u/TrekmateHokkaido

High on the subalpine plateau near Nakayama pass is a majestic untamed forest teaming with wildlife and secret mountain huts

I’m a big fan of this beautiful subspecies of spruce that is found not only in Hokkaido, but also in Sakhalin and very small pockets in far eastern Russia regions such as Kamchatka. It can be distinguished from the Sakhalin spruce by the cone colours of purple to browny-orange and their pendulous growth as opposed to the Sakhalin spruce’s cones initially growing upwards.
Anyway, an amazing, majestic tree in all seasons

A great day hiking the trail and appreciating nature in all its glory.

Such a great little climb with views of the lake, Jozankei Dam, and Jozankei town.

Came across this bear sign on the way back down from Kamui-dake today. And before the gatekeeper demands to know if I notified the authorities, yes I did.

This is a great example of why visitors to Hokkaido!s wilderness should really be wary about venturing onto the trails without a guide. Hiring a can of bear spray is not going to protect you. Knowing what to look for before the hazards present themselves is a major key to greatly reducing the risk.
A competent guide doesn’t just point out geological features and types of flora and fauna as well as team management.
A guide should possess the knowledge in identifying animal sign such as tracks and how old the signs are. A guide should have the ability to recognize all hazards, be proficient in wilderness medicine, and know intimately the areas they are taking customers into.
And most importantly, know when to use discretion and make the decision to turn back if things aren’t going to plan.

Nice and warm here today. Took some people over to Zenibako for a half day hike and shared some of the great views from the mountains.

O-Akan dake sits on the eastern shore of Lake Akan in the Akan-Mashu NP. A stunning area of Hokkaido and quite remote with a small onsen town not far from the trailhead.
The climb to the summit is a beautiful trail Quite steep in sections but is a great day hike.

O-Akan dake sits on the eastern shore of Lake Akan in the Akan-Mashu NP. A stunning area of Hokkaido and quite remote with a small onsen town not far from the trailhead.
The climb to the summit is a beautiful trail Quite steep in sections but is a great day hike.

This was earlier today on the ridges above Toyotaki. The full bloom of つつじ🌺really makes the forest come alive, especially with the hydrangeas (アジサイ /Ajisai) that are still in bloom as well.

Just around the corner from our place is this magnificent garden that just lights up the neighborhood. Such a beautiful place.

A variety of Sakura found in the mountains and forests of Hokkaido. We are still getting amazing blooms higher in the mountains here south of Sapporo.

A bit hazy, but still perfect temperature for a climb.