Niseko Annupuri in Autumn: Hiking Niseko's Main Peak

Everyone comes in winter. We went in autumn.

Why go

Niseko Annupuri is the main peak of the Niseko Range, about two hours by road from Sapporo. In winter its slopes are one of the best-known ski areas in the world. From June to October the same mountain is a hiking trail, and almost no visitors from abroad know it.

We climbed to the 1,308 m summit on 30 September. The dwarf bamboo was still green, the grass and shrubs around it had turned red and gold, and from the top Mt. Yotei stood directly in front of us. Every photo and video on this page is our own, taken that day.

Our day on Annupuri

Photographed 30 September

The mountain at a glance

What to know

HEIGHT

1,308 m

The highest point of the Niseko Range. The summit is open, with a small emergency hut and a view in every direction.

THE CLIMB

About two hours up

A steady climb on a rocky path. The most-used trails start from Goshiki Onsen and from the ski-area side. Allow about an hour and a half to come down.

THE VIEW

Mt. Yotei

From the top, the 1,898 m cone of Mt. Yotei fills the eastern view, with Niseko's farmland spread out below.

SEASON

Late September to early October

This is when the slopes turn colour. The trail is usually free of snow from June; snow returns in late October.

AFTER THE HIKE

Hot springs

The Niseko Range is volcanic, and hot springs rise at its feet. A soak after the descent is part of the day.

WHAT TO BRING

Wind layer and water

There is no water on the trail and no shade on the ridge. It is windy at the top even on a calm day.

How the day goes

The route we took

Late morning — drive in from SapporoThe road crosses Nakayama Pass and runs along the foot of Mt. Yotei. Stop for the view of the mountain across the fields.
Midday — start climbingThe path begins in birch and bamboo and soon opens out. Look back: the plain and the far hills appear behind you.
Early afternoon — the ridge and the summitThe last stretch follows an open ridge of red grass and low pine. At the top, Mt. Yotei is right there.
Afternoon — the way downThe descent faces west over the rest of the Niseko Range. Hot springs at the foot of the mountain are the classic way to end the day.

Questions

FAQ

Is it a hard climb?

It is a real hike, not a stroll: about two hours of steady uphill on rocks. Anyone who walks regularly and has proper shoes can do it.

Can I do it as a day trip from Sapporo?

Yes. It is about two hours each way by road. Leave Sapporo in the morning and you are back by evening.

Does YUKIZURU guide the climb?

Not at present. This page is our own record of a place we know. Our planned tours bring guests to Niseko's viewpoints, farmland and hot springs; mountain climbs need proper mountain guiding, which we do not offer.

Is it safe?

The trail is clear in good weather but exposed to wind, and cloud can cover the ridge quickly. Brown bears live in these hills. Check the forecast, carry a bell, and start early enough to be down before dusk.

Niseko, without the snow.