Eniwa-dake is another mountain I used to gaze at every day from my Sapporo apartment window, its bulk and prominent rocky nipple distinctive on the southern skyline. On clear days I could even see the small plume of steam from its crater. However, I only ever climbed it once, despite many trips to its near neighbour Ichankoppe-yama. I think it’s to do with the fact that the relentlessly steep climb is not rewarded with a summit to stand on, especially disappointing as the closed sections beyond the rope lead to a very enticing rocky scramble up the dramatic final tower. Hopefully it will reopen sometime.
In fact, though, in retrospect it’s a fine climb nonetheless and and the final viewpoint gives some dramatic views over the rough active crater and jagged ridges, while it seems a long drop down to the lake beneath your feet.
2 thoughts on “Eniwa-dake Dayhike”
There’s a second trail, which may be new. It runs south toward the summit from Route 78. Route 78 is the gated road that branches west off Route 453 and heads to Lake Okotanpe. There’s a large parking lot on Route 453, so park there and walk west on Route 78 to the Mt. Eniwa trailhead, which is marked in kanji as the Eniwa-shi Route.
This route is shorter and faster than the main Poropinai route. It affords access to the very top of the mountain. On your way up, you have views of the pale blue Lake Okotanpe. The summit has fixed ropes that afford access to the very top.
Thanks Michael, that’s really good to know. It looks like I need to get down there and check it out!