Experience Hiking Through Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark
with Special Permission
Story
There are 111 active volcanoes in the Japanese archipelago, with 50 of them being constantly monitored. Mt. Usu is one of these, erupting repeatedly every few decades. Remarkably, around 16,000 people live at an exceptionally close distance to the base of Mt. Usu, something rarely seen in the world.
In 2000, Mt. Usu opened more than 65 craters as if it the eruption had occurred right in the heart of a town, affecting residential areas, local roads, and even national highways. Although the land was severely torn apart, preemptive evacuations ensured that all residents were unharmed, resulting in zero casualties. This success was unprecedented on a global scale.
On this tour, you will explore the disaster remains from the 2000 eruption and uncover the secrets behind this success.
You will walk through the areas affected, including the sabo dams, the largest crater, the ravaged land, and the restricted area of the old National Route 230.
By learning about the lessons and thoughts of the people living around Mt. Usu, and the government's measures, you will gain a deeper interest and affection for the Earth.
Highlights
- Hike the rare terrain (restricted area) of Mt. Usu that you can't usually enter.
- Walk around the edge of the crater of the 2000 eruption of Mt. Usu.
- Overlook Mt. Usu and Lake Toya from Kompira-yama Crater Observatory.
Tour Overview
Itinerary:
Meeting at 8:30 Toyako Onsen Tourist Association (Bus Terminal) => Konpira-yama Disaster Remains=> Mt. Usu Regulated Area: ①②③④⑤⑥⑦ → Yu-kun Crater → ⑧ → ⑨ Nishi-yama foot root(Regulated Area Entry) → Former Toyako Kindergarten (while passing through the restricted area of the old National Route 230) → Konpira-yama Crater Observatory = = = 12:30 Toyako Onsen Tourist Association (Bus Terminal) |
- DistanceApproximately 8 km
- Elevation GainApproximately 100 m
- AreaSobetsu Town, Usu
- Main ActivitiesHiking
- Age RequirementAged 12 and over
- Difficulty (ATTA) 2
- Duration3 to 5 hours
- Available datesMid-April to mid-November



Meeting Place, Address, Time
- Meet at 8:30 AM in front of the Lake Toya Tourist Association (Bus Terminal Departure)
142 Toyako Onsen, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 049-5721
Route MAP

Meals
1 lunch included
Pricing
1 person: 141,700 JPY
2 people: 72,900 JPY per person
3 people: 52,500 JPY per person
4 people: 44,200 JPY per person
Items Included in the Price and Optional Menu, etc.
Experience fee, cost of dedicated vehicle, guide fee, helmet
Items Not Included
Transportation to the site, hiking shoes, beverages, Expenses of a personal nature
Items to bring
- [Clothing & Items to Bring] (Mandatory)
- Long-sleeved shirt and long pants
- Rain gear (Umbrellas not allowed)
- Hat
- 1 liter of drink (diluted sports drink, etc.)
- Trekking shoes (or shoes with sturdy, non-slip soles)
- Insect repellent (bring what works best for you)
- Any other items you think you may need
- [Recommended Items]
- Portable toilet (There will be time to go to a restroom about two hours into the tour.)
- Cooling towel or similar for wiping sweat
- Sunglasses
- Gloves
- Sunscreen
- [Items Provided by the Guide]
- Helmet
※Please wear it as entry into the restricted area. - First Aid kit
- Bee repellent spray
- Bear repellent spray
- Insect repellent spray (DEET-free) ※Note: Not effective against ticks
- [Important Notes]
- Please bring all necessary insect repellent measures, as we will be walking through areas with tall grass and dense overgrowth.
※If you carry an EpiPen or have food allergies, please be sure to inform us.
Payment Method
Advance payment (Credit card payment available)
Cancellation Fees
10 to 8 days before departure | 20% of the tour price |
7 to 2 days before departure | 30% of the tour price |
The day before departure | 40% of the tour price |
On the day of departure (before the tour starts) | 50% of the tour price |
No-show or cancellation after the tour has started | 100% of the tour price |
Confirmation and Important Notes
Only those who can walk on their own for at least 3 hours are welcome to participate.
The tour will proceed in light rain. However, if it is determined that conditions such as heavy rain make trekking unsafe, the tour will be canceled.
Contact
Kinki Nippon Tourist Co., Ltd. Sapporo Group Travel Branch, TEL: 011-251-5731, FAX: 011-251-3630