Mt. Tarumae Caldera Hiking Tour
Tour Overview
Hike around a volcano’s magma dome!
Mt. Tarumae is a category A active volcano, situated between Lake Shikotsu and the Pacific Ocean. This beautiful volcano has a giant magma dome in the centre with numerous fumaoles jetting from it. Despite its low elevation of 1,022m, various alpine plants and flowers can be seen as you hike around it. This is one of Hokkaido’s most famous landscapes and is a great introduction to Japan’s volcanoes!
The hike starts in tree cover until we reach alpine level. From there we start climbing the bare, volcanic slope until the summit. On the way you get a great view of the Pacific Ocean to the one side and the humongous magma dome to the other. From the summit we then hike along a ridgeline as we circle the dome. Half way around we will stop for a break and a snack and enjoy the beauty of the volcano and then continue along the back and back to the start.
Details
- Availability: June-October
- Duration: 6 hours (3-4 hours hiking) 8:30AM start- early or late start available for private tours depending on availability.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Max participants: 4 people
- Equipment: Hiking poles available
- Clothing: Mountain weather can change quickly. Even if it is sunny, it might be wet and windy later!
- Top:
- Base layer: Synthetic top (no cotton) that wicks away moisture.
- Mid-layer: Thin fleece or down jacket that gives you some warmth while you rest.
- Outer layer: Windproof and waterproof jacket that shields you from the wind and rain.
- Bottom:
- Trousers: Hiking trousers that are breathable, lightweight and comfortable (no jeans or skirts).
- Socks: Wool socks that give your feet comfort.
- Footwear: Hiking boots or shoes that have grip (no flat shoes).
- Head and hands:
- Cap or wide brimmed hat.
- Hiking gloves (optional).
- Additional items:
- Sunglasses and Suncream
- Insect repellent
- Backpack
- Top:
- Rental (available sizes):
- Waterproof Shell jackets: M (1), L (2), XL(1) – ¥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
8:30-9:00: Pick-up (Free pick-up from Noboribetsu and Noboribetsu Onsen)
9:00-10:00: Drive to the trailhead
10:00-11:00: Hike up to the summit
11:00-13:00: Hike around the caldera and stop for lunch
13:00-13:30: Have lunch gazing over the beautiful mountains
13:30-15:30: Continue hiking around the caldera and return to the start point
15:30-16:30: Drive back to Noboribetsu and say goodbye!
Know before you go
- This is a physical activity and participants should be able to climb up and down uneven terrain over a distance of 7.5km.
- Please prepare for bad weather even if it is sunny, mountain weather can change quickly.
- 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.