Daisetsuzan: Japan’s Largest National Park with Richard Smith / Adventure Hokkaido
In Episode 25 of the podcast we make our way north to Hokkaido and onto Japan’s largest national park, Daisetsuzan. Established in 1934, Daisetsuzan is one of Japan’s original 8 national parks – a list that has since grown to 34 – and is known for its alpine landscapes, abundant flora and fauna, and seasonal beauty including its deep snow of winter. For many, Daisetsuzan is the crown jewel of Japan’s national park system and without any doubt, is one of the country’s most rewarding destinations.
In this episode I speak with Richard Smith, an experienced guide who leads multiday hiking tours in Daisetsuzan with Adventure Hokkaido. As the name suggests, Adventure Hokkaido is a Hokkaido-based tour company offering small group hiking, cycling and nature tours to many of the islands most rewarding destinations including, but not limited to, Daisetsuzan. Originally from the United Kingdom but now based in Hokkaido, Richard knows Daisetsuzan very well and as such, offers great insight into the park while discussing the tours he leads and how to can yourself there, should you wish to.
Located in central Hokkaido, Daisetsuzan National Park includes sixteen mountains of over 2000 meters / 6562 feet spread across multiple volcanic ranges – of which Mount Asahidake is the highest at 2291 metres / 7516 feet above sea level. The mountains are not all that high when compared to those found on Japan’s main island of Honshu – many of which are above 3000 metres / 9843 feet in height including Mount Fuji, which stands 3776 metres / 12,388 feet – however Hokkaido’s higher latitude results in an alpine landscape including flora equivalent to mountains of 3000 metres and above.
Winters in Daisetsuzan bring heavy snow while late-spring, summer and autumn offer some of Japan’s best hiking. Adventure Hokkaido’s 6-Day Hiking Tour within Daisetsuzan National Park includes a traverse of its most famous peaks, including return day hikes up Mount Asahidake and Mount Kurodake, along with highlights including the alpine ponds of Daisetsu Kogen, Lake Shikaribetsu and overnight stays at renowned hot spring towns. Available from June to September, you can find full details on the Adventure Hokkaido website.
I’d like to say a big thank you to Adventure Japan and Richard for agreeing to the interview. Whether you choose to book a tour with him or take yourself to Daisetsuzan, I hope this episode encourages you to visit Japan’s largest national park and assists with planning that visit. I hope you enjoy.