[Niseko's spectacular hiking and mountain climbing] 6 recommended courses for different levels

• Table of Contents
• When to Hike & What to Wear
• [For beginners] Shinsen-numa | Mysterious marshland and a pond in the sky
• [For beginners] Lake Hangetsu | A quiet trail surrounded by lake and forest
• [For intermediate hikers] Kagami-numa | The charm of a quiet hiking trail and virgin forest
• [Intermediate level] Sulfur trail | From the foot of the Weisshorn to the ruins of the sulfur mine
• [For advanced hikers] Iwaonupuri |  A Volcanic Peak with Dramatic Views
• [For advanced climbers] Mt. Yotei | Conquer the "Mt. Fuji of Hokkaido"
• Hike with a Local Guide
• Reward Yourself: Relax in a Hot Spring
• Summary: Discover the other side of Niseko by walking

When to Hike & What to Wear

■ Climbing season and recommended season

Spring (around June): Alpine plants begin to bloom all at once along with the snow still remaining on the mountains. At Shinsen-numa and Shirakaba-yama, skunk cabbage and cotton grass are in full bloom.
Summer (July to August): Cool and comfortable weather, perfect for serious mountain climbing. The colorful flowers of rhododendrons, day lilies, and ainguruma flowers are as colorful as those of the 100 famous mountains.
Autumn (September to October): The autumn leaves are beautiful, and the trees reflect on the water at the waterside of Kagami-numa and Hangetsu-ko. Iwaonupuri and Mt. Yotei are also covered in gradations of red and yellow.

■ Clothing and equipment

For beginner courses, sneakers, trekking shoes, and light clothing are OK, but please bring insect repellent, hats, and rain gear.
Trekking shoes are required for intermediate to advanced courses. Don't forget to bring layers of wind and cold protection clothing, a headlamp, emergency food, and a hiking registration form.
It gets chilly in the mornings and evenings, so it's a good idea to bring some light winter clothing even in summer.

[For beginners] Shinsen-numa | Mysterious marshland and a pond in the sky

A popular hiking spot in Niseko with a gentle boardwalk at an altitude of about 750m. The route is safe for beginners, with marshland and mountain scenery centered around the fantastic Shinsen Marsh. The flowers and autumn leaves are particularly beautiful from June to October, making it a popular photo spot.

Walking time: about 1 hour | Elevation difference: small | Condition: Excellent

There is a wooden promenade, so it is easy to walk (even the staff of the tourist association walked while holding a child).

See the highlights of Shinsen-numa

[For beginners] Lake Hangetsu | A quiet trail surrounded by lake and forest

Lake Hangetsu, quietly nestled at the foot of Mt. Yotei, is a natural lake surrounded by a quiet forest. The trail around the lake has few ups and downs, so you can take a leisurely walk while listening to the chirps of wild birds. In autumn, the autumn leaves are reflected on the lake's surface, creating a truly hidden, spectacular view.

Walking time: about 40 minutes to 1 hour | Elevation difference: small | Condition: Excellent

See the guide map for Lake Half Moon

[For intermediate hikers] Kagami-numa | The charm of a quiet hiking trail and virgin forest

The course to Kagami-numa, located on the east side of Niseko Annupuri, is a hiking trail through the forest. As its name suggests, the pond, which stands alone in the plateau, is a beautiful mirror that reflects the mountains on a clear day. Along the way, you can encounter wild animals and alpine plants.

Walking time: about 2 hours (round trip) | Elevation difference: medium | Condition: Good

See the guide map for "Kagami-numa"

[Intermediate level] Sulfur trail | From the foot of the Weisshorn to the ruins of the sulfur mine

To the north of Iwaonupuri (1,116m above sea level) lies the remains of the Iwaonupuri sulfur mine, which flourished from the Meiji period to the early Showa period. Many mysteries remain, such as how people lived in the depths of the snowy Niseko mountain range. The trail route was a residential road when the sulfur mine was here. Walking along the trail while thinking about those days will give you a unique experience that makes you feel like you've traveled back in time.

Walking time: 1.5 to 3 hours | Elevation difference: Medium | Condition: Good

[For advanced hikers] Iwaonupuri |  A Volcanic Peak with Dramatic Views

The trailhead is Goshiki Onsen. This is a spectacular climbing route with a desolate rocky landscape and volcanic topography. It may look easy, but it's actually full of rocks, so make sure you bring your shoes and gear. The view from the summit on a clear day is spectacular!

Walking time: about 3 hours (round trip) | Elevation difference: medium to large | Condition: ○ (good)

[For advanced climbers] Mt. Yotei | Conquer the "Mt. Fuji of Hokkaido"

Mount Yotei, with an elevation of 1,898m, is a mountain with an overwhelming presence that can be said to be the symbol of Niseko. There are four hiking trails, but the most common are the Kutchan Hirafu Trail and the Makkari Trail. It takes 8 to 10 hours to reach the summit, and weather and physical condition management are essential. This is a challenging course for those who are confident in their physical strength.

Walking time: 8 to 10 hours (round trip) | Elevation difference: large | Condition: good

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"Iwagikyo" an alpine plant that blooms on Mount Yotei

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"Yellow Rhododendron" an alpine plant that blooms on Mount Yotei

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"Ezoshiogama" an alpine plant that blooms on Mount Yotei

View the hiking trails for Mt. Yotei

Hike with a Local Guide

If this is your first time climbing and you're unsure of the route, or if you want to learn more about nature, we recommend a tour with a local climbing guide.

Professional guides who love the nature of Niseko will show you around, sharing interesting facts about the alpine plants and the terrain. They are also flexible in the event of sudden changes in the weather or poor physical condition, so they are a great help to families and beginners.

Find a hiking guide in the Niseko area

Reward Yourself: Relax in a Hot Spring

Goshiki Onsen (Niseko Town): Located next to the trailhead. The murky water has a sulfur smell and offers mountain views from the open-air bath.

Niseko Town Goshiki Onsen Information Center

510 Niseko, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 048-1511

Rankoshi Town Exchange Promotion Center Yukichichibu: The easy access makes it a great place to stop by on your way back from the mountains. The muddy bath for women is also popular.

Rankoshi Town Exchange Promotion Center Yuki Chichibu

680 Yunosato, Rankoshi-cho, Isoya-gun, Hokkaido 048-1321

Niseko Kanro no Mori: In summer, the open-air bath surrounded by fresh greenery feels great. It is said to have spring water that brings out beauty.

Niseko Konbu Onsen Hotel Kanro no Mori

048-1511 415-19 Niseko, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido

Summary: Discover the other side of Niseko by walking

The changing of the seasons, the colors of the flowers, the scent of the forest, and a sense of accomplishment. By hiking the mountains of Niseko, you can encounter scenery not found in tourist guides and quiet emotions.

The appeal of hiking and mountain climbing in Niseko is being able to experience the sound of the wind, the scent of flowers, and the chirping of birds while surrounded by vast nature. There are many routes to choose from, from casual walks to challenging mountain climbs, at your own pace.

Why not add a little walk to your travel plans and experience Niseko's nature on a deeper level?