Trekking to Mt. Ashibetsu-dake: An Overview of the Two Routes
Mt. Ashibetsu-dake (芦別岳), towering at 1,726 meters, is one of the most popular mountains in the Furano area for intermediate trekkers. Known for its lush alpine forests, rugged terrain, and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Hokkaido landscape, the mountain offers a rewarding experience for outdoor enthusiasts. The trek to the summit begins at Taiyo no Sato Park in Yamabe, and trekkers can choose between two distinct routes: Kyu-dou (the old route) and Shin-dou (the new route).
Both routes are suitable for intermediate climbers, offering a mix of forested trails, rocky terrain, and open ridges. Here’s a detailed look at each route, including the time required and unique features.
1. Shin-dou (New Route)
Route Overview
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Ascent Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Descent Time: 3 hours
- Trail Type: Well-marked and maintained, with gradual ascents and a variety of landscapes
- Starting Point: Taiyo no Sato Park, Yamabe
The Shin-dou route is the newer and slightly longer path to the summit of Mt. Ashibetsu-dake. This trail offers a well-maintained, gradual ascent, making it the preferred option for those who want a more comfortable and scenic climb. While the Shin-dou route may be longer than the Kyu-dou, it compensates with more forgiving gradients, diverse landscapes, and a variety of beautiful viewpoints along the way.
Features and Highlights
- Gentle Ascent: The Shin-dou route’s steady but manageable incline makes it a popular choice for climbers looking for a more gradual approach to the summit.
- Diverse Scenery: As you trek along this route, you’ll pass through a mix of dense forests, alpine meadows, and ridges that offer excellent views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.
- Panoramic Views: Midway through the ascent, the trail opens up to reveal breathtaking vistas of Hokkaido’s mountainous landscapes, including distant views of the Daisetsuzan Range.
- Ideal for Intermediate Climbers: While the trail is not too technical, its length and elevation gain still offer a good challenge, making it suitable for intermediate hikers.
The Descent
The return trek down the Shin-dou route takes approximately 3 hours. The descent is relatively straightforward but can be steep in certain sections, so trekkers are advised to take their time and exercise caution, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
Recommended for
- Hikers seeking a less steep, more scenic climb.
- Intermediate climbers who prefer a longer but more gradual ascent.
- Trekkers who enjoy diverse terrain and panoramic viewpoints.
2. Kyu-dou (Old Route)
Route Overview
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Ascent Time: Shorter than Shin-dou, but varies based on pace (typically around 4 hours)
- Descent Time: Slightly shorter than Shin-dou
- Trail Type: Steeper, more direct ascent with rugged terrain
- Starting Point: Taiyo no Sato Park, Yamabe
The Kyu-dou route, or the old trail, offers a more direct path to the summit of Mt. Ashibetsu-dake. While this route is steeper and slightly more challenging than the Shin-dou, it is favored by hikers who want a faster and more strenuous ascent. The trail is shorter but demands a higher level of endurance due to its steeper incline and rougher terrain.
Features and Highlights
- Steeper Ascent: Kyu-dou is more direct, meaning you’ll gain elevation more quickly, but the steeper sections require more effort and focus, especially on rugged terrain.
- Rugged Terrain: This route is less developed than the Shin-dou, offering a more adventurous and traditional trekking experience through rocky trails, narrow ridges, and forested paths.
- Scenic Views: Though not as open as the Shin-dou in terms of panoramic viewpoints, Kyu-dou still offers scenic moments, particularly near the summit, where the views of the surrounding peaks are stunning.
The Descent
The descent on the Kyu-dou route is quicker than the ascent, but hikers should be cautious of the steep sections, which can become slippery after rain or during autumn when leaves cover the path.
Recommended for
- Hikers who prefer a shorter but steeper ascent.
- Trekkers looking for a more challenging climb with rugged terrain.
- Intermediate hikers with good endurance and those who enjoy a faster-paced ascent.
Views from the Summit of Mt. Ashibetsu-dake
Upon reaching the summit of Mt. Ashibetsu-dake, trekkers are rewarded with incredible panoramic views. The peak offers a commanding view of the Furano Basin, nearby mountain ranges, and on clear days, distant views of the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range and the volcanic Tokachidake Mountains.
Summit Views Include
- Furano Basin: Sweeping views of the agricultural fields and towns in the basin below.
- Daisetsuzan Range: The imposing peaks of Hokkaido’s largest national park can be seen in the distance.
- Tokachidake Range: The rugged, volcanic peaks of the Tokachidake mountains are visible, providing a stunning contrast to the greener landscapes below.
These views are particularly spectacular in autumn, when the surrounding forests and valleys are ablaze with vibrant autumn colors.
Important Trekking Tips for Mt. Ashibetsu-dake
- Plan Ahead: Mt. Ashibetsu-dake’s trails are not overly technical but still require preparation due to the elevation gain and length of the trek. Ensure you have enough time to complete the route during daylight hours.
- Bring Proper Gear: Even in summer, the weather can change quickly in the mountains, so bring appropriate gear, including rain protection, warm layers, and proper hiking boots. Trekking poles can be helpful for steeper sections.
- Hydration and Snacks: Both routes take several hours, so bring enough water and snacks to keep your energy up, especially during the ascent.
- Check the Weather: The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so be sure to check the forecast before heading out. Avoid the hike if there’s a risk of heavy rain or strong winds, as the trails can become slippery and dangerous.
Conclusion
Mt. Ashibetsu-dake is a fantastic destination for intermediate hikers looking to explore the natural beauty of Hokkaido. With two distinct routes—the gradual, scenic Shin-dou and the steeper, more direct Kyu-dou—there’s an option for every type of trekker. Both routes offer rewarding challenges, and the panoramic views from the summit make the effort well worth it.
Whether you opt for the longer, scenic Shin-dou route or the more rugged Kyu-dou route, Mt. Ashibetsu-dake promises a memorable trekking experience filled with breathtaking views, diverse terrain, and a deep sense of connection to Hokkaido’s wild landscapes.