Ashibetsu‑dake is a rugged, spear‑shaped peak framed by steep volcanic walls. It rises sharply above Furano and forms a distinctive twin silhouette with Mt. Yūbari when viewed from Sapporo. Two main routes approach from the east: the newer trail climbs the east ridge in a steady four‑hour ascent over Hanmen‑yama and Unpō‑zan, while the older trail follows the deep Eufure‑sawa valley and loops around the Meoto‑iwa bluffs to reach the north ridge on a longer, more demanding approach. A small campsite sits near Yuufure Lodge, making it possible to stay the night before the climb.

The old trail begins at Yamabe Nature Park and follows the right bank of the Yuufure‑no‑sawa River, weaving around small waterfalls and tributaries — a scenic approach in early summer and autumn. After passing Fudō‑no‑taki and reaching the Yuufure Lodge junction, the main route turns right and follows the Meoto‑sawa River toward the steep climb to the north ridge. Beyond the Meoto‑iwa junction, the trail emerges from the forest onto a narrow ridge lined with dwarf stone pine and Erman’s birch. The terrain is uneven with occasional drop‑offs, but the views open dramatically as the massive summit block comes into sight. A final climb along the edge of a large cliff leads to the summit, where sweeping views extend north toward Pontonashibetsu‑dake, south toward Mt. Yūbari‑dake, and east across the Tokachi Mountains and the Furano Basin.

The descent follows the New Trail down the east ridge. After passing Unpō‑zan, the route drops to Kuma‑no‑numa Marsh, climbs briefly to Hanmen‑yama, and continues to the Uguisu‑dani junction overlooking three valleys. From here, the trail follows a long, gentle forested ridge back toward the new trailhead, with a final cutoff leading through the campsite to the old trailhead.

The name “Ashibetsu” is said to mean “a river flowing through shrubs,” though another interpretation likens the mountain’s shape to a fish’s dorsal fin. The first recorded ascent was made in 1894 during geological and botanical surveys, and the first winter ascent in 1921 by the Hokkaido University Ski Club.

Difficulty-8/10