Mt. Monbetsudake Winter Hiking Tour
Tour Overview
Experience a winter mountain!
Monbetsudake is a 715m high mountain located near the town of Date near Lake Toya. This mountain offers superb views of the Pacific Ocean, Mt. Usu volcano, and Lake Toya. In winter, it transforms into a stunning and serene scene that captures the essence of Hokkaido’s cold, rugged winter landscape.
This tour starts by a gradual climb through various types of forests until we reach a rest spot. From there we continue along a ridgeline that gives you views of Mt. Muroran to the east and Mt. Usu and Date city to the west. At the summit we will have a rest. We will then return the same way back to the start point.
Depending on snow depth, we will either use crampons or snowshoes. Prices differ depending on which we use. I will contact you before the tour to confirm the price.
Details
- Availability: December-April
- Duration: 6 hours. 8AM start – early or late start available for private tours depending on availability.
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Max participants: 4 people
- Equipment: Snowshoes/crampons, poles and gaiters are included.
- Clothing: Winter weather can be cold and dangerous so appropriate clothing is important. Layers that can be added or removed when you get hot or cold are needed.
- Top:
- Base layer: Long-sleeved synthetic top (no cotton) that wicks away moisture.
- Mid-layer: Thin fleece or down jacket that gives you some warmth.
- Outer layer: Windproof jacket that shields you from the wind.
- Bottom:
- Trousers: Leggings will keep your legs warm and hiking trousers that are windproof for the shell layer (no jeans or skirts).
- Socks: Thick wool socks that are higher than your boots.
- Footwear: Hiking boots or shoes with grip.
- Head and hands:
- Wool hat that covers your ears.
- Warm gloves or mittens.
- Additional items:
- Sunglasses and Suncream
- Backpack
- Watch this video to see what you should wear. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2unwPfykJns
- Top:
- Rental (available sizes):
- Shell jackets: M (1), L (2), XL(1) – ¥500
- Waterproof gloves with inners: S (1), M (1), L (2) – ¥500
- Food and drinks: Please bring water. A sandwich and drink is included.
- Pick-up: Free pick-up and drop-off is available in Noboribetsu and Noboribetsu Onsen.
- Payment: Cash only
Tour Schedule
8:00: Pick-up (pick-up from Noboribetsu and Noboribetsu Onsen)
8:00-9:00: Drive to trailhead
9:00-11:00: Snowshoe/crampon to the summit
11:00-11:30: Have a rest. hot drink and have lunch
11:30-13:00: Snowshoe/crampon back to the start point
13:00-14:00: Drive back and say goodbye!
Know before you go
- This is a physically demanding activity and participants need to be able to hike up uneven terrain over a distance of 8.5km.
- Hiking experience is necessary.
- Please prepare for bad weather even if it is sunny, mountain weather can change quickly.
- Guide will refuse participants who are not suitably dressed for winter hiking as it is a safety risk.
- Tour will be either be canceled or postponed (if possible) if bad weather occurs.
- If there is an injury or the guide deems it unsafe to carry on, the tour will finish.
- Please prepare your own insurance as Nobo Tours does not have insurance for its customers.