There are approximately 300 kilometres of trails in Daisetsuzan National Park.
Each trail section differs in terms of natural conditions and location (distance from trailheads, availability of shelters, huts and other facilities), as well as the level of difficulty and experience required to climb the trail.

In Daisetsuzan National Park, the trail is classified into five levels, from “Grade 1” to “Grade 5,” to help climbers make decisions about their own responsibility (the degree of demand and difficulty of the decision to climb the trail) and the degree of atmosphere experienced during the climb (the sense of “primitiveness,” “tranquility,” or “casualness” of the trail, etc.). The Daisetsuzan Grade comprises five levels, from Grade 1 to Grade 5.

Trail managers are responsible for the preservation, restoration and maintenance of trails according to the “Daisetsuzan Grade” set for each trail section, and strive to maintain the natural environment and atmosphere typical of the Daisetsuzan Mountains.

When planning or climbing a mountain in Daisetsuzan National Park, it is hoped that by checking the “Daisetsuzan Grade” of the trail you are walking on, you will be able to climb the mountain according to your own ability, prevent accidents, and ensure proper use of the mountain.

Note: The “Daisetsuzan Grade” does not apply to routes labeled “not applicable” in the park plan, or in cases where the access road, such as a forest road, is closed or if the trail is closed to climbers due to management constraints.

Grade 5 (Trails with extremely challenging terrain)

 Grade 4 (Trails with challenging terrain)

Grade 3 (Trails to experience beautiful nature)

Grade 2 (Trails to touch beautiful nature)

＊Short-distance trails with good access to and from a trailhead. Grade-2 trails have steps and boardwalks that provide comfort underfoot. A certain level of risk management ability is necessary.

Grade 1 (Short trails to enjoy beautiful nature)

＊Short-distance trails to and from a hot spring or a ropeway station. Grade-1 trails are relatively flat with a small altitude gain or loss. They have steps and boardwalks that provide comfort underfoot.

＊ The explanation of Grade 1~5 refers to the hiking map

    of ASAHI-DAKE: The heart of the Daisetsuzan National Park.

  Daisetsuzan Grade Examples

Daisetsuzan Grade 5: Mt. Oputateshike – Sansendai – Mt. Tomuraushi

This area has some of the most unspoiled trails in the Daisetsuzan National Park, with no manmade infrastructure except for a few guideposts on the trail junction and the mountain summits. It also contains many overgrowths and snow patches even well into the summer, and is an active habitat for brown bears.

The trail has a few designated camp sites but no shelters. With a long distance to the trailhead and no evacuation routes in between, hikers on this trail must have excellent decision-making skills with regards to managing their schedules and judging the weather.

Conservation of the pristine natural environment is prioritized in this trail, and maintenance work is limited to the inspection of guideposts and other existing facilities.

Daisetsuzan Grade 4: Mt. Hokkaidake – Hakuundake Junction – Hakuundake Hut

This trail section in the Omote Daisetsu area of the Daisetsuzan National Park has a highly preserved natural environment, and is a popular traverse route for many hikers. It is technically possible but highly impractical to do the route as a one-day hike from the trailhead and back. Since the trail is situated on the ridgeline, it requires hikers to have a good sense of judgment when reading the weather and deciding the best course of action.

Facilities in this trail include the Hakuundake Hut and the Hakuundake Campsite, both of which are equipped with a latrine toilet. Conservation of the pristine natural environment is prioritized in this trail.

Daisetsuzan Grade 3: Sugatami Pond – Mt. Asahidake

This trail section is used in several hiking routes, including the Mt. Asahidake summit route, the Asahidake to Susoaidaira Plateau loop route, and the Asahidake Ropeway to Kurodake Ropeway one-day traverse route. It is one of the most popular areas in Daisetsuzan, with many hikers visiting from all over the country.

This windswept trail contains many screes and rocky slopes. While the trail is fairly discernible, visibility can be greatly reduced in adverse weather conditions. It is particularly easy to get lost on the descent from Asahidake during dense fog, and many hikers have gotten lost in the past.

Management of this trail section involves development and maintenance of infrastructure while also preserving the vast natural environment.

Daisetsuzan Grade 2: Sugatami Pond – Susoaidaira Junction

This trail section is used in the Sugatami Pond to Susoaidaira Plateau route, as well as the traverse routes from Mt. Kurodake and Aizankei. It is well-maintained and easily discernible in the summer climbing season, making it a comfortable trail for hikers. However, it contains several snow patches early in the season, so inexperienced hikers are advised to hear the lecture at the Asahidake Ropeway Sugatami Station and approach the route accordingly.

Since the trail is equipped with comfortable boardwalks and steps, it is a popular route for novice hikers looking to enjoy the nature of Daisetsuzan.

Daisetsuzan Grade 1: Momijidani Entrance – Momijitaki Falls

This route is a popular hiking and ecotourism course for visitors to the Sounkyo Onsen. Hikers can enjoy beautiful views of columnar joints, trees with woodpecker nests, and the Momijitaki Falls. The route is fairly flat and straightforward, and a round trip from the entrance to the waterfall and back can be completed in just around 1 hour.

The trail is maintained to provide some level of comfort to hikers, making it accessible to ordinary tourists looking to enjoy the beautiful nature in the area.

English Hiking Map of Daisetsuzan

An English language hiking map of Daisetsuzan entitled “ASAHI-DAKE” was published in 2017. This map was created by the Daisetsuzan National Park Research Network together with Gecko Maps, with support from the Daisetuzan National Park Council. It is available for sale at major bookshops in Sapporo, Asahikawa, and Obihiro, and online at Amazon Japan (https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4906740278/?language=en_US).