Mount Asahi's Stunning Contrasts

Picture-postcard ponds and powerful steam vents

Nicole Bauer Jul 12, 2012 - 1 min read

The volcano and the vents, seen from the top of the ropeway

Close-up of the vents; look at the person standing next to it—that puts its size into perspective

Fields of colorful alpine flowers in summer

These wonderful pink flowers were just everywhere (mid June)

Great variety of alpine flowers never seen before

The snow and ice on the ponds were not yet gone, creating beautiful contrasts

Three ponds in total, all of them truly spectacular

Asahi-dake (Mount Asahi) in the Daisetsuzan National Park is a magical place: You can see and listen to the power of the volcano while, simultaneously experiencing an extraordinarily beautiful atmosphere. Thanks to the ropeway the ponds and steam vents are surprisingly easily accessible. From the top of the ropeway just follow the short and mostly flat walking trails, which take you around the stunning ponds and powerful steam vents, passing fields with alpine flowers in summer and fantastic autumn colors in September/October—a truly spectacular and unique landscape.

Nicole Bauer @nicole.bauer

Travelling abroad to discover new places, getting to know different cultures and learning foreign languages has always been my passion. I was born and raised in Germany; however, for a few years now I've been very lucky to be able to spend my life abroad. I lived for some time in England and Ital...