The summit of Mt. Kamuishiri is a grandiose one. An embossed metal plate sits embedded in concrete, and points out the surrounding peaks. A summer haze prevented us from seeing much of those larger peaks to the east and north, so we gobbled some lunch and started on down the B-course. This would take us on a loop back to our starting point.

9km
Distance

5hrs
Time

700m
Ascent

947m
Highest point

4.5/10
Difficulty

Jun-Oct
Best season
Kamuishiri-yama (神威尻山, 947m) is an unassuming peak about 2 hours north of Sapporo City. It’s a popular one for a couple of reasons. First, the loop-trail is well maintained, with well-spaced steps on the steeper sections. Secondly, it allows access to the range of mountains approaching Mt. Shokanbetsu (暑寒別岳) and Mt. Pinneshiri (ピンネシリ山) without the arduous approach. Expect expansive views along the ridgelines.
Last updated Jul 13, 2021
Need to know details
Location
This route is at the southern end of the Mashike Range, and just west of Mt. Pinneshiri, which overlooks the Takikawa Plains, about 60km north of Sapporo City.
General notes
The route is well marked and well defined. Note that there is an ‘A’ and ‘B’ route to the summit. Take either of them up, and the other one down, to avoid back-tracking.
Route Timing
Up | 3hrs
Down | 2hrs
About 3 hours from trailhead to summit, and 2 hours back down to the carpark.
Route
There are only sporadic route markers, but the trail is well defined.
Transport
Public transport:
This route is not accessible by public transport.
By car:
There is a large parking area in front of the Domin-no-mori Campground (location).
Hut(s)
None
Physical maps
GSI Topo Map: Pinneshiri (ピンネシリ) – map no. NK-54-13-8-1
GSI Topo Map 2: Minami-horoka (南幌加) – map no. NK-54-13-7-2
NOTE: The GSI 1/25000 topo map(s) above can be purchased for 350yen each from Kinokuniya bookstore next to Sapporo Station or online (in Japanese).
route safety
Much of the route is on ridgelines, which are quite exposed. Make sure to bring plenty of water – there isn’t much shade up on the tops
- Police notification: Fill your police notification out online using Compass – instructions here
Weather forecast
Windy.com weather forecast for Kamuishiri-yama
Onsen nearby
If you are headed back to Sapporo, there is a nice onsen in Tsukigata Town – the Tsukigata Yurikago Onsen near the campground (here).
Extra Resources
- Mountains of Hokkaido’s excellent, detailed write-up: Kamuishiri-yama
Guide Options
If you’d like to hike this route and/or explore other areas of central Hokkaido with a local certified guide, then contact Jun Ishiguro. He’s a JMGA (Japan Mountain Guides Association) mountain guide on the board of directors of the Hokkaido Mountain Guides Association (HMGA). As a senior figure in the Hokkaido guiding scene, and with extensive experience, he can tailor trips to your needs. See a full list of English-speaking Hokkaido Mountain Guides Association (HMGA) guides on the HMGA website here.
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