ODAITO NEST おだいとうネスト
-野付半島まで10分の個室ゲストハウスー
ODAITO NEST おだいとうネスト
-野付半島まで10分の個室ゲストハウスー
Hokkaido is globally renowned for its winter landscapes, but its green season is a true, well-kept secret for hikers. While mainland Japan is famous for crowded 3,000-meter alpine routes, Eastern Hokkaido offers something completely different: highly accessible mountains with moderate elevation gains (300–700m) that boast the kind of rare alpine flora and rugged volcanic landscapes you would normally only find at extreme altitudes.
Depending on the trail, your reward might be a sweeping view over the Sea of Okhotsk, a photogenic sea of clouds, steaming volcanic vents, or a relaxing soak in a natural hot spring (onsen) right at the base of the mountain.
Whether you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure or a relaxed hike with spectacular photo opportunities, here are eight rewarding, beginner-friendly hikes in Eastern Hokkaido.
Mount Musa is a beloved twin-peaked mountain offering unrivaled views. From the summit, you can look down over vast, grid-like farmlands, the sweeping curve of the Notsuke Peninsula, and even Kunashiri Island on a clear day. The well-maintained trail winds through beautiful birch forests and open grasslands.
If you hike in July or August, you’ll be greeted by gorgeous white fields of blooming soba (buckwheat) near the trailhead. Early-season hikers might even catch alpine cherry blossoms blooming near the ridge!
Elevation: 1,005 m (Gain: ~671 m)
Time: ~2.5 hr up / ~2 hr down
Pro-tip: There is a basic mountain hut on the trail. If you plan to refill water from natural sources, be sure to bring a water filter or boiling gear.
If you love ending your outdoor adventures with a relaxing soak in a traditional Japanese hot spring, this is the trail for you. The trailhead sits just up an unpaved road from Youroushi Onsen, a beautiful, secluded hot spring village. The trail offers a deeply peaceful hike through refreshing birch forests, with unobstructed panoramic views of Mount Shari and Lake Mashu at the top. Because it’s a quieter route, you’ll often have the spectacular wilderness all to yourself.
Elevation: 1,061 m (Gain: ~739 m)
Time: ~3 hr up / ~2.5 hr down
Pro-tip: Perfect for summer hiking when the crisp air offers incredible visibility. Don’t forget to pack a towel for your post-hike onsen!
Mount Mokoto is arguably the most accessible peak in the region. A short, easy climb through flower-filled alpine meadows rewards you with breathtaking, wide-angle views of Lake Kussharo’s massive caldera. On clear mornings, you might even witness a highly photogenic “sea of clouds” (unkai) blanketing the lake below.
Elevation: 1,000 m (Gain: 195–275 m depending on the route)
Time: 30 min–1 hr up / ~1 hr down (A 3.5 hr loop is also available)
Pro-tip: After your hike, treat yourself to local Hokkaido ramen or rich soft-serve ice cream at the trailhead cafe (open May–October).
Lake Mashu is famous for having some of the clearest water in the world, radiating a mesmerizing, deep shade known as “Mashu Blue.” This trail lets you hike right along the caldera rim, providing a constant visual connection to the lake below. The path is lined with golden grasslands and rare subalpine flowers like black lilies.
From the summit, the sweeping view of the distant Shiretoko mountain range is unforgettable.
Elevation: 857 m (Gain: ~341 m)
Time: ~3 hr up / ~2.5 hr down
Pro-tip: This is a longer hike (about 7 km one way) with minimal shade. Bring plenty of water and sun protection!
Known among locals as the “Flower Mountain,” Mount Nishibetsu is a dream for botany lovers and photographers. The trail features a famously steep section called Gaman-zaka (“Perseverance Hill”), but the effort is distracted by vibrant seasonal blooms like Ezo azaleas and Miyama columbines lining the path.
Elevation: 800 m (Gain: ~465 m)
Time: ~1.5 hr up / ~1 hr down
Pro-tip: For an epic full-day trek, experienced hikers can tackle the traverse route connecting Mount Nishibetsu directly to Mount Mashu.
For hikers seeking an unforgettable adventure, Mount Meakan is an absolute must-do. As an active volcano, the landscape dramatically transforms from dense, primeval coniferous forests into a rugged, red-brown alien world of scree and steam-belching craters. You’ll hear the roar of the earth and smell the sulfur as you look down into the massive Pon-machineshiri crater.
Elevation: 1,499 m (Gain: 764–854 m)
Time: ~2-3 hr up / ~1.5-2 hr down (depending on the route)
Pro-tip: Wear sturdy hiking boots for the loose volcanic rock. If you have extra energy, you can combine this with a side trip to the neighboring Mount Akan-Fuji.
Active Volcano Alert: Mt. Meakan is highly active. Access may be restricted depending on current conditions. Always check the JMA Volcanic Warnings before your hike.
Starting near a local ski resort, this trail offers a chance to experience Hokkaido’s unique geothermal activity without a strenuous climb. The absolute highlight is Bokke—a fascinating series of bubbling mud volcanoes releasing steam and rhythmic popping sounds from deep underground. It offers a stunning contrast of raw geothermal power surrounded by delicate wildflowers, topped off with views of Lake Akan.
Elevation: 916 m (Gain: ~318 m)
Time: ~1.5 hr up / ~1 hr down
Pro-tip: Easily accessible from Lake Akan Onsen, making it a perfect quick morning hike before exploring the hot spring town.
Nestled between Lake Akan and Kawayu Onsen, Mount Pekere is a quiet, hidden gem. The trail features lovely transitions through spruce, fir, oak, and birch forests, dotted with wild orchids in early summer. The summit boasts a surprisingly dramatic, 360-degree panorama of Lake Kussharo, Mount Meakan, and the entire caldera landscape.
Elevation: 732 m (Gain: ~482 m)
Time: ~1.5 hr up / ~1 hr down
Pro-tip: With great light and visibility through the open hardwood forests, this is a fantastic, peaceful hike where you’ll likely have the mountain entirely to yourself.
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