Arashiyama 嵐山 359.4m

Arashiyama is a hill on the outskirts of Asahikawa.  Its claim to fame is an interesting northern wild plants garden at the base.   There are several courses - from 30 minutes to two hours.  Entrance is free.

If you climb to the top of Arashiyama, there's a small lookout which gives an excellent view of Asahikawa.  It's worth viewing at night time too.

There are also several Ainu huts built in the traditional style.  They are made from sasa (bamboo grass) which grows just about everywhere in Hokkaido.

Hiking Trails:

There are trails that go beyond the top of Arashiyama.  Some wind down to the cycling road the runs along the Ishikari river to Kamui Kontan.  The main trail leads almost exactly north along the ridge until it ends when it's intersected by Route 72.

It's about 4km to the end of the trail and is harder than it looks.  You go up and down over several large hills.  You go up to Hanmenyama and then down again.  There's quite a steep up to Henjingamine.  After that some moderately easy ups and downs.  A summer hike with some rest time might take 5 or 6 hours roundtrip.  If you do it in the winter on snowshoes add another hour to that.  If you go in the winter, you might want to keep in mind that the trail is easy to follow in the summer, but quite difficult in the winter.

 Click on the thumbnail for a topographic map of the entire hike.

Access: If you are familiar with Asahikawa, head towards Aeon, then towards the Ashikawa Bypass (Route 12).  Don't turn left or right onto it, but go straight up the hill.  Take your first left and then go straight until you get to the car park.  Walk across the bridge and you're there.