Southern Hakkoda Hiking Course for Experienced Hikers
The southern Hakkoda hiking course is a roughly 11 to 12-hour round-trip hike. As the course is tough and has no evacuation huts in case of bad weather, only well-prepared, experienced hikers who have consulted a local mountain guide should attempt this trail.
Compared to the well-maintained ropeway-equipped trails of the northern Hakkoda mountain range, the hiking trails of the southern range, which run along the south side of National Route 103, are wild and undeveloped.
Sarukura Onsen functions as a base for hikers heading into the southern range. The trail known as “Kyudo” or “old road” is well-maintained, but there are many rocky paths and waterlogged sections, so proper footwear and preparation for challenging conditions is essential. Hikers who brave the trail will be rewarded with stunning mountain scenery that includes alpine plants, marshlands and forests.
Home to some of northeastern Japan’s most magnificent wilderness, the southern Hakkoda mountains are a pristine, relatively unexplored gem for experienced hikers up for a challenge.