Daisetsu Kogen Onsen

What to know

Daisetsu Kogen Onsen (大雪高原温泉) is one of several starting points for exploring Daisetsuzan National Park. Perched at 1,260 meters above sea level, this small, remote base on the park's eastern side consists of a single lodge with hot spring baths. It is reached via a 10-kilometer unpaved road off the main highway.

The onsen serves as the trailhead for a popular circular hiking route through a highland dotted with ponds, offering some of Japan's most stunning autumn foliage, typically peaking in the second half of September.

Due to a high density of brown bears, hikers must attend a short safety briefing at the bear information center before setting out. The trail may close at short notice due to bear activity. The full hike takes about five hours and requires proper footwear. To avoid attracting bears, eating is allowed only in designated areas.

Another trail leads from Daisetsu Kogen Onsen to Mount Midoridake (3 hours one way), from where well-prepared hikers can venture deeper into the Daisetsuzan mountains.

Because of long winters, the lodge is open only about a third of the year, from mid-June to mid-October (it has remained closed since 2025 due to a staff shortage, and remains closed in 2026). It offers 16 simple tatami rooms that book out well in advance during autumn color season. Rates start around ¥16,000 per person per night, including dinner and breakfast. Non-guests can use the hot spring bath from 10:30 to 16:00 for ¥900.

Daisetsu Kogen Onsen is accessible from mid-June to mid-October via a 10-kilometer unpaved road branching off National Route 273 near Lake Taisetsuko. The unpaved road is closed to regular traffic for about ten days during peak autumn colors (usually late September; not observed in 2025), with shuttle buses operating instead. The area is inaccessible during the long winter from mid-October to mid-June.