Asahi-Dake Forest Road – Higashikawa Highland Circuit
Hokkaido's highest peak on dirt.
Asahi-Dake tops out at 2,291 meters — Hokkaido’s highest point — and the forest roads that loop through Higashikawa-cho beneath it are as close to genuine wilderness driving as Japan gets. The circuit runs from the Tenninkyo Onsen trailhead up through logging-era dirt tracks, crossing several seasonal drainage channels before opening onto elevated meadow stretches with unobstructed views of the Daisetsu caldera rim. The road narrows dramatically past the Hagoromo Falls pullout, where overhanging alder scrubs both mirrors if you’re not paying attention. This is real forest road driving — not a scenic bypass.
Stock 4WD with decent clearance handles it in dry summer conditions, but the drainage crossings turn slippery fast after rain, and the upper sections hold snow well into June and can see early September snowfall. No permit required, but the road is managed by Higashikawa-cho and seasonal closures are enforced — check the town’s official site before heading in. Fuel in Higashikawa town, nothing beyond. Cell service drops to zero above the first switchback. Dispersed camping is limited; use designated pull-outs. Best window is mid-July through late August.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4900 ft |
| Best season | Mid-July to Late August |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Higashikawa, Hokkaido |
| Land manager | Higashikawa-cho / Daisetsuzan National Park (Environment Ministry) |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Daisetsuzan National Park – Ministry of Environment Higashikawa Town official site |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jimny or Land Cruiser Prado run this trail without a lift kit?
A stock 4WD with decent clearance — think Jimny, Prado, or Pajero — handles this trail fine in dry conditions. A lift isn't required, but low-profile vehicles or 2WD crossovers will get hung up on the rougher gravel sections and water crossings.
When does snow close the forest road and when does it reopen?
The route is typically buried under snow from late October through late June or early July. Mid-July to late August is the reliable window — even in that range, check with Higashikawa-cho directly before heading up, as late snow years can push access back.
Do you need a permit to drive or camp in the Daisetsuzan National Park zone here?
No vehicle permit is required to drive the forest road, but the route skirts Daisetsuzan National Park land managed by Japan's Environment Ministry. Dispersed camping is allowed in designated areas — do not camp inside the national park boundary itself, as those zones are strictly protected.
What's the hardest section and what makes it technical?
The steepest, loosest section comes mid-route as you gain elevation toward the 4,900 ft high point — loose gravel on an off-camber slope with limited recovery room on the downhill side. It's not extreme, but a worn diff or bald tires will feel it, especially if it's been raining.
Is there any place to refuel between the trailhead and the end of the circuit?
No. The nearest gas is in Higashikawa town before you start. At 28 miles of trail plus approach driving, fuel isn't a crisis — but if you're running a thirsty rig or planning a longer Hokkaido loop, top off in Higashikawa and don't count on anything until you're back in town.
Trail track
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