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Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Mount Kurodake is a 1,984m-high mountain located in Kamikawa Town, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido (within Daisetsuzan National Park). It's part of the Daisetsuzan mountain range, and with the hot spring town of Sounkyo (Sounkyo Hot Springs and Sounkyo Ropeway) and the beautiful valley of the rapids at its base, it's extremely popular among hikers and tourists. The ropeway and lifts allow you to quickly gain altitude, allowing you to experience the alpine zone in a relatively short amount of time. The mountain's appealing seasonal changes include colonies of alpine plants, spectacular views from the ridgeline, autumn foliage, and winter snowscapes.
Highlights
- Ropeway/Lift: Accessible from the Sounkyo Onsen side, even beginners can easily enjoy the high-altitude scenery. Although you will have to walk up to the summit, the advantage is that you can reduce the elevation gain.
- Great view of the ridgeline: On a clear day, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the main peaks of the Daisetsuzan mountain range (including Mount Asahi) and the Tokachi Plain.
- Alpine plants: Colorful alpine plants bloom in summer, making it an ideal place for observing and photographing plants.
- Autumn leaves (Autumn): The beautiful colors from mid-September to early October (depending on the altitude and the year) attract many tourists.
- Snow and Ice World (Winter): In winter, it is a popular spot for skiing, snow mountain climbing, and taking photos of frost-covered trees and snowy scenery. However, proper equipment and experience are required.
- Hot Springs and Valleys: There are many tourist spots to enjoy before and after your hike, such as Sounkyo Hot Springs and Ginga and Ryusei Falls.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest major station: JR Asahikawa Station is the nearest transportation hub. Local and tourist buses run from Asahikawa to Sounkyo (the base of Sounkyo Onsen and the Sounkyo Ropeway). The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the road and route.
- Public transportation: Take the direct bus from Asahikawa Station (seasonal service, local bus) or a sightseeing bus from the Asahikawa area. Get off at Sounkyo Bus Terminal/Sounkyo Onsen and head to the ropeway station.
- By car: Approximately 3-4 hours from Sapporo (depending on road conditions and breaks). Parking is available near the Sounkyo Ropeway. Winter tires and chains are required in winter.
- Ropeway/lift: Take the ropeway from the base of the mountain to the middle, then transfer to a lift to reach higher elevations. Operational status of the ropeway/lift changes depending on the season and weather, so it is recommended to check in advance.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Ropeway + round trip to the summit (mostly walking): Approximately 3 to 4 hours (including round trip travel, waiting time for the ropeway, photography at the summit, and lunch).
- Serious mountain climbing (walking the mountain trail from the base or traversing the mountain): Half a day to a full day (longer depending on the route).
- Sightseeing (including visiting hot springs and waterfalls): 1 night stay to day trip (we recommend staying overnight at Sounkyo Onsen, relaxing in the hot springs, and then taking a stroll the next morning).
Nearby spots
- Sounkyo Onsen: A hot spring town where you can stay overnight or take a day trip to bathe. It is the starting point for sightseeing.
- Ginga Falls and Ryusei Falls: These are representative waterfalls of Sounkyo and can be viewed up close from the tourist trails.
- Daisetsuzan (Asahidake): The main peak of the Daisetsuzan mountain range, and together with Kurodake, it serves as a base for mountaineering and trekking.
- Various nature observation spots in Daisetsuzan National Park: Enjoy seasonal nature such as alpine plant zones and wetlands.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Sudden changes in weather: Mountain weather can change quickly, with strong winds, thick fog, and snowfall. Be sure to bring waterproof and warm layers of clothing, food and drinks, a headlamp, etc.
- Equipment: If you are hiking from the base, be sure to bring hiking boots, rain gear, a map, snacks, and plenty of water. In winter, you will need snow mountain gear such as crampons and an ice axe.
- Ropeway operation: May be suspended in the event of strong winds or bad weather. Operating hours and business days change depending on the season, so please check the official information in advance.
- Crowds: The ropeway, parking lots, and hiking trails are crowded during the autumn foliage season and long weekends. Please allow plenty of time for your trip, taking into consideration public transportation times and crowded parking lots.
- Nature conservation and etiquette: Alpine plants are fragile. Please be mindful not to trample them, always take your trash with you, and stay on the hiking trails.
- Wild animals: The area around Mount Daisetsu is home to brown bears and other animals. Avoid traveling alone, make noise with a bell or radio, and know what to do if you encounter one.
- Mobile phone signals and rescue: There are some areas where mobile phone signals are not available. Avoid traveling alone and take safety precautions such as informing others of your planned time of descent.
Note: Please be sure to check the latest facility operation information (ropeway/lift operation status, bus times, snow information, etc.) and hiking trail conditions on official websites or at local tourist information centers before setting off.
