While the rest of the crew opted to get to the trailhead from Sapporo by car, Max and I decided to make a bike-and-hike trip out of it. We cycled the 20km one-way journey through the bustling city center from Hokkaido University, and sighed a breath of relief once we were on the quieter side roads heading towards Jozankei.
It was early May, and once we were all on the trail, there was still snow in places along the way. As we climbed, the weather started to pack in, with dark clouds rolling in. This didn’t seem to faze Max, opting today to hike in his kilt.
“Naturally, I’m doing it the traditional way,” he quipped. “So it’s a bit breezy and chilly down there,” he laughed.
By the time we were approaching the summit, a light rain had started to fall. Another reminder to us that it’s always a good idea to carry the rainwear, even if only for an ‘easy’ hike like Hakken-zan.
The rain had dashed our hopes for a leisurely stop at the summit, so we soon all started on the descent down the track towards the Western Trailhead. The trial was still covered in snow in places, encouraging us all to make the most of the lack of traction.
On the walk back along the main road through the orchards, we stopped in to the Hakken Winery for some wine tastings. We felt conspicuously bedraggled in the more up-market surroundings of the winery. But we were the only ones there.
All up a nice afternoon out, despite the weather.
3 thoughts on “Hakken-zan Half-day Hike (Sapporo City)”
Did this hike today on the advice and thought it should absolutely be mentioned that the hike can be both very steep and very slippery. There are ropes between the trees for you to hang on to as you pull yourself up the mountain (and again to grip as you delicately descend). It had rained the night before which likely contributed to the path being slippery but the ‘beginner’ description should definitely not be mistaken for ‘leisurely’. We’re all in our early 20s and managed well enough but anyone who struggles with balance, depth perception, or general agility (eg. if you have unstable/weak knees or ankles) may want to reconsider.
The hike was strenuous but the view was beyond spectacular and well worth it.
Also if you caught the bus there, be aware of the timetable when heading back to Sapporo. The last bus left at 17:15 from Hakkenzan Chuo-guchi (central entrance) and the one before that was at 15:15.
Hi Clare, sounds like a memorable day out! Thanks for the feedback, especially about the bus times – much appreciated.
Seconding Rick’s comment – fantastic feedback. Thank you also for the bus information. I’ve updated that in the route post to make it clear there are two bus stops nearby – the Hakkenzan-chuo stop close to the central trailhead, and the Hakkenzan-tozanguchi stop about 1.5km up on the main Route 230 road. The latter has buses a few times an hour till just before 9pm.