↘ Tarumae-zan — Lake Shikotsu Route

The Lake Shikotsu route climbs Tarumae-zan — a smoking 1023 m active volcano on the south rim of the Shikotsu caldera — as an out-and-back, starting with a long forest-road approach from the winter road-closure point. Hokkaido Wilds gives ~15.7 km, ~687 m, and a difficulty of 5/10. The bake reads the aspect as northeast (NE), with a line median of just ~6° (mostly gentle road approach), a maximum of ~38°, and an ATES rating of 'complex.' Read this as a description, not a recommendation.

[Terrain] The winter start is the junction of Route 141 and Route 276 by Lake Shikotsu — nowhere near the summer trailhead and 7th-Station hut. A long forest road and low-angle slopes lead up; past the 7th-Station hut (emergency use only) the forest opens onto the slopes below the outer rim. An almost perpetual wind strips the upper ridges of snow, so most parties depot skis part way and put on crampons for ice and exposed rock.

[Crater floor and lava dome: hazardous-entry area] Tomakomai City designates the inside of the outer rim (lava dome included) a hazardous-entry area (立入危険区域) and asks that climbing stop at the rim; this is a city request, not a legal closure. The GPX labels the summit lava dome 'No-go zone'; the city's own wording is hazardous-entry area. This is a JMA-monitored active volcano; the fumaroles and volcanic gas are a hazard distinct from avalanche. Keep away from the dome.

[The main hazards are navigation and wind] The source names the primary risks plainly: navigating 'featureless' terrain above the hut in low visibility, and 'fierce' wind exposure on treeless slopes. Flat light makes it easy to lose your bearing — carry reliable navigation. Check the JMA Tarumae-zan volcano bulletin and the Japan Avalanche Network before departing, and make your own stability assessment.

Start & parking: The Route 141 / Route 276 junction by Lake Shikotsu, ~40 km south of Sapporo. Roadside space depends on winter plowing.

Getting there: A car is the practical option, from the Lake Shikotsu side. Expect snow and ice in winter — 4WD with winter tyres.

The day: ~15.7 km, ~687 m — mostly a long forest-road approach; up high most parties depot skis and put on crampons. Descend the ascent line.

Gear: Carry crampons (ice and exposed rock) and reliable navigation for fierce wind and low visibility.

Info: Check the JMA Tarumae-zan volcano bulletin and the Japan Avalanche Network before departing.