Embark on an Epic Hokkaido Adventure: The Daisetsuzan Grand Traverse

Embark on a 5-day odyssey through Hokkaido's wilderness, from Sounkyo to Tokachi Onsen. Traverse rugged terrain, conquer towering peaks, and immerse yourself in nature's grandeur. Experience the thrill of adventure with breathtaking vistas at every turn.

Day 1 & 2: Into the Unknown

As the plane soared high above the clouds, leaving the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur behind, anticipation filled our hearts. Destination: Hokkaido, Japan. Our journey promised five days of thrilling exploration through the untamed beauty of Daisetsuzan National Park.

With the rising sun, we embarked on the next leg of our journey, navigating from Narita to Haneda via a bustling limousine bus. Touching down in Sapporo, we were greeted by fresh air and the promise of adventure. We eagerly awaited Aunt Hisako's arrival at Satozukaminami Station, marking the beginning of our grand trek. Our Airbnb homestay in Kiyota-ku was a cozy haven, but our minds were already wandering to the trails awaiting us. Day 2, a rest day in Sapporo, allowed us to indulge in leisure, exploring the city's vibrant museums and soaking in the local culture.

Day 3: Asakidake, A Glimpse of Paradise

The following morning, our adventure truly began as we ventured deeper into Hokkaido's wilderness. Asakidake Onsen welcomed us with open arms, nestled amidst the towering peaks of Daisetsuzan. Our lodging at Sounkyo Youth Hostel offered a glimpse into the tranquil beauty of the national park, setting the stage for the days ahead.

Day 4: Conquering Peaks

Day#1 of trekking day. With spirits high and boots laced tight, we set out on our first day of trekking. Ascending with the aid of the Kurodake Ropeway, we found ourselves immersed in a world of rugged beauty. Camping beneath the star-studded sky at Kurodake Ishimuro, we felt a sense of connection with the wilderness around us.

Day 5: A Journey Through Ice and Snow

As the trail unfolded before us, each step brought new wonders to behold. On 2nd day, we trekked from Camp Chubetsu-dake Hinan Goya to the icy cold snow campground, we reveled in the beauty of nature's raw power. With each passing mile, our bonds grew stronger, forged in the crucible of the trail.

Day 6: Facing Challenges Head-On

Day#3 trekking day. As we pressed on towards Minami-numa, the landscape shifted around us, revealing its ever-changing beauty. Despite the challenges that lay ahead, our spirits remained undaunted, fueled by the promise of adventure. Camping beneath the starry sky at Sansen-dai, we found solace in the simplicity of life on the trail.

Day 7: The Ultimate Test

With determination in our hearts, on day 4 we tackled the longest and toughest day of our journey. From Chubetsu-dake Hinan Goya to Biei Fuji Hinan-goya, we traversed diverse terrains, each more challenging than the last. Yet, with each summit conquered and each valley crossed, we felt a sense of accomplishment unlike any other.

Day 8: Reflections and Rest

As we descended towards Takaichi-dake Onsen, our hearts were filled with a mixture of exhaustion and elation. Camping at Fukiage Onsen, we reveled in the warmth of the hot springs, soothing our weary muscles and reflecting on the journey that had brought us here.

Things to bring:

• Rain jacket and rain pants
• Water bottles, water filter 
• Food & snacks for 5 days
• Camping cooking set
• Good map & compass or offline hiking map
• Extra warm clothes
• Waterproof glove
• Woolen hat
• Sun hat
• Sun glasses (to protect eyes from snow-blindness)
• Good hiking boots (Many trails are rocky or muddy, so boots are much better than hiking or trail shoes up there)
• Emergency survival blanket (to avoid hypothermia)
• Whistle
• Cell phone 
• First aid kit
• Repair kit