Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway & Sugatami Pond
大雪山旭岳ロープウェイ・姿見の池
Ride the ropeway from Asahidake Onsen up to Sugatami Station at 1,600 meters, then walk the loop around Sugatami Pond for views of the steaming Mount Asahi, Hokkaido's highest peak, and alpine flower fields.
The Asahidake Ropeway takes about 10 minutes to climb from the base station at 1,100 meters to Sugatami Station at 1,600 meters. Outside the station is a loop trail of about 1.7 km that takes about 1 hour and passes Sugatami Pond and several other crater lakes. From here you can see up close the steam rising from the flanks of Mount Asahidake (2,291 m), Hokkaido's highest peak. In July the high-altitude fields are full of alpine plants, in mid-September the foliage turns red, and on clear days the peak is reflected in the pond. Reaching the summit of Asahidake requires an additional 4–5 hours round trip. The summer round-trip fare is about 3,200 yen (winter fares differ; check the official website). From Asahikawa Station, the bus takes about 1.5 hours. It is cold on the mountain and dense fog is common, so bring warm clothing.
Opening hours
Approx. 06:00–17:30 (varies by season)
Nearby sights
- Asahidake Onsen
- Tenninkyo Gorge & Hagoromo Falls
- Daisetsu Kogen Onsen & Marsh Trail
- Daisetsu Mori no Garden
- Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake Ropeway
- Sounkyo Onsen & Ice Fall Festival
- Ginsendai
- Momijidani Trail, Sounkyo