Daisetsuzan National Park on Hokkaido, Japan

 

Daisetsuzan National Park (大雪山国立公園) is the largest national park in Japan, located in the mountainous center of the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. It covers an area of 2,267.64 square kilometers (875.54 sq mi), and is approximately the size of Kanagawa Prefecture. Daisetsuzan is known for its serene alpine landscapes and towering mountains, such as Mount Tomuraushi (2,914 m) and the Tokachi and Ishikari mountain ranges. 

Those environs and an average elevation of 2,000 meters have earned the park the nicknames "the roof of Hokkaido" and "the playground of the gods." Daisetsuzan is a paradise for hikers, outdoor lovers, deer and brown bears, and the first place in Japan to see fall colors and snow each autumn.

The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including brown bears, pika, and several rare species of birds and plants. Daisetsuzan is also a sacred site for the Ainu people, the indigenous people of Hokkaido.

There are many things to see and do in Daisetsuzan National Park. Some of the most popular activities include hiking, camping, fishing, and birdwatching. The park is also home to several hot springs, or onsen, which are a great way to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring.

History

Daisetsuzan National Park was established on March 22, 1968, as Japan's fourth national park. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 as part of the Shiretoko Peninsula and the Mountains of northeastern Hokkaido.

The park's history dates back millions of years, to the formation of the Japanese Alps. The area was once home to a large number of volcanoes, but most of them are now dormant. The park is also home to a number of hot springs, which are formed by the volcanic activity.

The Ainu people have inhabited the area for thousands of years. They are the indigenous people of Hokkaido, and they have a deep connection to the land. The Ainu people believe that Daisetsuzan is a sacred place, and they have many stories and legends about the park.

The first Japanese people to explore the area were samurai in the 17th century. They were followed by merchants and settlers, who were drawn to the area's natural resources. In the late 19th century, the Japanese government began to develop the area for tourism.

Ecosystem

Daisetsuzan National Park is home to a diverse ecosystem, with a wide range of plant and animal life. The park is located in a temperate climate, with four distinct seasons. The winters are cold and snowy, while the summers are warm and humid.

The park is home to a variety of forests, including subalpine coniferous forests, broadleaf forests, and mixed forests. The subalpine coniferous forests are dominated by trees such as Sakhalin fir and Ezo spruce. The broadleaf forests are dominated by trees such as Japanese maple and Japanese oak. The mixed forests are a combination of coniferous and broadleaf trees.

The park is also home to a variety of alpine meadows and wetlands. The alpine meadows are dominated by grasses and wildflowers. The wetlands are dominated by reeds and sedges.

Daisetsuzan National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including brown bears, Yezo sika deer, Ezo red foxes, Yezo stoat, Hokkaido squirrels, Blakiston's fish owls, black woodpeckers, Eurasian three-toed woodpeckers, and salmonid fish.

The park's ecosystem is important for a number of reasons. It provides habitat for a variety of plants and animals, including many endangered species. It also helps to regulate the climate and water cycle. The park is also a popular tourist destination, and it generates revenue for the local economy.

The park's ecosystem is facing a number of challenges, including climate change, invasive species, and habitat loss. Climate change is causing the park's winters to become shorter and warmer, and its summers to become longer and hotter. This is having a negative impact on some of the park's plants and animals, which are adapted to the colder winters and cooler summers.

Climate

Daisetsuzan National Park has a subalpine climate, with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. The park is located at a high elevation, so the temperatures are generally cooler than in the surrounding lowlands.

The average temperature in the park ranges from -15.3°C (5.5°F) in January to 21.1°C (70°F) in August. The average annual precipitation is 1300 mm (51 in).

The park receives the most precipitation during the summer months, when the southwest monsoon brings warm, moist air from the Pacific Ocean. The winter months are generally dry, but the park can experience heavy snowfall.

The snow cover in the park typically lasts from October to May. The snow depth can reach several meters in some areas.

The park's climate is ideal for a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and fishing. However, it is important to be prepared for the cold weather, especially in the winter months.

Pros and Cos

Pros of Visiting Daisetsuzan National Park:

• Stunning natural scenery: Daisetsuzan National Park is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Japan. The park is home to towering mountains, alpine meadows, wetlands, and hot springs.
• Diverse wildlife: Daisetsuzan National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including brown bears, Yezo sika deer, Ezo red foxes, Yezo stoat, Hokkaido squirrels, Blakiston's fish owls, black woodpeckers, Eurasian three-toed woodpeckers, and salmonid fish.
• Abundant outdoor activities: Daisetsuzan National Park is a great place to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and birdwatching. The park is also home to several hot springs, which are a great way to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring.
• Cultural significance: Daisetsuzan National Park is a sacred place for the Ainu people, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. The park is home to a number of Ainu cultural sites, such as the Ainu Village Museum and the Ainu Cultural Center.

Cons of Visiting Daisetsuzan National Park:

• Remote location: Daisetsuzan National Park is located in the remote interior of Hokkaido. This can make it difficult to get to, especially if you are flying into Hokkaido from another country.
• Harsh weather: Daisetsuzan National Park has a subalpine climate, with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. It is important to be prepared for the harsh weather conditions, especially if you are visiting during the winter months.
• Wildlife dangers: Daisetsuzan National Park is home to a number of dangerous wild animals, such as brown bears and snakes. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid encounters with these animals.
• Crowding: Daisetsuzan National Park is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months. This can lead to crowding on some of the park's more popular trails.

Tourist Attraction

Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Daisetsuzan National Park:

• Asahidake Onsen: This is the best base for exploring the park. There are a variety of hotels and ryokans to choose from, as well as restaurants and shops.
• Kurodake: This is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the park. The summit offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
• Sounkyo Onsen: This is a popular tourist resort town located in a beautiful gorge. There are a variety of hotels, ryokans, and restaurants to choose from, as well as a hot spring.
• Ginsendai: This trailhead is famous for its early autumn colors.
• Tenninkyo Onsen: This hot spring resort is located in the back of a valley and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
• Ainu Village Museum: This museum showcases the culture and traditions of the Ainu people, the indigenous people of Hokkaido.
• Ainu Cultural Center: This center offers a variety of programs and activities related to Ainu culture, such as traditional dancing and singing.
• Tokachidake Onsen: This hot spring resort is located in the southern part of the park and offers stunning views of Mount Tokachi.
• Sugatamiike Pond: This pond is known for its crystal-clear water and its reflection of Mount Asahidake.
• Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Ropeway: This ropeway takes visitors to the top of Mount Kurodake, where they can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Transportation System

The transportation system in Daisetsuzan National Park is limited, but there are a few options available to visitors.

• By car: The best way to get around Daisetsuzan National Park is by car. This gives you the flexibility to explore the park at your own pace and visit the places that interest you most. Rental cars are available at Asahikawa Airport and in central Asahikawa, as well as other airports and major cities across Hokkaido.
• By bus: There is a limited bus service within Daisetsuzan National Park. Buses run from Asahikawa Station to the main tourist areas in the park, such as Asahidake Onsen, Kurodake Ropeway, and Sounkyo Onsen. However, the bus service is infrequent, and it can be difficult to get to some of the more remote areas of the park by bus.
• By taxi: Taxis are available from Asahikawa Station and the main tourist areas in the park. However, taxis can be expensive, especially if you are traveling long distances.
• By foot or bicycle: The best way to explore Daisetsuzan National Park is on foot or by bicycle. There are a number of hiking and biking trails in the park, ranging from easy to challenging. However, it is important to be prepared for the harsh weather conditions, especially if you are hiking or biking during the winter months.

FAQ

Is Daisetsuzan National Park worth visiting?

Yes, Daisetsuzan National Park is definitely worth visiting. It is a beautiful and unique place, with something to offer everyone.

Here are some of the reasons why Daisetsuzan National Park is worth visiting:

• Stunning natural beauty: Daisetsuzan is known for its pristine alpine landscapes, towering mountains, and abundant wildlife. The park is home to 16 peaks over 2,000 meters in elevation, including the highest peak on Hokkaido, Mount Asahidake.
• Great hiking: Daisetsuzan is a hiker's paradise, with over 1,000 kilometers of marked trails to explore. The park is home to a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks.
• Rich cultural history: Daisetsuzan is home to a number of Ainu cultural sites, including the Ainu Village of Poroto Kotan. The Ainu are the indigenous people of Hokkaido, and their culture is deeply connected to the land of Daisetsuzan National Park.
• Abundant wildlife: Daisetsuzan is home to a variety of wildlife, including brown bears, sika deer, and Japanese macaques. The park is also home to a number of rare and endangered species, such as the Hokkaido pika and the Blakiston's fish owl.
• Relaxing onsen: Daisetsuzan is also home to a number of onsen (hot springs), where visitors can relax and rejuvenate after a day of hiking.

Whether you are looking for a challenging hike, a relaxing soak in an onsen, or a chance to experience the Ainu culture, Daisetsuzan National Park has something to offer everyone.

What is the largest national park in Hokkaido?

The largest national park in Hokkaido is Daisetsuzan National Park. It is located in the mountainous center of the island and covers an area of 2,267.64 square kilometers (875.54 sq mi). The park is known for its pristine alpine landscapes, towering mountains, and abundant wildlife.

Daisetsuzan is home to 16 peaks over 2,000 meters (6,562 ft) in elevation, including the highest peak on Hokkaido, Mount Asahidake (2,290 m or 7,513 ft). The park is also home to a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks.

Daisetsuzan is also home to a variety of wildlife, including brown bears, sika deer, and Japanese macaques. The park is also home to a number of rare and endangered species, such as the Hokkaido pika and the Blakiston's fish owl.

Daisetsuzan National Park is a truly unique and special place. It is a place where visitors can experience the beauty of nature, learn about the Ainu culture, and discover the wonders of the Japanese wilderness.

What animals are in the Daisetsuzan National Park?

Daisetsuzan National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including:

• Brown bears: Brown bears are the largest predators in Daisetsuzan National Park. They are typically found in the park's forests and meadows.
• Sika deer: Sika deer are the most common large mammal in Daisetsuzan National Park. They are found throughout the park, but are most common in the forests and meadows.
• Japanese macaques: Japanese macaques are a type of monkey found in Daisetsuzan National Park. They are typically found in the park's forests and hot springs.
• Hokkaido pika: Hokkaido pikas are small, mountain-dwelling mammals found in Daisetsuzan National Park. They are typically found in the park's alpine meadows and rock piles.
• Blakiston's fish owl: Blakiston's fish owls are the largest owls in the world. They are found in the park's forests and along its rivers and streams.

In addition to these large mammals, Daisetsuzan National Park is also home to a variety of smaller mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles. The park is also home to a number of rare and endangered species, such as the Japanese serow and the Ussuri brown bear.

When should I visit Daisetsuzan National Park?

The best time to visit Daisetsuzan National Park is during the summer months (June-September), when the weather is mild and the trails are snow-free. However, the park is also beautiful in the spring and autumn, when the wildflowers are in bloom and the leaves change color.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the different seasons in Daisetsuzan National Park:

• Spring: Spring in Daisetsuzan is a beautiful time to visit, as the wildflowers are in bloom and the snow is melting. However, it is important to note that some trails may still be snow-covered in the early spring.
• Summer: Summer is the peak season for visitors to Daisetsuzan National Park. The weather is mild and the trails are all snow-free. This is the best time to go hiking and camping in the park.
• Autumn: Autumn is another beautiful time to visit Daisetsuzan National Park, as the leaves change color. However, it is important to note that the weather can be unpredictable in the autumn, so it is important to be prepared for all types of weather.
• Winter: Winter in Daisetsuzan National Park is very cold and snowy. Most of the trails are closed during the winter months, but there are some winter activities available, such as skiing and snowshoeing.

How do you get to Daisetsuzan National Park?

There are two main ways to get to Daisetsuzan National Park: by train and bus, or by car.

By train and bus:

The nearest train station to Daisetsuzan National Park is Asahikawa Station. Asahikawa Station is about 1.5 hours from Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, by train. From Asahikawa Station, there are buses to various parts of the park.

The most popular bus route is the bus to Asahidake Onsen, which is the main resort town in the park. The bus ride from Asahikawa Station to Asahidake Onsen takes about 90 minutes.

By car:

If you are renting a car, you can drive to Daisetsuzan National Park from Sapporo in about 2 hours. The drive is very scenic, with views of mountains and forests.

Once you arrive at the park, there are a number of roads and highways that you can use to get around. However, it is important to note that some of the roads in the park are closed during the winter months due to snow.

What is the closest airport to Daisetsuzan National Park?

The closest airport to Daisetsuzan National Park is Asahikawa Airport (AKJ). It is located about 1.5 hours by train or bus from the town of Asahikawa, which is the main gateway to the park.

There are direct flights to Asahikawa Airport from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita Airport (NRT). The flight time is about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Once you arrive at Asahikawa Airport, you can take a shuttle bus to Asahikawa Station, which is the main transportation hub for the park. From Asahikawa Station, there are buses to various parts of the park.

If you are planning on hiking in the park, it is recommended to rent a car from Asahikawa Airport. This will give you the flexibility to explore the park at your own pace and visit some of the more remote areas.