I've just published an English, non-profit website (database) of ski touring, cycle touring, and hiking routes in Japan's northernmost (and most wild) island of Hokkaido. It includes GPS route files, trip reports, trailhead information, hostpring information etc. All the information is provided by volunteers and this community-effort site was developed by volunteer labor and capital.
The Hokkaido Wilds
URL: https://hokkaidowilds.org
Here's some highlights.
Hokkaido Ski Touring Routes (https://hokkaidowilds.org/skitour)
- Ginreiso Hut - this hut managed by Tokai University is one of my favourite locations to go for a ski tour near Sapporo City in the winter. It is about 3 hours from trailhead to hut, but from the hut there's a really nice clear area between the hut and summit of Mt. Haruka for a couple of laps of skiing.
Route guide: https://hokkaidowilds.org/ski-touring/mt-haruka-ginreiso-hut-overnight-ski-tour-otaru-city-hokkaido-japan - Hakuginso Lodge - this lodge has amazing access to some great backcountry routes in the Daisetsu range in central Hokkaido, including Mt. Furano, Mt. Sandan, and Mt. Tokachi. It is all self-service (with a big communal kitchen), and is only 2,750yen to stay overnight in winter.
Lodge details: https://hokkaidowilds.org/hut/hakuginso-lodge
Hokkaido Cycle Touring Routes (https://hokkaidowilds.org/cycle)
- Shiretoko Loop Tour - this route loops from Abashiri City in the east, over the Shiretoko Pass (world heritage site), then back to Abashiri via Lake Kussharo. Plenty of wild hotsprings, deer, and huge open scenery.
Route guide: https://hokkaidowilds.org/cycle-touring/shiretoko-cycle-touring-hokkaido-japan - Japan Far North - This route takes in Rishiri and Rebun Islands, two islands off the northwest tip of Japan. Mt. Rishiri is often called the 'Mt. Fuji of the north'.
Route guide: https://hokkaidowilds.org/cycle-touring/japan-far-north-rishiri-rebun
Hokkaido Hiking Routes (https://hokkaidowilds.org/hike)
This section of the database is still in progress - certainly not as many routes as the ski touring and cycle touring sections. But here are a couple of hikes I've particularly enjoyed (see Hokkaido Hiking Logs for more Hokkaido hiking routes).
- Mt. Tarumae - this is a fairly easy hike, but gives amazing views across Lake Shikotsu. It is pretty close to Sapporo City, so it is possible to cycle there for an overnight trip if you're into that sort of thing.
Route guide: https://hokkaidowilds.org/hiking/mt-tarumae - Mt. Teine - probably the most iconic mountain in Sapporo City, more well known for its skiing in winter. But it makes for a nice summer hike too. Big views across Sapporo City.
Route guide: https://hokkaidowilds.org/hiking/mt-teine-dayhike-sapporo-city
Hokkaido Mountain Huts (https://hokkaidowilds.org/huts)
Hokkaido mountain huts are a bit different to huts in other parts of Japan - they're mostly maintained and managed by volunteer groups (rather than being privately owned). Many of them are still open for use in winter, so they make for an awesome overnight trip. They're pretty rustic though, and all require hikers or ski tourers to bring their own food.
- Bankei Sanso Hut - this hut on the summer trail up Mt. Soranuma near Sapporo City is massive. It sleeps up to 80 people. The winter trail isn't the best for downhill skiing, but is beautiful. The summer trail is muddy, but gives really good views across Sapporo City.
Hut deails: https://hokkaidowilds.org/hut/bankei-sanso - Mt. Mokoto Ginreiso Hut - this small hut on the northwestern side of Mt. Mokoto (on the caldera rim of Lake Kussharo in eastern Hokkaido) is a hidden gem. It is super basic, but there's spring water just outside the hut, and in the non-winter months there's an eco composting toilet outside too.
Hut details: https://hokkaidowilds.org/hut/mt-mokoto-ginreiso-hut
Hokkaido Outdoor Safety Tips
We want people to enjoy Hokkaido's amazing outdoors in an informed and responsible way. So we've prepared some safety tips.
[link] [comments]
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