Hokkaido Trekking Routes | Best Beginner-Friendly Areas
From the World Heritage site of Shiretoko to Daisetsuzan and Mt. Apoi in Hidaka, Hokkaido has plenty of guided trekking tours suited to beginners. This guide covers what makes each area unique, the best season, what to wear, and how to get there.
Why Trek in Hokkaido
Hokkaido's landscape mirrors what you'd find at high-alpine elevations on the mainland, but at relatively lower altitudes here, letting even beginners take in genuinely wild scenery. Routes with proper boardwalks and a guide, like the Shiretoko Five Lakes, are reassuring even for those with no hiking experience, and families with children too.
Encountering wildlife unique to Hokkaido — brown bears, sika deer — along with alpine flora, is part of the appeal.
Recommended Areas for Trekking
Shiretoko Five Lakes
A signature scenic spot of the World Heritage site of Shiretoko, with a boardwalk route connecting five lakes. Depending on brown bear activity, there are periods when a guide is required, and a popular half-day tour with a nature guide is available. Some courses accept elementary-school-age children.
Daisetsuzan / Furano / Biei
Known as "the roof of Hokkaido," Daisetsuzan National Park offers everything from beginner-friendly walking paths to full-fledged mountain routes. Around Biei and Shirogane, some nature-guided photo treks and old-growth forest walks are designed with great photo opportunities in mind.
Hidaka / Mt. Apoi
A UNESCO Global Geopark, Mt. Apoi is known for its unusual geology and alpine plant life. Despite its modest elevation, it offers scenery unlike anywhere else.
Rishiri Island
On this further-flung island off Wakkanai, trekking tours take in views of 1,721m Mt. Rishiri. Choose from a full mountain climb or a route exploring the island's natural surroundings.
Best Time for Trekking in Hokkaido
Most routes run their season from late April through around November. The Shiretoko Five Lakes typically opens around April 20 and stays accessible through November. During the snowy months, many of the same trails switch over to snowshoe routes instead.
| Time of Year | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Late April–June | Fresh greenery alongside lingering snow. Some routes may not yet be open |
| July–September | Alpine flowers at their peak — the best season |
| October–November | Autumn foliage season. Mornings and evenings turn cold, so dress warmly |
Typical Pricing
A guided half-day tour typically runs around ¥5,000 per adult. Special programs, like a photo trek, may cost more.
* Prices change, so please check each operator's official website for the latest information.
Is It Suitable for Beginners?
A route with a proper boardwalk, like the Shiretoko Five Lakes, is easy to walk even with no hiking experience. On a guided tour, you'll learn about the route's features, highlights, and what to watch out for as you go, making it reassuring even for first-timers.
Family-Friendly for Kids?
The Shiretoko Five Lakes half-day walking tour accepts elementary-school-age children. Distance and difficulty vary by route, so choose one that matches your child's stamina if visiting as a family.
What to Wear & Bring
- Comfortable trekking shoes, or well-worn sneakers
- Clothing you can move easily in, and rain gear (Hokkaido's mountain weather changes quickly)
- A hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent (in summer)
- Water, trail snacks, and a backpack
Getting There
From Sapporo
By car: About 2.5 hours to Furano/Biei, and 5–6 hours to the Shiretoko area.
By public transport: Furano and Biei are easy to reach by JR, while Shiretoko involves lengthy connections.
By taxi: If you'd like to go straight there with no transfers, or you're traveling as a group, a private charter taxi is convenient.
From New Chitose Airport
By car: About 2.5 hours to Furano/Biei. Shiretoko is quite far, so flying via Memanbetsu Airport is the more realistic route.
By public transport: Direct buses from the airport are limited, and transfers may be required.
By taxi: If you'd like to head straight there after landing, or you're traveling as a group or family, a private charter taxi direct from the airport is convenient.
Taxi Fares by Area & Related Guides
- New Chitose Airport to Furano — approx. ¥44,000–50,000
- Cycling in Hokkaido
- Hokkaido Stargazing Spots
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is the best time for trekking in Hokkaido?
A. July through September, when alpine flowers are at their peak, is the easiest time to join.
Q. Can beginners join?
A. Yes — routes with a proper boardwalk, like the Shiretoko Five Lakes, or a guided tour, are fine even with no hiking experience.
Q. Can children join?
A. Some routes, like the Shiretoko Five Lakes half-day walking tour, accept elementary-school-age children.
Q. Can I do this as a day trip from Sapporo?
A. The Furano/Biei area works well as a day trip. Shiretoko involves more travel time, so pairing it with an overnight stay is recommended.
Q. Do I need a guide?
A. At the Shiretoko Five Lakes, there are periods when a guide is required depending on brown bear activity. Please check the latest information in advance.
Q. Do I need to book in advance?
A. Guided tours almost always require advance booking.
Q. Can a taxi take me to the trailhead or meeting point?
A. Yes. MUTO TAXI offers private charter transfers from New Chitose Airport or Sapporo to meeting points across Hokkaido. Please contact us for details.