Southern Hokkaido is home to the stunning Onuma Quasi-National Park, featuring Mount Komagatake. This impressive mountain represents the beauty of nature and offers exciting hiking opportunities in the area. It’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking unforgettable experiences with stunning views and peaceful surroundings in the summer.
Hiking Season
Photo by: PIXTA/ 川村恵司 Hiking season at Mount Komagatake
In 1640, a major eruption caused the collapse of the mountain’s summit area, leading to subsequent eruptions that shaped it into its current form. Mount Komagatake features diverse landscapes, offering unique views in every season. An active volcano reaching 1,131 meters above sea level provides a great hiking opportunity from June to October. The mountain boasts a well-defined hiking trail, Morimachi Akaigawa, providing a safe and enjoyable ascent to the summit. Surrounded by lush larch trees, this one-hour hiking route offers natural beauty and panoramic views.
Exploring the Surrounding Area
Photo by: PIXTA/ Shigeyuki Komeno Drop by the picturesque Kogetsu Bridge
Beyond the hike up Mount Komagatake, the surrounding area offers many sightseeing spots. These include the serene Kogetsu Bridge and the panoramic observation deck atop Mount Higurashi, each offering its own unique perspective of the splendor that surrounds Mount Komagatake.
For a more relaxed experience, explore the region’s rich history and natural beauty. The Milk Road provides insight into the area’s dairy farming traditions from the Edo Period. This historic road, lined with ranches, provides an opportunity to savor the region’s bountiful offerings, from rich milk and soft-serve ice cream. The 42 Degrees North Marker offers a beautiful view as the sun sets. It lines up with similar markers in Chicago, Rome and Barcelona. Nearby, there is a peaceful spot by the lake with a small arbor where you can enjoy the sight of Japanese spatterdock flowers blooming in the summer.
Mount Komagatake in Onuma Quasi-National Park offers a summer hiking experience that seamlessly blends adventure, natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether you experience the breathtaking views from the peak or discover the nearby attractions, a trip to Mount Komagatake offers an unforgettable adventure into the beauty of Hokkaido.
