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DOUOU

The Douou area in central Hokkaido includes key cities such as Sapporo, Otaru, and Iwamizawa. Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido and its capital, offers a dynamic urban environment alongside natural beauty. It’s widely known for the annual Sapporo Snow Festival, which attracts visitors worldwide with its impressive snow and ice sculptures. Otaru, a charming port city on the coast of the Sea of Japan, is famous for its well-preserved historical architecture and picturesque canal, providing a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of past events.

Culturally, Douou is a treasure trove of history and tradition. Sapporo is home to notable historical landmarks like the Sapporo Clock Tower and the Former Hokkaido Government Office. The city is also celebrated for its culinary scene, particularly fresh seafood and the iconic Sapporo ramen, which can be savored at various local markets and eateries. Otaru enhances the cultural richness of the region with its renowned glassworks, music boxes, and the beautifully lit Otaru Canal at night. Iwamizawa adds to the charm with its scenic parks and traditional festivals.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Douou area offers a wide range of activities throughout the year. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at resorts like Teine, while the warmer months are perfect for hiking, cycling, and exploring the natural beauty of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The region’s diverse terrain, from serene lakes to rugged mountains, ensures that there is something for every traveler. Douou, with its captivating blend of urban attractions and natural landscapes, promises a memorable experience for all who visit.

HELL VALLEY
LAKE TOYA
MOUNT YŌTEI
MOUNT NISEKO
LAKE SHIKOTSU
TAKINO’O SHRINE
SANNAI AREA
SETOAIKYO CANYON
SENJŌGAHARA MARSHLAND
HELL VALLEY

Also known as Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley, is a captivating volcanic area located just above Noboribetsu Onsen. The valley showcases a range of volcanic activities, including hot steam vents, sulfurous streams, and bubbling mud ponds. The landscape is characterized by its otherworldly appearance, with bleached rocks and vibrant colors created by the geothermal activity. The valley is a major source of hot spring water for the surrounding onsen town.

A short walk from the valley leads to Oyunuma Pond, a gourd-shaped crater formed by the eruption of Mt. Hiyori. The pond’s surface temperature ranges between 40 and 50°C, while its depths reach around 130°C. Nearby, the Oyunuma River flows out of the pond, providing a natural footbath where you can soak your feet in the warm, mineral-rich waters.

Lake Kuttara, located at the end of an 8.17-kilometer hike from Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley, is a serene alpine lake known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque setting. The lake was formed by volcanic activity and is nestled within a caldera. The hike to the lake winds through scenic wooded hills and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley
Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley
Oyunuma Pond
Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley
Lake Kuttara
Oyunuma River
Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley
Oyunuma Pond
Lake Toya
LakeToya1
Lake Toya
MountUsu
MountUsu2
LAKE TOYA

Is a stunning volcanic caldera lake located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Formed over 110,000 years ago following a massive volcanic eruption, the lake is nearly circular, measuring about 10 kilometers in diameter. It is known for its remarkably clear waters, making it the second most transparent lake in Japan. The town of Tōyako lies on its western shore, while the town of Sōbetsu is located on the eastern side. The lake never freezes, even in winter, making it a popular destination year-round.

The lake is surrounded by scenic walking trails, parks, and hot springs. You can enjoy a relaxing onsen experience with views of the lake, take a stroll along the picturesque promenade, or explore the nearby Waterfront Forest Lane and Nishiyama Sanroku Crater Trail. The area also offers various recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, and boating. Nakajima Island, located in the middle of the lake, houses the Tōya Lake Forest Museum and provides a unique setting for nature enthusiasts. The island is accessible by boat and offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation, including an 8.84-kilometer hike around the island.

Mount Usu, an active stratovolcano, sits on the southern rim of the caldera and last erupted in the year 2000. The eruption created new craters and reshaped the landscape, adding to the area’s geological significance. The 2008 G8 Summit was held at Lake Toya, highlighting its importance and beauty. You can access the top via a hike or the ropeway and admire a gorgeous view of Lake Toya.

MOUNT YŌTEI

Also known as Yezo Fuji or Ezo Fuji, is an active stratovolcano located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Standing at 1,898 meters tall, it closely resembles Mount Fuji and is one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan. The mountain is composed of andesite and dacite, and its symmetrical shape adds to its striking resemblance to Mount Fuji. The last known eruption occurred around 1050 BCE, and the mountain is renowned for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities. According to Ainu mythology, Mount Yotei was the first part of land created by God, which then expanded to form Hokkaido.

The Yotei Panorama Terrace, accessible via a gondola, provides breathtaking views of the mountain and Lake Toya, making it an ideal spot for sightseeing. The terrace offers a 360-degree view of Mount Yotei, Lake Toya, and Shikotsu-Toya National Park, attracting you year-round. In winter, Mount Yotei becomes a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders due to its soft powder snow. The mountain offers both groomed trails and backcountry skiing, with the option to hike to the summit and ski inside the crater for a unique experience.

During the summer, Mount Yotei offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, fishing, and boating. The mountain’s trails provide stunning panoramas of the surrounding landscape, and the best time to hike is from late April to early November. The hike to the summit is challenging but rewarding, offering panoramic views of the Niseko mountain range and beyond.

 

 

Mount Yotei
Mount Yotei
Mount Yotei
MountYotei5
Niseko
Niseko
Niseko
Niseko
Niseko
MOUNT NISEKO

Rising to 1,308 meters, is a striking peak in Hokkaido’s Niseko region. The name “Niseko Annupuri” originates from the Ainu language, spoken by the indigenous people of Hokkaido. In Ainu, “nupuri” means mountain, and “Niseko An-” refers to a river, so “Niseko Annupuri” translates to “mountain with a sheer cliff and a river running around it.”

Renowned for its exceptional powder snow, the mountain is a magnet for winter sports enthusiasts. It is part of the Niseko United ski area, offering a blend of extensive groomed runs and thrilling backcountry terrain. This combination ensures a memorable experience for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

As the snow melts, Mount Niseko Annupuri morphs into a haven for outdoor activities. You can explore its numerous trails, ranging from gentle walks to challenging climbs. Mountain biking is also popular, with routes that showcase the area’s breathtaking scenery. Additionally, adventurous activities like hot air ballooning and bungy trampoline jumping provide a unique perspective of the landscape.

LAKE SHIKOTSU

Nestled in the southwestern part of Hokkaido within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, is a captivating caldera lake formed by volcanic activity. This picturesque lake is the second deepest in Japan, with a remarkable maximum depth of 363 meters and an average depth of 265 meters. Spanning an area of 78.4 square kilometers, Lake Shikotsu is surrounded by lush forests and towering volcanoes such as Mount Eniwa, Mount Fuppushi, and Mount Tarumae, creating a stunning natural landscape.

One of Lake Shikotsu’s unique features is that it remains ice-free throughout the year, even during Hokkaido’s harsh winters. This characteristic allows you to enjoy a wide range of recreational activities year-round, including boating, fishing, and scenic cruises. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Shikotsu, known for their exceptional transparency, invite you to explore its pristine beauty.

In addition to its natural beauty, Lake Shikotsu provides ample opportunities for adventure and relaxation. You can hike the surrounding volcanic trails, soak in the local hot springs, or stay at the lakeside town of Shikotsu Kohan, which offers accommodations and various amenities. The annual Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, held during the winter, features intricate ice sculptures and illuminations, adding a magical touch to this already enchanting destination.

The name “Shikotsu” originates from the Ainu word “shikot,” meaning “big depression” or “hollow,” reflecting the lake’s formation in a volcanic caldera. Interestingly, the Japanese initially found the name too similar to their word for “dead bones” and attempted to rename the lake “Engi,” but the original name persisted.

A prominent active stratovolcano in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Hokkaido, rises to an elevation of 1,041 meters. Its most striking feature is the lava dome, a result of its significant eruption in 1909. The mountain offers several hiking trails, with the primary route beginning at the seventh station, which is located at approximately 650 meters above sea level. This trail is popular among hikers for its relatively short ascent to the summit, typically taking less than an hour, and rewarding them with breathtaking views of Lake Shikotsu and the surrounding landscape.

For those seeking a more extensive adventure, the trail that encircles the crater provides an immersive experience of Mount Tarumae’s rugged beauty. This route, which takes about 2-3 hours to complete, offers panoramic vistas of the national park, showcasing the diverse terrain and natural splendor of the region. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a casual explorer, Mount Tarumae’s trails cater to various levels of experience, ensuring a memorable encounter with Hokkaido’s volcanic landscape.

Nearby, the Moss Cave Canyon (Kaede-Zawa), known for its moss-covered walls and unique sub-alpine vegetation, remains a popular hiking destination. The trail from the Moss Cave Canyon to Mount Tarumae is approximately 13.4 km long, providing a challenging and rewarding hike through diverse and enchanting landscapes.

Is a dormant stratovolcano standing at 1,102.6 meters. Known for its thick evergreen forests, the name “Fuppushi” comes from the Ainu word meaning “place where the Sakhalin firs (a species of evergreen coniferous tree) grow rampantly.” The mountain offers scenic hiking trails with beautiful views of Lake Shikotsu and the surrounding area.

Is a stratovolcano standing at an elevation of 1,319 meters. The mountain offers several hiking trails, with the most popular route starting at the Poropinai Observatory. This 5.5-kilometer trail takes about 3-4 hours to complete and winds through lush forests, offering breathtaking views of Lake Shikotsu and the surrounding volcanic landscape.

As you ascend, you can enjoy panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the Ishikari Plain. The diverse flora and fauna along the trail make the hike a rewarding experience for nature lovers. Mount Eniwa’s volcanic activity has significantly shaped the region’s landscape, contributing to the formation of Lake Shikotsu and other natural features.

Is a notable stratovolcano located at the convergence of Eniwa, Chitose, and Sapporo in Hokkaido’s Ishikari Subprefecture. Standing at an elevation of 1,318 meters, it is celebrated as one of the 100 famous mountains in Hokkaido. The name “Izari” is derived from the Ainu word “Ichankoppesan,” which translates to “river spawning salmon and trout,” reflecting the mountain’s connection to the Izari River and its surrounding ecosystems.

Mount Izari offers a fantastic backcountry skiing route, starting at the Izari-dake Rindo forestry road. The route takes skiers up to the ridge at 720 meters, providing expansive views of Mount Eniwa, Lake Shikotsu, and Lake Okotanpe. The round trip is about 11 kilometers with an ascent of 790 meters, making it a popular half-day tour. The best season for skiing is from January to April, attracting outdoor enthusiasts seeking a thrilling adventure.

 

Lake Shikotsu
Kaede Sawa Moss Corridor
Kaede Sawa Moss Corridor
Mount Tarumae
Lake Shikotsu
Mount Fuppushi
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Mount Izari
TAKINO’O SHRINE

Is a significant Shinto shrine in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, dedicated to Takinoo no Kami, the god of agriculture and fertility. Established around the 9th century during the Heian period, this shrine reflects the rich spiritual heritage of the region.

The shrine features a stunning torii gate and an intricately carved main hall, or honden, surrounded by lush greenery. You’ll want to experience the Takino’o Festival, held annually, which attracts locals and tourists alike.

Nearby, you can find the breathtaking Takino’o Falls, where water cascades dramatically down rocky cliffs. The scenic walk from the shrine to the falls is about 1.5 kilometers, offering a beautiful trail through lush forests.

Local legends speak of the deity’s protective nature over agriculture, with tales of miraculous crop growth and protection from natural disasters.

SANNAI AREA

The Nikko Sannai Area is a central cluster of historically significant shrines and temples located just north of Shinkyō Bridge in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes the renowned Nikkō Tōshō-gū Shrine, the Buddhist Nikkozan Rin’nōji Temple, and Futarasan Shrine. The area is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architectural designs, and lush natural surroundings. You can explore a range of historical structures, beautiful gardens, and sacred sites, all within a serene and spiritually significant setting.

Also known as the “Sacred Bridge” is a striking vermilion-lacquered wooden bridge that marks the entrance to the sacred sites of Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture. Built in 1636, this bridge elegantly spans the Daiya River and is an integral part of the Futarasan Shrine complex.

Shinkyō Bridge was constructed in 1636, designed to symbolize the transition from the secular to the spiritual realms. After being restricted for many years, the bridge was reopened to the public, allowing visitors to once again cross this historic structure.

Legend has it that the Buddhist monk Shodo Shonin, the founder of Nikko, needed to cross the treacherous Daiya River. After praying to the mountain deities for aid, two snakes appeared and transformed into a bridge, allowing him to safely continue his journey. This miraculous event is said to have inspired the creation of the Shinkyō Bridge.

Shinkyō Bridge is celebrated as one of Japan’s three finest bridges, alongside Kintaikyo in Iwakuni and Saruhashi in Yamanashi Prefecture. 

Founded in 766 CE by the revered Buddhist monk Shodo Shonin, this temple complex has played a pivotal role in introducing Buddhism to the region. Originally named Shihonryuji Temple, it grew from humble beginnings to become one of Japan’s most significant religious sites, heavily patronized by the Tokugawa shogunate from 1603 to 1867. The temple houses the Taiyuin Mausoleum, a designated National Treasure, along with thirty-eight other Important Cultural Properties.

The main hall of Rin’nōji Temple, Sanbutsudo, is a massive wooden structure that stands out for its architectural grandeur. It is home to three impressive gold lacquered statues: the Thousand-armed Kannon, the Amida Buddha, and the Horse-headed Kannon, each representing the mountains of Nikko.

This treasure house was established in 1983 to safeguard the temple’s invaluable cultural assets. It contains a vast collection of artifacts, including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties that chronicle over 1,250 years of Nikko’s history.

This Five-storied Pagoda is an iconic symbol within the temple grounds. Originally constructed during the Asuka period (593-710), the pagoda is one of the oldest surviving wooden towers in Japan and serves as a beacon of Buddhist tradition.

This lavishly adorned shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. It is renowned for its intricate carvings and vibrant colors and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the complex, the Okumiya Hōtō houses his spirit and is considered the most sacred part of the shrine, located further up the mountain.

The Haiden, or worship hall, of Futarasan Shrine, is dedicated to the mountain deities of Nikko: Mt. Nantai, Mt. Nyoho, and Mt. Taro. It is an integral part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a deep spiritual connection to the region’s sacred mountains.

Ryukō-in is a sub-temple within the Rin’nōji Temple complex, known for its stunning gardens and tranquil atmosphere. It was originally built as a villa for a Meiji period statesman and later converted into a temple. The gardens are designed to represent the Pure Land, with lush greenery and serene ponds that create a peaceful environment for reflection and meditation.

SETOAIKYO CANYON

Located upstream of the Kinugawa River, offers an exhilarating adventure for hiking enthusiasts. This scenic trail spans approximately 2 kilometers one way, starting at Kawamata Dam and leading through the breathtaking Setoai-kyo Canyon.

The highlight of this hike is the Watarirasshaitsuri Footbridge, one of Japan’s highest pedestrian suspension bridges, towering over 100 meters above the canyon floor. As you traverse the trail, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the sheer cliffs and the rushing river below.

The best times to visit are during the autumn months (mid-October to early November) when the foliage is vibrant with fall colors or in the spring and summer when the greenery is lush. 

SENJŌGAHARA MARSHLAND

Is a breathtaking highland marsh located at an elevation of 1,400 meters in Nikko National Park. Originally formed by volcanic activity from Mt. Nantai, this expansive 400-hectare area has transformed from a lake into a vibrant marshland over millennia. As part of the Okunikko Shitsugen, a registered Ramsar site, Senjōgahara boasts an impressive diversity of over 350 species of native plants and wild birds.

The hike through Senjōgahara spans approximately 5km and takes around 2-2.5 hours to complete the loop. Starting from Yumoto Onsen and ending at Ryuzu Falls, highlights along the way include the cascading Yudaki Falls, the tranquil Izumiyado-ike Pond, and the picturesque crossings over Aoki-bashi and Shakunage-bashi Bridges.