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Mount Usu

4.6 (200)Natural FeatureEstablishment

Mount Usu, nestled in the scenic Shikotsu-Tōya National Park in Hokkaido, is a marvel of nature's power and beauty. This active stratovolcano has a rich history of eruptions, with notable activity recorded four times since 1900. What makes Mount Usu truly fascinating is not just its geological activity but also its stunning surroundings. Standing at 737 meters, it offers breathtaking views, especially from the top, which is easily accessible by the Usuzan Ropeway.

The area around Mount Usu, including Lake Toya, is recognized as a UNESCO Geopark, highlighting its unique geological features and natural beauty. The volcano itself has created a landscape that tells a story of Earth's dynamic forces at work. About 20,000 years ago, the current form of Mount Usu emerged, showcasing the ever-changing face of our planet.

For those intrigued by the wonders of nature, Mount Usu presents a perfect blend of adventure and scenic beauty. Its eruptions have shaped a landscape that's both a testament to the Earth's inner power and a haven for visitors seeking a connection with the natural world. Whether you're hiking along its trails or enjoying the view from the ropeway, Mount Usu is sure to leave an indelible mark on your heart.

Hours:

Usuzan Ropeway: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (subject to change seasonally)

Closed:

Open daily, weather permitting

Available:

All year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Fees:

Usuzan Ropeway: Adults 1,800 yen, Children 900 yen



The area

Address
Mount Usu, Showashinzan, Sobetsu, Usu District, Hokkaido 052-0102, Japan

What other travelers are saying about Mount Usu

Scenic ropeway and clear beautiful view on top of Mount Usu, with a terrace facing Lake Toya to relax and appreciate nature. There’s a short walk around, but we did not go further down the boardwalk as it seemed slightly too far for us. Recommended to visit if around the Lake Toya area!
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Lau Kai Yuan
Oct 14, 2024
Amazing wide view on this top of mountain. You can rest, take a coffee and relax here.
After all the great food in Hokkaido, it's good to take a day out for hiking around mount Usu, the active volcano at lake Toya. The walk usually is about half a day and if you are lucky, you can see steam coming out from the mountain. 🚶
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张TakWAI
May 29, 2018
Even from far distance you can see the steam coming out from all direction at the Gunnima crater, it is a sight to behold. We went up by cable car so we only went half way down the trail as it leads to the sea side, which is the opposite side to Lake Toya. I suggest others to take the cable car up one way and hike down. Those stairs are relentless as you can see from the photos.
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Carnivore HK
Oct 24, 2018
The trail is a good hike, just be prepared for the parking costs and the buses of tourists in the autumn season. Hiking the other side of the mountains is also great and gives you a great chance to see the power of the 2000 earthquake on the houses and roads the passed through the area. There is free parking available on the western side.
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Barry Ashworth
Oct 29, 2019


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