Mount Kurodake Hokkaido
Hike to a rugged summit via scenic cable car and chairlift for commanding views of Hokkaido's Daisetsuzan National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More shade on trails
Mount Kurodake Hokkaido
Best Time
More shade on trails
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to a rugged summit via scenic cable car and chairlift for commanding views of Hokkaido's Daisetsuzan National Park.
"The hike up to the summit from the chairlift is very tough, but the views at the summit make it worth it!"
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Hiking shoes are a must for the steep, rocky summit trail. Walking sticks are recommended for stability.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water, especially for summer hikes. There are no facilities on the mountain.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 165 reviews
Type
Mountain Peak
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views
Mount Kurodake Summit
Commanding panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges that make the challenging hike absolutely worthwhile.
Summit Shrine
Mount Kurodake Summit
A small shrine where some hikers pay their respects, adding a cultural element to the natural beauty.
Cable Car & Chairlift Ride
Base to 7th Station
Scenic ascent to the 7th station, offering stunning vistas and significantly shortening the hike to the summit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Challenging Ascent
Timing is Key for Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Hiking shoes are a must for the steep, rocky summit trail. Walking sticks are recommended for stability.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water, especially for summer hikes. There are no facilities on the mountain.
☀️ Sun Protection
The summit is exposed. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, particularly during morning hikes.
⬆️ Hike from 7th Station
The cable car and chairlift take you to the 7th station, making the summit accessible in about 2 hours round trip.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Hiking shoes are a must for the steep, rocky summit trail. Walking sticks are recommended for stability.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water, especially for summer hikes. There are no facilities on the mountain.
☀️ Sun Protection
The summit is exposed. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, particularly during morning hikes.
⬆️ Hike from 7th Station
The cable car and chairlift take you to the 7th station, making the summit accessible in about 2 hours round trip.
🚻 No Toilets at Summit
Plan accordingly as there are no restroom facilities at the summit or along the upper trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking summit views at Mount Kurodake, deeming the challenging hike well worth the effort. The scenic cable car and chairlift rides are also highlighted as enjoyable. Some note the lack of facilities and the strenuous nature of the final ascent.
"The hike up to the summit from the chairlift is very tough, but the views at the summit make it worth it!
The summit is rock strewn and exposed. There is a shrine at the summit, which some Japanese hikers pay homage and respects to.
In all, the summit offers a commanding view of the surrounding mountain range.
Note that there are no toilet facilities here.
If you are fit enough, try the hike!"
Ron Yang
"Quite a hike up the mountain. Well worth the effort. About 2.5 hrs up n down."
Andrew Mazurkiewicz
"It’s an easy hike if you take the cable car and chairlift to 7th station; it’s about 2 hours walk up. If you’re fit or familiar with mountain conditions, no walking stick is required. Although if you’re not familiar, walking stick and hiking shoes are recommended.
During summer it can be very very hot on the mountain. If you start in the morning, expect little shades as you’re walking under the sun. Afternoon gets better as the trails are under shades.
Also if you’re planning an itinerary with asahidake and Kurodake both, maybe you want to check out kurodake first as the weather condition is usually better (warmer) than asahidake."
Rachel Cheng
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Kurodake is accessible via the Kurodake Ropeway and Chair Lift from the Kurodake base station in Daisetsuzan National Park. You can reach the base station by car or bus from nearby towns like Asahikawa.
Yes, there is parking available at the Kurodake Ropeway base station. It can get busy during peak season, so arriving early is advisable.
Yes, it's possible to hike from the lift base station to the top. This is a much longer and steeper trek, taking approximately 2.5 hours one way.
The most common way to access the main hiking trails to the summit is by taking the Kurodake Ropeway and then the Kurodake Chair Lift to the 7th station.
Yes, buses operate to the Kurodake Ropeway base station, connecting it to major transportation hubs like Asahikawa. Check local bus schedules for specific routes and times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for the ropeway and chair lift vary, but they offer round-trip options. It's best to check the official Kurodake Ropeway website for the most current pricing information.
There is no specific entrance fee to access Mount Kurodake itself. However, you will need to purchase tickets for the Kurodake Ropeway and Chair Lift to reach the higher trailheads.
The operating hours for the Kurodake Ropeway and Chair Lift typically vary by season. It's recommended to check their official website for the most up-to-date operating schedule before your visit.
While some attractions offer online booking, it's advisable to check the Kurodake Ropeway's official website or inquire directly about online ticket purchase options.
Information on discounts for children or seniors on the Kurodake lifts is usually available on their official website or at the ticket counter. It's best to inquire directly.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike from the 7th station to the summit is considered moderately difficult. It's steep and involves navigating rocky, exposed terrain. Allow about 1-1.5 hours for the round trip.
Wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good grip. Layers of clothing are recommended as mountain weather can change quickly. A hat and sunglasses are essential for sun protection.
No, there are no toilet facilities or amenities at the summit of Mount Kurodake. Be sure to use facilities at the base station before ascending.
The summit offers breathtaking, commanding views of the surrounding Daisetsuzan mountain range. It's a truly rewarding sight after the climb.
The hike to the summit from the 7th station can be challenging for very young children. However, the ropeway and chairlift rides offer scenic views and are enjoyable for most ages.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, while late afternoon can provide beautiful golden hour hues. The summit views are stunning in any clear weather.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
The summit itself provides the most iconic panoramic shots. The views from the chairlift and ropeway are also excellent photo opportunities.
Clear days offer the best visibility for summit photos. Be prepared for wind and potential cloud cover, which can add dramatic elements to your shots.
Yes, you can take photos during the chairlift ride, but be mindful of safety and hold your camera securely. The views are spectacular.
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