Mt. Asahidake is said to be the first place in Japan to welcome autumn leaves. Stroll through the "Playground of the Gods" while taking in the carpet of yellow!
Mt. Asahidake, which you will visit on this course, is the highest mountain in Hokkaido with an elevation of 2,291m. After an approximately 190km drive from Sapporo, you will enjoy a hike in a sky garden located almost in the center of Hokkaido!
It takes about 3 hours from Sapporo to Mt. Asahidake. After taking a break at a service area along the way, you will arrive at the "Asahidake Ropeway", where your first stop is lunch at "Sugatami Restaurant" on the 2nd floor. Served here is the "Higashikawa Chunky Vegetable Stewed Hamburger Steak," packed with large cuts of locally grown vegetables! The hamburger steak is made with 100% Hokkaido meat, making it incredibly juicy. It's nutritionally balanced and perfect for fueling up before your hike.
After finishing lunch, you will freely board the ropeway to Sugatami Station at an elevation of 1,600m. During this roughly 10-minute walk in the sky, you can enjoy the colorful autumn foliage spreading out below. Upon arriving at Sugatami Station, it’s time to hike amidst breathtaking views! A walking trail of about 1.7km per lap (taking roughly 1 hour) has been established. Here, you can enjoy a variety of landscapes created by untouched nature, including alpine plants like the Aleutian avens, "Sugatami Pond" which reflects Mt. Asahidake like a mirror on windless days, and occasional sightings of animals like the Ezo pika.
On the way back, a break is scheduled at the "Sunagawa Highway Oasis," where premium products from all over Hokkaido are gathered. It is highly recommended for souvenir shopping, featuring the "Oasis Plaza" shop that sells Hokkaido specialties like famous sweets, local sake, and regional gourmet foods, as well as the "Soraichi Market," a farm-direct market offering vegetables and processed goods from the Sorachi area. Moreover, there is also the very first store of the popular confectionery brand "Kitakaro," offering exclusive menu items you can only taste here!
Relaxing and traveling over a total distance of about 400km (roughly 3 hours one way) is a unique perk of taking a scheduled sightseeing bus. Please join us to witness these spectacular views that can only be enjoyed during this brief autumn period.
Choose your plan
September 14-18, September 24-25, September 28-30, October 1-2, October 5-9, October 13-15
⚠️ Important infoTap to viewHide
Required reading
•As a general rule, please exchange your boarding ticket at the Regular Sightseeing Bus counter next to the taxi stand at the North Exit of Sapporo Station at least 15 minutes before departure time.
Information regarding bus boarding will be provided when you exchange your boarding ticket.
•◆Health Management
The driver and sightseeing guide undergo a pre-duty check to confirm their health condition, including fatigue and any illness.
Please take your trash with you.
•Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are easy to walk in.
Restrictions
•If you are participating in a wheelchair, a companion is required.
•Child fares apply to elementary school students and younger than junior high school students.
Children below elementary school age may join free of charge if they do not require a seat. If a seat is required, the child fare will apply.
Other notes
•From late September onward, snow may accumulate at the summit, so we recommend dressing warmly.
•For inquiries or cancellations related to this course, please contact the travel agency where you made your reservation.
•The minimum number of participants required is one person.
•[JR Sapporo Station]
Address: JR Sapporo Station
Access: Sapporo Station Mae (at the north exit of the west concourse, west side of the taxi stand)