summer pilgrimage designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.

• Mukaiyama (Day 1): Worshippers gather to visit the shrine.
• Yoiyama (Day 2): Pilgrims dressed in white parade toward the shrine, holding golden gohei (sacred wands) and chanting “saigi, saigi” to the rhythm of flutes and drums.
• Tsuitachiyama (Day 3): Before dawn, thousands climb the rocky terrain by flashlight, their lanterns creating a "river of fireflies" on the mountain's face, to reach the summit and pray to the rising sun for a bountiful harvest.

• The Hyakuzawa Route: A four-hour historic climb starting from the Iwakiyama Shrine, passing through cherry forests and springs.
• The Akakura Route: Known as the holiest route, where hikers pass by numerous stone-carved Buddha statues on a 4.5-hour spiritual journey.
• The Dake Route: The quickest ascent (3 hours), leading through mellow hills of beech trees.
• The Modern Way: Many travelers choose the Tsugaru Iwaki Skyline, a toll road featuring 69 curves that winds up to the 8th station. From there, a chairlift takes you to the 9th station, leaving only a 30- to 40-minute rocky scramble to the summit.

• Spring: The foot of the mountain is home to a 20km-long row of 6,500 cherry trees, famously known as the "world's longest cherry blossom tunnel".
• Summer: Alpine flora like the rare Michinoku kozakura (unique to Iwaki) bloom near the summit from June to July.
• Autumn: The mountain rises over golden rice fields and apple orchards heavy with fruit.
• Winter: Though the Skyline closes, the mountain becomes a haven for skiing and snowshoeing.

• Layer Up: The summit is significantly colder than the base; bring a windbreaker even in summer.
• Proper Gear: The final stretch to the peak is a rocky scramble; non-slip hiking boots are essential.
• Local Hazards: Stay alert for bear sightings and potential rockfalls.
• Sustainability: Stick to marked trails to protect the delicate alpine environment

🥾 Paths to the Peak: Hiking HighlightsFor those who wish to walk in the footsteps of the ancients, five main trails offer unique experiences:

🧭 Seasonal Splendor and SafetyMount Iwaki wears a different robe each season:Mountain Safety Tips:

⛰️ Overall description of the peak

Mount Poroshiri (幌尻岳), rising 2,052.8 meters, is the highest peak in the Hidaka Mountains and is widely regarded as the most challenging of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. Its Ainu name means "Great Mountain," reflecting its immense presence rather than its elevation alone. Located in Hidaka-Sanmyaku Erimo-Tokachi National Park, the mountain remains one of Japan's last truly wild alpine landscapes, with almost no modern infrastructure. Here, nature—not people—sets the rules.

🥾 Hiking routes and trail highlights

Mount Poroshiri offers three demanding routes. The Nukabira Route, the most popular, begins with a shuttle bus and a 5 km approach before hikers repeatedly wade across the freezing Nukabira River, often dozens of times, using specialized river shoes. After an overnight stay at Poroshiri Mountain Hut, the trail climbs through the Spring of Life to the spectacular Seven Pond Cirque, a glacial basin filled with rare alpine flowers. The Niikappu Route features a monotonous 19 km unpaved approach, where bicycles are prohibited, while the Karifu Route is a remote multi-day trek requiring full camping equipment. Every route rewards endurance, patience, and determination.

🧭 Seasonal tips and mountain safety

Poroshiri demands careful planning. Sudden rain can rapidly swell the Nukabira River, trapping hikers at the mountain hut for several days. Carrying extra food, emergency supplies, and appropriate river-crossing gear is essential. Access is controlled through mandatory shuttle bus and mountain hut reservations, while camping is prohibited on the main routes except in emergencies. Hikers must also carry portable toilets to protect the fragile alpine environment. Brown bears inhabit the area, weather changes quickly, and turning back is often the safest decision.

⛩️ Sacred traditions and mountain worship

For the Ainu people, Mount Poroshiri was the sacred realm of the Kamuy, the spirits that inhabit nature. The mountain is closely associated with Kim-un Kamuy, the bear god and guardian of the mountains. Rather than conquering nature, the Ainu believed humans should approach it with humility and gratitude. Their Iomante ceremony honored the bear as a divine visitor returning to the spirit world, while epic oral traditions known as Yukar preserved their beliefs, history, and survival knowledge across generations.

📖 Local legends, history, and folklore

The Ainu believed that mountains, rivers, animals, trees, and even handmade tools possessed their own Kamuy. Children often received temporary, unattractive names to protect them from evil spirits until they were old enough for permanent names. These traditions were preserved through the Yukar, epic oral narratives that served as history, religion, and practical guides for life. Today, many of the mountain's strict conservation rules reflect the same philosophy of respecting nature that has shaped the region for centuries.

🌿 The unique character that makes this peak unforgettable

Mount Poroshiri is unforgettable because the mountain never adapts to the hiker—the hiker must adapt to the mountain. The absence of bridges, paved roads, and unnecessary facilities is a deliberate effort to preserve its wilderness and authentic character. Every river crossing, long approach, and strict regulation reinforces the idea that nature determines the journey. Even with modern equipment, success depends on patience, humility, and respect. More than a difficult climb, Mount Poroshiri is a rare place where extreme endurance, Ainu spirituality, and environmental conservation remain inseparably connected.

⛰️ Overall description of the peak

Mount Tokachi (十勝岳) is a 2,077-meter active stratovolcano at the heart of Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido. Beautiful yet unpredictable, it is constantly releasing volcanic gases and remains one of Japan's most closely monitored volcanoes. Its rugged slopes, steaming craters, alpine landscapes, and powerful geothermal activity create a mountain where breathtaking scenery exists alongside genuine geological danger. For centuries, people have lived in its shadow, learning to respect rather than conquer its immense power.

🥾 Hiking routes and trail highlights

The most popular approach begins at the Tokachidake Onsen Trailhead. When conditions are safe, hikers can reach the Nukakushi (Ansei) Crater on a relatively short hike, experiencing roaring steam vents, sulfur fumes, and warm volcanic ground that vividly reveal the mountain's active nature. The full summit hike takes around 6.5 hours round trip, crossing barren volcanic slopes of ash, lava, and pumice before reaching sweeping views across the Tokachi Volcanic Group. Experienced hikers often traverse the scenic ridgeline from Kamifurano-dake, while nearby Mount Furano offers outstanding alpine flower displays, with Daisetsuzan National Park protecting nearly half of Hokkaido's alpine plant species.

🧭 Seasonal tips and mountain safety

Mount Tokachi demands constant awareness. Volcanic alert levels may close trails without notice, and hikers should always follow official restrictions. Even in summer, snowfields can require crampons and ice axes, while weather can change rapidly with strong winds, dense fog, and sudden temperature drops. The mountain is also home to Ussuri brown bears, making bear precautions essential. Visitors are expected to carry out all waste, use portable toilets, fit rubber caps to trekking poles to protect fragile alpine vegetation, and remember that turning back is often the safest decision. On Tokachi, humility is the most important piece of equipment.

⛩️ Sacred traditions and mountain worship

Mount Tokachi has long been revered through Sangaku Shinkō, Japan's tradition of mountain worship. Rather than viewing volcanic danger as something to fear, people regarded it as evidence of divine power. The mountain was seen as the dwelling place of deities, the source of life-giving water, and the boundary between the human and spiritual worlds. Climbing the mountain was traditionally an act of pilgrimage, seeking blessings and safe passage instead of personal conquest. This philosophy continues to shape the deep respect local communities hold for the volcano today.

📖 Local legends, history, and folklore

The Ainu name for nearby Furano, meaning "the place that smells," reflects the sulfur gases that have long escaped from Mount Tokachi. Sulfur mining once flourished inside the volcano's crater until the devastating 1926 phreatic eruption, when a massive lahar destroyed mining camps and communities, claiming 144 lives. The disaster became part of Hokkaido's cultural memory through literature and local history. Another enduring symbol is the Kōgen Jiji Monument near the summit, carved with Buddhist calligraphy and painstakingly hauled up the volcano by local residents as an expression of reverence despite the mountain's destructive past.

🌿 The unique character that makes this peak unforgettable

Mount Tokachi perfectly embodies nature's duality. The same geothermal forces capable of triggering deadly mudflows also create healing hot springs, nourish rare alpine ecosystems, and inspire profound spiritual devotion. Beneath deep winter snow, delicate alpine flowers survive until bursting into bloom each summer, while sulfur vents constantly remind visitors that the volcano is still alive. More than a challenging climb, Mount Tokachi is a place where danger, beauty, resilience, and faith have shaped one another for generations, leaving visitors with a lasting appreciation for the power and fragility of the natural world.

High in the heart of central Hokkaido rises Mount Tomuraushi (2,141 m), a "remote giant" that stands as the crown jewel of the Daisetsuzan massif. To the indigenous Ainu people, this peak is a central part of Kamuimintara, often translated as “the playground of the gods”. It is a place where the divine and the wild coexist, a landscape so vast and untouched that it is known as the “backcountry of heavy snow”.📖 Local Legends and Sacred TraditionsThe name "Tomuraushi" itself is a whisper from the past, thought to mean either “the place with many flowers” or “the place with much water scale” in the Ainu language. For the Kamikawa Ainu, these mountains were revered as Nutap Ka Us Pe, the peaks towering over the great wetlands. They believed that everything in nature—from the bears roaming the slopes to the everyday tools they used—possessed a spirit (kamuy).When the kamuy descend to the human realm, they take the forms of the landscape itself; the brown bear, in particular, is seen as a god visiting from the divine realm. Even today, sacred ceremonies like the Nupuri Kor Kamuynomi are held at the foot of these peaks to pray for the safety of those who dare to enter this celestial garden.

🥾 Hiking Routes and Trail HighlightsReaching the summit of Tomuraushi is a feat reserved for the dedicated, as it is one of the most isolated peaks in Japan.

• The Southern Approach: The most common path begins near Tomuraushi Onsen, where the regular route stretches 12.0 km. A "shortened" trailhead (Kutchanbetsu) reduces the distance to 9.2 km, but it remains a deep and demanding journey of repeated ascents and descents.
• The Traverse: Experienced trekkers often undertake the Grade 5 traverse, a multi-day expedition connecting Tomuraushi to the Tokachi Range or Mount Asahidake.
• The "Rock Garden": Near the summit lies a high-altitude lava plateau known as the Rock Garden. This boulder-strewn landscape is the home of the Japanese pika, an "Ice Age" survivor that darts among the stones.
• Numa-no-hara: Known as “The Parlor of the Daisetsuzan,” this expansive wetland at the headwaters of the Ishikari River offers a silent, bewitching landscape of ponds that reflect the distant shapes of the mountains.

• Summer Storms: The mountain is the site of the tragic 2009 Tomuraushi Incident, where a sudden summer storm led to the deaths of eight hikers from hypothermia. Even in July, temperatures can drop below freezing, and visibility can vanish instantly in the "gas" (mist).
• Snow and Navigation: Significant snowpacks remain until late July, often hiding trail markers. Ninety percent of lost hikers go astray at specific points like the Komadori stream or Tomuraushi Park when snow obscures the path.
• Brown Bears: As a primary habitat for brown bears, hikers are advised to carry bear spray and bells at all times.
• Leave No Trace: Due to its remoteness, there are no traditional toilets on the mountain; hikers are required to carry portable toilet kits and "pack it out" to protect the pristine water sources.

🌿 The Unique Character of the PeakWhat makes Tomuraushi unforgettable is its sense of absolute solitude. From the summit plateau, the wilderness extends to the horizon in every direction, showing no signs of human presence. In July and August, the mountain transforms into a “heavenly paradise,” with carpets of alpine flowers like Chinguruma (white petals with yellow stamens) and the clustered purple-pink Primula cuneiforma. It is a fragile environment where plants grow slowly in the thin alpine soil, creating a tapestry of color against the lingering white snow.

🧭 Seasonal Tips and Mountain SafetyDespite its beauty, Tomuraushi demands "full respect". Hokkaido’s high latitude means that these 2,000-meter peaks experience climate conditions comparable to the 3,000-meter giants of Honshu.Tomuraushi remains a place where one can be truly immersed in the grand majesty of the gods' playground

Rising from the fertile plains of Hokkaido, Mount Yotei (羊蹄山, Yōteisan) stands as a solitary, near-perfect cone, its silhouette so striking it is affectionately known as Ezo Fuji—the Fuji of the North. To stand at its base is to feel the weight of centuries of history and the silent power of an active stratovolcano that defines the landscape of the Niseko region.📖 Local Legends and Sacred TraditionsLong before it was known to the world as Yotei, the indigenous Ainu people called the mountain Matneshiri, meaning "female mountain". It is the spiritual counterpart to the nearby "male mountain," Pinneshiri (Mount Shiribetsu). In the Ainu worldview, such peaks are more than rock and soil; they are the dwellings of kamuy (gods).History flows through the mountain's roots. During the 17th century, the area around Yotei (then called Makkari Nupuri by the Ainu) was a wild frontier beyond the formal reaches of feudal Japan, populated by Ainu settlements long before the expansion of the Matsumae clan. Today, a Shinto shrine stands at the Makkari trailhead, where modern travelers pause to offer respect before beginning their ascent.

🥾 Hiking Routes and Trail HighlightsThere are no shortcuts to Yotei's summit; no ropeways or gondolas exist to ease the journey. Every one of its 1,898 meters must be earned on foot.

• Makkari Trail: The most popular path, beloved for its well-maintained 10-stage system that allows hikers to gauge their progress. It offers the gentlest incline through a forest of birch, fir, and Japanese elm.
• Kutchan (Hirafu) Trail: A shorter but significantly steeper and more direct line to the top, preferred by fit hikers seeking a challenge.
• Kyogoku and Kimobetsu Trails: These remote routes offer solitude and rugged, less-maintained terrain for experienced navigators.

• Safety Requirements: All climbers should register their plans via the Mt-Compass online system or physical forms at the trailhead.
• Water and Weather: There is no water on the mountain above the trailhead; hikers must carry at least 2–3 litres. Weather at the summit is often 10–15°C colder than at the base and can shift to dangerous conditions in under an hour.
• Bear Safety: The mountain is home to Higuma (Ussuri brown bears). Carrying a bear bell and bear spray is strongly recommended by local authorities.

The crowning jewel of the hike is the summit crater, a massive 700-meter-wide cauldron known as Chichigama ("Papa Cauldron"). A full circuit of the rim takes approximately 80 minutes, revealing the smaller Haha-gama (Mama) and Ko-gama (Baby) craters and panoramic views stretching to the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean.

🧭 Seasonal Tips and Mountain SafetyMount Yotei is a mountain of dual natures. In summer (July to early October), it is a botanical paradise where over 100 species of alpine plants—such as yellow-flowered rhododendrons and dwarf mountain heath—bloom across the upper slopes. In winter, it becomes a "powder magnet," attracting expert backcountry skiers who dream of skiing into the heart of the crater bowl.However, the mountain demands discipline:

🌿 The Unique Character of YoteiWhat makes Mount Yotei unforgettable is its symmetrical isolation. Because it stands alone, the views from the crater rim offer a 360-degree perspective of Hokkaido that few other peaks can match. Whether it is reflected in flooded rice paddies in June or glowing under a fresh mantle of winter snow, Yotei remains a symbol of Hokkaido's wild, enduring beauty—a peak that challenges the body and settles the spirit

Known as the "Roof of Hokkaido," the Daisetsuzan mountain range is a vast, high-altitude wilderness that forms the primeval heart of Japan’s northernmost island. Its sovereign peak, Asahi-dake, reaches 2,291 meters, reigning as the highest point in Hokkaido and a place of "extraordinary distinctiveness".

🥾 Hiking Routes and Trail Highlights The ascent of Asahi-dake is the most popular route, offering a 10-kilometer round-trip trek through active volcanic landscapes filled with steam-venting fumaroles. For those seeking the "Canopy of Hokkaido," the Kurodake Trail begins in the dramatic Sounkyo Gorge, utilizing a ropeway and chairlift to reach alpine meadows that remain snow-capped even in summer. Experienced adventurers may attempt the Daisetsuzan Grand Traverse, an epic 80-kilometer multi-day journey that connects major peaks and diverse ecosystems, representing a true "bucket-list" trek.

🧭 Seasonal Tips and Mountain Safety Daisetsuzan is world-renowned for its ephemeral beauty; it is the first place in Japan to welcome autumn colors, transforming the slopes into a tapestry of red and gold as early as September. The primary climbing season is brief, typically from late June to early October, though snow can fall as early as September, making warm layers and rain gear essential.Safety in this wilderness is managed by a five-level "Grade System" based on personal risk and environmental remoteness. Because this is the natural habitat of the brown bear, hikers are urged to carry bear spray and bells, and those visiting the Kogen Onsen area must attend a mandatory safety lecture before entering the trails.

⛩️ Sacred Traditions and Mountain Worship To the Kamikawa Ainu, these peaks are more than rock and ice; they are Kamuy Mintar—the "Playground of the Gods". The Ainu believe that the headwaters within this range are the closest locations to the realm of the gods (kamuymosir), bringing nature's blessings to the world below. Every year, the Nupuri Kor Kamuynomi festival is held at the foot of Asahi-dake, where prayers are offered for the safety of climbers and travelers entering this divine domain.

📖 Local Legends, History, and Folklore The folklore of Daisetsuzan is rich with stories of battles between heroic gods and demons. Legends speak of gods descending to the human realm in the form of mountains and bears, while the Ishikari River is viewed as a living being rising from the ocean to climb these peaks. Modern history was shaped by writers like Keigetsu Omachi, who famously challenged these peaks before trails existed and wrote, "Climb Mt. Fuji and tell stories of its height. Climb the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range and tell stories of its majesty".

🌿 The Unique Character of the Peak What makes Daisetsuzan unforgettable is its primeval scale and biodiversity. It hosts a vast alpine zone with over 250 plant species and rare creatures like the Eversmann's Parnassian butterfly, found nowhere else in Japan. Standing on the summit of Asahi-dake, surrounded by 360-degree panoramic views of gorges with perpetual snow and cascading waterfalls like the 270-meter Hagoromo Falls, a hiker feels they have truly stepped into a "divine source" that remains unchanged over the ages

High above the primeval forests of eastern Hokkaido stands 雌阿寒岳 (Meakandake), a peak that breathes with the ancient fire of the earth. Rising 1,499 metres into the sky, this active stratovolcano is the crown jewel of the Akan volcanic group, known to the indigenous Ainu people as Machineshiri, or the "Mountain of Women".📖 Local Legends and Sacred TraditionsIn Ainu folklore, Meakandake is not a solitary figure but a partner in a celestial marriage; she is the wife of the nearby Mt. Oakan (Pinneshiri), the "Male Mountain". This spiritual connection is deeply felt at the Akanko Ainu Kotan, one of Hokkaido’s largest Ainu settlements located at the mountain's foot. Here, the belief that souls reside in all things—from the steaming vents of the peaks to the rare marimo algae in Lake Akan—remains a vibrant part of local life. To climb Meakandake is to walk upon a landscape that has been active for over 20,000 years, a place where the Ainu have long lived in harmony with the "kamuy" (spirits) of the volcano.

🥾 Hiking Routes and Trail HighlightsThe journey to the summit offers three distinct experiences, each revealing a different facet of the mountain's character:

• Meakan Onsen Course: The most popular and direct route (approx. 4 hours round trip), it begins in a dense forest of Sakhalin spruce before emerging onto steep gravel slopes that offer views of the vivid Akanuma (Red Pond) and Aonuma (Blue Pond) nestled within the crater.
• Onneto Course: This steep, winding path starts from the shores of Lake Onneto, providing breathtaking views of the symmetrical Akanfuji, a 2,000-year-old cinder cone that sits beside the main peak like a perfect guardian.
• Akankohan Course: The longest trail (approx. 5-8 hours total), it takes hikers through lush flower gardens and along high ridges, offering a grand panorama of Lake Akan and Mt. Oakan.

• Safety First: As an active volcano, hikers must check the Volcanic Alert Level before departing. If the alert is at Level 2 or higher, trails are closed; even at Level 1, sirens are installed along the route for emergencies.
• Volcanic Hazards: The summit area is often shrouded in sulfuric gases that can cause nausea; hikers are advised to pass through these zones quickly and avoid lingering.
• Wildlife: The lower forests are home to Hokkaido brown bears, making bear bells and spray mandatory equipment.
• The Seasons: The prime hiking window is June to October. While summer brings a "raucous" display of alpine flowers, mid-October may see the first snowfall, turning the trails icy and requiring extra caution.

🧭 Seasonal Tips and Mountain SafetyMeakandake is a living giant, and her temperament dictates the journey.

🌿 An Unforgettable CharacterWhat makes Meakandake truly unforgettable is the stark contrast of her landscape. At the base, you are surrounded by the lush green of the forest and the "five-colored" shifting hues of Lake Onneto. As you ascend, the greenery gives way to a brutalized, rocky scree where only the hardiest plants survive—most notably the Meakan-kinbai and Meakan-fusuma, delicate flowers named specifically after this mountain.At the summit, the sound of the wind mixes with the roaring scream of volcanic vents, a reminder of the mountain's raw power. After the descent, weary travellers traditionally sought refuge at Nonaka Onsen, a simple ryokan famous for its sulfuric waters, though it is currently undergoing a slow recovery after a fire in 2025. Meakandake remains a place where the earth’s internal heat meets the cool Hokkaido air, creating a landscape that is as beautiful as it is wild

Standing as a sharp, rocky sentinel halfway between the volcanic lakes of Akan and the wild Shiretoko Peninsula, Mount Shari (1,547m) is a peak defined by the music of rushing water and the rugged spirit of eastern Hokkaido. It is a mountain that demands a hands-on approach, where the trail is not merely a path but a literal journey through the elements.

🥾 Hiking Routes and Trail Highlights The most celebrated way to experience Mount Shari is via the Kyuudou (Old Path), also known as the "Waterfall Route". This trail follows a beautiful mountain stream, requiring hikers to navigate 12 different river crossings. For much of the ascent, you are climbing directly past—and sometimes through—countless waterfalls, using ropes and chains to navigate the trickier, spray-slicked sections.After reaching the Kamifutamata junction, the terrain shifts to a steep climb toward Uma no sei (The Horse’s Back), where the first dramatic views of the summit appear. The descent is typically made via the Shindou (New Path), which leads through the Kumami-toge (Bear-viewing pass). Here, the trail is so steep that the branches of the trees lining the path have been permanently stained and polished by the "sweat" of countless hikers grabbing them for support.

🧭 Seasonal Tips and Mountain Safety Mount Shari is best climbed from late June to early October, once the heavy winter snow has receded. Safety on this peak is uniquely managed by a strict local rule: no hikers may start their ascent after 12 noon. The hut manager at the Kiyodake-so (a concrete bunker-style lodge at the trailhead) strictly enforces this to ensure all climbers return before dark.While Mount Shari is one of the few famous peaks in Hokkaido with zero recorded bear incidents, it remains deep within brown bear territory. Hikers are encouraged to carry a bear bell, especially when traversing the dense brush pine near the "Bear-viewing pass".

⛩️ Sacred Traditions and Mountain Worship In keeping with Japan’s ancient view of mountains as reizan (sacred peaks), Mount Shari is treated as an abode of the divine. Just before reaching the final summit, hikers pass a small shrine, a silent marker of the "Trail of Faith" that connects the physical effort of the climb to a spiritual destination.

📖 Local Legends, History, and Folklore The history of Mount Shari is rooted in the landscape of the Ainu people, who traveled these eastern Hokkaido trails long before the 16th century. Its name and "extraordinary distinctiveness" were what drew the author Kyuya Fukada to include it in his personal selection of the 100 famous mountains, viewing such peaks as tutelary deities that watch over the local villages.

🌿 The Unique Character of the Peak What makes Mount Shari unforgettable is its raw, panoramic isolation. From its pointy summit, you are rewarded with a "bird's eye view" that spans the Sea of Okhotsk, the Pacific Ocean, the silhouette of Kunashiri Island, and the smoking peaks of the Shiretoko range. It is a mountain where the boundary between the land and the water blurs, leaving climbers with the memory of the cold splash of waterfalls and the expansive blue of the northern seas

In the far eastern reaches of Hokkaido, where the land juts defiantly into the Sea of Okhotsk, stands Mt. Rausu (羅臼岳), a 1,661-metre peak known to the Ainu people as Chacha-nupuri, or "Grandfather Mountain". Rising as the highest point of the Shiretoko Range, this dormant volcano is a cornerstone of a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its "unspoiled" and "irreplaceable" ecosystem.

📖 The Legend of the Grandfather MountainLong before it was listed as one of Japan’s "100 Famous Mountains," the Ainu revered this peak as a protective patriarch. The name Chacha-nupuri reflects this status, signifying a "Father" or "Grandfather" figure watching over the peninsula. Its modern name, Rausu, is thought to derive from the Ainu word ra-ush, perhaps meaning "river of the thing at a low place," though its exact origins remain a mystery of the ages.

⛩️ Sacred Traditions and Mountain WorshipFor the Ainu, the wilderness of Shiretoko is a living tapestry of spirits, where souls reside in all things. This profound spirituality is rooted in harmony with nature; the mountain is not merely a geographic landmark but a sacred space where the human and divine worlds meet. The deep respect for the Bear God is central to this heritage, as these massive predators are seen as powerful deities visiting the human realm.

🥾 The Ascent: Trail HighlightsTo reach the summit of the "Shiretoko Fuji," hikers typically choose between two primary paths:

• The Iwaobetsu Onsen Course: The more popular route, beginning near the Kinoshita Hut. It leads climbers through breathtaking forests to the Okhotsk Lookout, offering views of the distant sea. Higher up lies Gokuraku-daira (Paradise Plateau), a marshland that serves as a gateway to the final rocky scramble.
• The Rausu Onsen Course: A more arduous 11-hour round trip from the southern side of the peninsula. This trail passes through the serene oak forests of Satomidai and beneath the towering cliffs of Byobu-iwa, known as "Folding-Screen Bluffs".

• Seasons: The hiking window is brief, lasting from early July to early October. Snow often lingers in deep ravines like Oo-sawa well into July, requiring crampons for safe passage. By late September, the alpine bearberry turns a vibrant red, signalling the approach of the first snows.
• The Guardian of the Woods: Shiretoko is a high-density habitat for brown bears (Higuma). Hikers must be vigilant, carry bear bells and spray, and avoid "blind curves" where a bear might be startled. A tragic fatal attack in August 2025 underscored the reality that these are "wild predators," and safety myths should not be taken lightly.

At the Rausu-daira saddle, hikers are met with a majestic view of the rocky summit looming above, often accompanied by the sound of water dripping from the sacred Iwashi-mizu spring.

🧭 Seasonal Tips and Mountain SafetyThe peak is a place of harsh beauty, where the weather can be unforgiving even in summer.

🌿 The Unforgettable Character of RausuWhat makes Mt. Rausu truly unique is its compressed vertical ecology. Due to the high latitude, alpine plants like Japanese stone pines thrive at just 1,100 metres—a phenomenon usually reserved for heights above 2,000 metres on Japan’s main island. From the summit, the world opens up into a 360-degree vista of the Sea of Okhotsk and the jagged spine of the peninsula. It is a place of "breathtaking beauty" where the climb is hard, but the reward is a sense of being at the very edge of the world