Daisetsuzan (大雪山) is Hokkaido's largest national park. It preserves a mountainous area of virtually unspoiled wilderness, which is larger than some of Japan's smaller prefectures. It is a paradise for hikers, outdoor lovers, deer and brown bears, and the first place in Japan to see fall colors and snow each autumn.
Asahidake Onsen (旭岳温泉) is a small hot spring resort at the foot of Hokkaido's highest mountain, Mount Asahidake (2290 meters), and one of the most pleasant bases for exploring Daisetsuzan National Park.
The small village consists of only about a dozen buildings, wooden lodges, a beautiful youth hostel and two or three large hotels. Shopping and dining opportunities are limited to the hotels and the ropeway station. For weather forecasts, maps, explanations about the national park and other tourist information, head to the Asahidake Visitor Center near the ropeway station.
By bus
Asahidake Onsen can be reached by bus from Asahikawa Station (1450 yen one way) and Asahikawa Airport (1020 yen one way):
Asahikawa Station 07:11 09:11 13:11 15:11
Asahikawa Airport 07:54 09:54 13:54 15:54
Asahidake Onsen 08:51 10:51 14:51 16:51
Asahidake Onsen 09:30 11:30 15:30 17:30
Asahikawa Airport 10:22 12:22 16:22 18:22
Asahikawa Station 11:00 13:00 17:00 19:00
By car
Asahidake Onsen can be reached by car in about one hour from Asahikawa, Asahikawa Airport or Biei.