is a small village in the Taisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaidō

Hokkaido

, formerly known as Ezo, Yezo, Yeso, or Yesso, is Japan's second largest island; it is also the largest and northernmost of Japan's 47 prefectural-level subdivisions. The Tsugaru Strait separates Hokkaido from Honshu, although the two islands are connected by the underwater railway Seikan Tunnel...

, Japan

Japan

Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...

.

The village consists of a few hotels and a youth hostel. It a popular base for hikers in the national park, and for tourists using Asahidake Ropeway

Asahidake Ropeway

The is Japanese aerial lift line in Asahidake Onsen, Higashikawa, Hokkaidō, operated by . Refurbished in 2000, the line climbs Mount Asahidake of Daisetsuzan Mountains, the tallest mountain in Hokkaidō...

 to climb Asahidake

Asahidake

is the tallest mountain in Hokkaidō, Japan. Part of the Daisetsuzan Volcanic Group of the Ishikari Mountains, it is located in the northern part of the Daisetsuzan National Park....

, Hokkaidō's highest peak. There is also a hot springs resort, with approximately twelve buildings. The nearby ropeway costs 1800 or 2800 yen, depending on the time of year.

Hiking opportunities in the area range from 30 - 60 minute walks all the way up to one or two day tours of the area's mountains. The area is volcanic, and evidence of such activity is plentiful. There are also opportunities for skiing in the area during the winter.

There are buses that run to and from the village year-round.

External links

• Japan Guide A couple of nice pictures and some more detailed tourist information

43.64847°N 142.791083°W