Mt. Usu Guided Hiking Tour
Tour Overview
Explore Mt. Usu, Lake Toya’s Active Volcano!
Discover one of Japan’s most active volcanoes on this guided hike to Mt. Usu, overlooking the beautiful Lake Toya. Last erupting in 2000, Mt. Usu is famous for its steaming fumaroles, volcanic craters and spectacular panoramic views.
The hike begins through peaceful forest before climbing to the crater rim. From here you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Toya, Uchiura Bay and Mt. Yotei, often called “Hokkaido’s Fuji.” We’ll stop to relax and enjoy lunch while taking in the dramatic volcanic landscape before returning along the same trail.
After the hike, we’ll visit a viewpoint overlooking Lake Toya and the craters formed during the 2000 eruption, followed by a stop at a local volcano exhibition to learn more about Mt. Usu’s fascinating history. We’ll then return to Noboribetsu via the scenic Orofure Pass.
If you’re looking for a less strenuous way to experience Mt. Usu, check out the Nishiyama Footpath Walking Tour.
- 1 person - ¥22,000
- 2 people - ¥20,000 per person
- 3 people - ¥19,000 per person
- 4-7 people - ¥18,000 per person
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Details
- Availability: Mid-March-December
- Duration: 6-7 hours (3 hours hiking). 9 AM start.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Max participants: 7 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:
- 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: Card payment via Stripe invoice.
Route
- Type: Out-and-back
- Distance: 6.5km
- Maximum height: 510m
- Elevation gain: 445m
- Route conditions: Dirt
Schedule
9:00: Pick-up (Free pick-up from Noboribetsu and Noboribetsu Onsen)
9:00-10:00: Drive to Mt. Usu trailhead
10:00-11:30: Hike up to the summit
11:30-12:00: Have a break and a snack at the summit
12:00-13:00: Hike back down to the start point
13:00-14:30: Drive back and stop by Lake Toya and the volcano exhibition
14:30-15:30: Drop off and say goodbye!
Details
- Availability: Mid-March-December
- Duration: 6-7 hours (3 hours hiking). 9 AM start.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Max participants: 7 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:
- 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: Card payment via Stripe invoice.
Route
- Type: Out-and-back
- Distance: 6.5km
- Maximum height: 510m
- Elevation gain: 445m
- Route conditions: Dirt
Tour Schedule
9:00: Pick-up (Free pick-up from Noboribetsu and Noboribetsu Onsen)
9:00-10:00: Drive to Mt. Usu trailhead
10:00-11:30: Hike up to the summit
11:30-12:00: Have a break and a snack at the summit
12:00-13:00: Hike back down to the start point
13:00-14:30: Drive back and stop by Lake Toya and the volcano exhibition
14:30-15:30: Drop off 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 6.5km.
- 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.