Daisetsuzan

Daisetsuzan National Park, commonly referred to as Daisetsuzan, is a national park in central Hokkaido, Japan. It encompasses a large expanse of the Daisetsuzan mountain range and surrounding highlands, including the island’s highest peak, Mount Asahidake. The park is the largest national park in Japan by area and protects volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and extensive wilderness.

Geography and geology: The park lies mainly in the Kamikawa and Higashikawa areas of Hokkaido and covers several valleys and plateaus. It is centered on the Daisetsuzan volcanic massif, featuring rugged peaks, glacial valleys, and several calderas. Asahidake, at 2,291 meters, dominates the skyline and is one of the most prominent features. The range also includes other well-known summits such as Kurodake and various crater zones.

Ecology: The park contains a broad altitudinal transect from boreal forests to alpine tundra. Flora includes conifers, alpine plants, and mosses, with seasonal blooms in higher elevations. The area provides habitat for wildlife such as brown bears and Hokkaido deer, among others, and is important for migratory birds and endemic species.

Recreation and access: Popular access is through Asahikawa and the Sounkyo Gorge area. The Asahidake Ropeway provides access toward higher elevations, and the Kurodake Ropeway offers another route to alpine terrain. Hiking, wildlife watching, and hot springs are major attractions; winter conditions can be severe, limiting some activities.

Administration and conservation: The park is managed by the Ministry of the Environment. It protects a range of landscapes and ecosystems and forms part of Japan’s system of protected areas aimed at conserving biodiversity and natural beauty.