Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark

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Recommended routes | Trekking

Recommended routes for Trekking Don’t know where to go? Check out these suggestions!

Trekking! Walk around the vast earth.

Take a trek and learn the charms of the Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark. Traverse the mountain ridges, look over the volcanic crater, and if you are lucky, come across wild deer. The more you walk, the more you want to go.

Mountains Walk them. Climb them.

Mt. Usu radiates the power of a volcano. Date-Monbetsu Mountain has a spacious ridgeline, and Konbu-dake Mountain is known for its spectacles formation. Other walkable mountains include Mt. Tokushunbetsu and Mt. Horohoro.

Information

Mountain Climbing Sites Please inquire each site for detailed information such as their facilities, equipment, prices, and business hours.

Mysteriously shaped
Megane-iwa

Forest A walk in the woods.

You can stroll around Nakajima, the islands in the middle of Lake Toya. The path along Osaru River in the forest has a gorgeous view of the waterfall. There is also a Nordic walking course in Otaki. Enjoy the beauty of nature at your own pace.

Information

Areas of Interest Please inquire each site for detailed information such as their facilities, equipment, prices, and business hours.

A rare encounter with Ezo deer.
If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll see one too!

Footpath Many trails to choose from.

There are a lot of footpaths and walking trails where you can be in tune with nature at the Geopark.
Take your time and enjoy walking around.

Information

Recommended Footpaths Please inquire each site for detailed information such as their facilities, equipment, prices, and business hours.

The only way to this
beautiful spot is on foot.

Sample Routes Need some route suggestions?

Here are some suggested trekking routes at the Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark area.
Please inquire at each facility or shop for detailed information such as their business hours and prices.

  1. Route A

    A path through Mt. Usu
    overlooking the crater and the lake.
  2. Start!
  3. New Chitose Airport
    JR Sapporo Station
  4. Mt. Usu trailhead
    Climb up Mt. Usu without using the ropeway. Take the Usu-Gairin-zan Observation Deck course and start walking!
  5. A break at the observation deck.
    Start walking on the path through the forest, then make a left at the junction. The trail will take you to the observation deck. Have a rest and enjoy the view!
  6. Getting tough! Climb 600 steps.
    Walk along the Gairin-zan trail while looking at the Crater Basin Observation Deck. You will reach the long stairs, the toughest point of the trail. You can do it!
  7. Finally, the Mt. Usu Crater!
    Climb up the long stairs, and arrive at the Mt. Usu Crater Observation Deck. Enjoy the sight of the overwhelming lava dome and the scenery around it.

  1. Route B

    Megane-iwa (spectacle rock) and
    Panorama from Mt. Konbu
  2. Start!
  3. New Chitose Airport
    JR Sapporo Station
  4. Mt. Konbu trailhead
    Fill in the registration form, and start walking! You can find the trailhead next to a nearby house. But watch your step and do not stray on to private property.
  5. Check it out! Megane-iwa.
    An easy walk through the forest as you progress to the fifth station. You will see an open area a bit after, and the arch-shaped rock there is the famous Megane-iwa!
  6. Prep for the eighth station.
    After the seventh station, the slope becomes steeper, and beyond the ninth station, rocks rough up the trail. Slow and steady now!
  7. 360°at the Mt. Konbu Summit!
    After a tough climb, see the stunning panoramic view from the mountain top at 1,045m. Take a victory picture with the konbu (seaweed) shaped sign board.

  1. Route C

    Hike along the mountain ridge.
    Date-Monbetsu Mountain
  2. Start!
  3. New Chitose Airport
    JR Sapporo Station
  4. Date-Monbetsu trailhead.
    400 meters ahead of the parking lot is the trailhead. Walk for another 5 minutes after and you will find the trailhead box.
  5. A rest at the third station lookout.
    The third station lookout is a great spot to take a little break. Catch your breath while admiring the view of Mt. Usu.
  6. Ganbare Iwa – Ippuku Hiroba
    Meaning “encouragement”, this rock inspires you to reach the seventh station. After a break at Ippuku Hiroba, next comes the walk on the mountain ridge!
  7. Peak to Peak
    This is the climax. Walk halfway past the top of Mae-Monbetsu, and the trail leads you to the top of Date-Monbetsu, 714 meters above sea level.

Other Routes