The earliest colored leaves in Japan at Daisetsuzan National Park

CONTENTS

The earliest Autumn in Japan
- Recommended Trails
- Access and related information

The earliest Autumn in Japan

The name “Daisetsuzan” is a name of mountain range, not a single mountain. It is also a place where the earliest colored leaves can be seen in Japan. There are several places in this national park for colored leaves, such as Mt.Kurodake, Sounkyo Gorge, Mt.Akadake, Ginsendai view point, and Asahidake. Autumn leaves normally starts from mid September and lasts until mid October.

Especially in Asahidake area, you are able to enjoy the contrast between rugged volcano and colored forests.

The Asahidake Ropeway is the only cable car that reaches above tree limit line in Japan.

It is a great base to summit Asahidake or just to have easy hike near Sugatami pond and marvel alpine vegetations and colored forest below.

Recommended Trails

Summit Mt. Asahidake, and have splendid view at caldera , and then hike through Susoai Daira Plateau, and back to Sugatami Pond

The most popular trail for serious hikers. Excellent views and colored leaves can be seen.

Asahidake is usually slightly snow-capped in the end of September so be prepare.

Hike North from Sugatami Pond , walk through Susoai Daira Plateau, and then reach Touma Nokkoshi Pass to view Numano Daira Plateau and Aizan Gorge forest.

Not many hikers around so you will have trail for yourself.

The trail is easy to hike( except one creek crossing) , and the view from the pass is spectacular.

Take ropeway on the way up and enjoy the view below, have easy hike in Sugatami& Fuufu Ponds, and then hike down all the way to the bottom station.

Easy hike around pond area, check out active solfatara and hike down all the way to the bottom station. On the way down, you are walking through colored forests, and enjoy crisp autumn air.