🗺️ Mount Tarumae樽前山

About an hour from "New Chitose Airport," the gateway to Hokkaido, is "Tarumae Mountain," an active volcano with an elevation of 1,041 meters. Its uniquely shaped lava dome, resembling a pudding, is quite distinctive and is said to be a rare type of stratovolcano in Japan. Tarumae Mountain is located within Shikotsu-Toya National Park in the southwestern part of Hokkaido, which is known as the "Museum of Active Volcanoes," and it is a popular destination for enjoying hiking. It takes about 40 minutes by car from Tomakomai City to reach the 7th Station mountain hut. From the parking lot, it is about a 10-minute walk to a vast observation deck. Below, you can see Lake Shikotsu, which boasts the highest transparency in Japan, making a scenic drive highly recommended. From the 7th Station mountain hut, there is a hiking trail leading to the summit, which takes about 50 minutes to reach the top of East Mountain. Along the trail, you can see alpine plants, and the view from the summit is not to be missed. As Tarumae Mountain is an active volcano, there are volcanic gas emissions, and some areas are off-limits.

Located within Shikotsu-Toya National Park, this active volcano features a uniquely shaped lava dome resembling pudding. It takes about 50 minutes to reach the summit of Higashiyama from the 7th station mountain hut. Highlights include alpine plants and the expansive view of Lake Shikotsu.