Hiking Mt. Tarumae

Mt. Tarumae, also known as Tarumaezan (樽前山), is an active andesitic stratovolcano featuring a prominent lava dome. It is situated within Shikotsu-Toya National Park, primarily in Tomakomai City, with portions extending into Chitose City in Hokkaido, Japan.

Mt. Tarumae

Mt. Tarumae Details

Mt. Tarumae (Tarumae-zan) is a stunning active stratovolcano standing 1,041 meters tall, located in Hokkaido's Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Recognized as a Hokkaido Natural Monument, this mountain is not only a geological marvel but also a popular destination for hikers of all skill levels.

Mt. Tarumae - Tomakomai City, Hokkaido Prefecture

A Volcano with a Fiery Past

Mt. Tarumae has a long history of volcanic activity, with its most recent eruption—a phreatic event—occurring in 1982. Major eruptions in 1667 and 1739, including a Plinian eruption of VEI 5, shaped the volcano's current form. Since then, smaller eruptions have been recorded in 1909, 1919–21, 1923, and several other years up to 1978. Designated as an "A-rank" volcano, it remains highly likely to erupt in the near future.

Mt. Tarumae is located in Hokkaido's Shikotsu-Toya National Park

You need to drive several kilometers of unpaved road to reach the trailhead.

Sometimes there are bear sightings in the area, so be vigilant.

The lone toilet at the parking area

The parking area is near the trailhead. 

Mt. Tarumae Jumpoff Point

Mt. Tarumae jumpoff point

Attention hikers! Read this first before hiking.

The old Mt. Tarumae wooden signboard

Be sure to record your name and details at the registration area before starting the trail.

The Hiking Experience

Mt. Tarumae is an ideal destination for beginner and intermediate hikers seeking breathtaking views and manageable trails. The most popular route begins at the seventh station, where a small parking lot marks the trailhead. From here, it takes approximately one hour to reach the crater. To avoid crowds during peak hiking season, consider arriving early or pairing your hike with a cycling trip from Sapporo. The gravel road leading to the trailhead is also bike-friendly.

Photos during our hike up Mt. Tarumae

Lake Shikotsu as seen from Mt. Tarumae

Some docks grow near the top of Mt. Tarumae

It says Shikotsu-Toya National Park - Mt. Tarumae 

What to Expect at the Summit

The summit offers an extraordinary view of Mt. Tarumae's smoking lava dome, complete with sulfur vents. Hikers can circle the crater along a well-maintained path, a journey that takes about an hour. For those seeking an extra challenge, the neighboring Nishiyama peak is also accessible from the trail.

Photos at the summit of Mt. Tarumae

Mt. Tarumae summit - 1,022m

Mt. Tarumae's Lava Dome

Hiking around Mt. Tarumae's Crater

Mt. Tarumae Shrine

Saw some mountain crowberries around the crater. It is called ガンコウラン here in Japan.

Practical Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Hike

• Weather Considerations: Even on clear days, the summit may be foggy, and strong winds are common due to the lack of foliage. Dress in layers and bring windproof gear.
• Crowds: Arrive early to secure parking or plan your visit on weekdays to avoid congestion.
• Nearby Attractions: Don't miss Koke-no-domon, a moss-covered cavern at the northwest foot of the mountain. At the peak, you'll find the Mt. Tarumae Shrine, adding a cultural element to your adventure.

Team Nicerio hikes Mt. Tarumae

Team Nicerio - summit reached!

With Mike and Jon, the Tomamae ALTs

With the Tomamae Gang (Matsushita-sensei)

On July 22, 2023, my siblings and I embarked on a hike up Mt. Tarumae as part of our Siblings Road Trip #1—a particularly special day for me as it marked my 628th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. This hike turned out to be the highlight of our trip. We were joined by my friends from Tomamae Commercial High School (fondly known as The Tomamae Gang), making the experience even more enjoyable.

The trail was easy enough that even my daughter had no complaints, but an asthma attack turned the otherwise manageable hike into a personal challenge for me. Despite this, we successfully reached the summit. We even attempted to conquer the nearby Mt. Nishiyama, though we ultimately decided to turn back due to my persistent cough.

Still, the hike was an unforgettable adventure, filled with laughter and support from both family and friends. It’s a memory I’ll always cherish.

Why Hike Mt. Tarumae?

Mt. Tarumae offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, volcanic intrigue, and accessibility. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, the stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique geological features make it an unforgettable destination.

Getting to Mt. Tarumae

 

Public transportation does not provide access to the jump-off point of Mt. Tarumae. The most convenient way to reach the trailhead is by renting a car.

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