Located in central Hokkaido, Daisetsuzan is Japan’s largest national park. At 226,764 hectares, the park is around the same size as Kanagawa Prefecture and includes three volcanic mountain groups with 16 peaks over 2,000 metres including Mount Asashidake – see below for details. Though the average elevation is around 2,000 metres, Hokkaido’s higher latitude means the overall environment is similar to 3,000 metre alpine areas found on the main island of Honshu.

There are multiple hot spring areas with accommodation within the park of which Asahidake Onsen is the largest. Notable hotels include Asahidake Onsen Hotel Bear Onsen, La Vista Daisetsuzan and Asahidake Onsen Hotel Deer Valley while you’ll also find plenty of good options in Kogen Onsen, Sounkyo Onsen, Tokachidake Onsen and Tenninkyou Onsen. Daisetsuzan experiences a long winter, typically from October to June, with the short spring, summer and autumn occurring from mid to late-June until the beginning of October. September is an especially popular time of year to visit thanks to the park’s beautiful autumn colours, followed by early snow in October.