Mt. Yotei

Enjoy the Views from Kutchan, Hirafu & Niseko

Chris Barnes Aug 29, 2013 - 1 min read

The local people refer to this cloud as "Kasa" or umbrella cloud. I enjoyed this sunset from the Kutchan farmlands, a 10 minute ride from the Kutchan Information Center

Mt Yotei on a clear day as seen from behind the Hirafu Lawson

My favorite location to view Yotei on a clear day is the potato farms along Route 478

Mt Yotei on a rare, clear winter night as seen from the Hirafu Welcome Center

The Kutchan farmlans along Route 343 are also a nice quiet place to enjoy the vista

Mt Yotei dominates the lush farmland along Route 478

A rare bluebird day in the Grand Hirafu ski resort

I think the best way to enjoy the views of Mt Yotei is by bycycle

The farmland in the Niseko Village area provides an idyllic setting

Mt Yotei is an active stratovolcano located in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park in Hokkaido. More often than not, Yotei's peak is covered in clouds due to its close proximity to the ocean and its alpine climate. When the clouds part, the sheer beauty of the mountain can really be appreciated and the views from Kutchan, Niseko and Hirafu are nothing short of spectacular. I have met many people who have visited the region but have yet to witness a beautiful cloudless day to enjoy the view. I have been fortunate enough to enjoy the views on many occasions during the winter and summer. For those who haven't, the following pictures outline some of the best places to enjoy this magical view.

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Chris Barnes @chris.barnes

A little while ago i began exploring the world. I started in Japan, and after 29 countries of amazing adventures, i find myself back in Japan fully absorbed in its culture, its people and its beauty.