Mount Tokachi: The Majestic Volcano of Hokkaido

Getting There

• Car

  If you are driving from Sapporo, take the Hokkaido Expressway (道央自動車道) heading towards Asahikawa. Continue on the expressway for about 130 kilometers. After reaching Asahikawa, take the exit for Route 237 towards Biei. Follow Route 237 for approximately 25 kilometers until you reach Biei town. From Biei, take Route 966 towards Shirogane, which is about 18 kilometers away. Keep following the signs for Mount Tokachi; the drive will take you through beautiful scenery and past some hot spring resorts. Total driving time is around 2.5 hours. Be aware that there may be tolls on the expressway, which can cost approximately 1,500 to 2,000 yen depending on your entry point.

• Public Transportation

  To reach Mount Tokachi via public transport, start your journey at Sapporo Station. Take an express train to Asahikawa Station, which takes about 1.5 hours. From Asahikawa, transfer to a local bus heading to Biei. The bus ride will take approximately 30-40 minutes. Once you arrive in Biei, you can take a local bus to Shirogane, which is about 18 kilometers from Biei. The bus service may be limited, so check the schedule in advance. The entire journey may take around 3-4 hours. Ensure you have cash for the bus fares, which can range from 500 to 1,000 yen each way.

• Taxi

  If you prefer a more direct route or are traveling in a smaller group, consider taking a taxi from Biei to Mount Tokachi. The taxi ride will take around 30 minutes and will cost approximately 5,000 to 7,000 yen. It is advisable to arrange for the taxi to pick you up from Shirogane or to use a ride-hailing app if available, especially if you plan to hike or explore the area.