Mt Yu-tee You beauty!

羊蹄山Youtei-zan (pronounced Yoo-tay and not you-tie or ute-tee) dominates the surrounding Hirafu-Niseko skyline. Mt Yotei is one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan and the name can be translated as sheep’s foot. Standing 1898m tall, Mt Yotei is also known as Shiribeshi-yama, Makkarinupuri and Ezo Fuji (Hokkaido Fuji). Mt Yotei is an active stratovolcano less than 100,000 years old.

An active volcano in your backyard

Stratovolcanoes are typically tall, conical with a steep profile and known for their explosive eruptions. The most recent eruption from the crater of Mt Yotei happened around 5-6 thousand years ago, while around 3,000 years ago a lower eruption on the Hirafu side created the caldera Hangetsu-ko (Half Moon Lake).

Caldera is Spanish for cauldron- Hangetsuko

There are four different hiking routes to get to the summit and the hike will take around 6-8 hours. It is a popular hike but it is steep and requires a decent level of fitness. I discovered the hard way that the trail can be quite slippery after any rain. Mt Yotei is part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park and numerous varieties of alpine flora and fauna can be seen during the hike. From the top there are great views of the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Japan and of course the Niseko ski resort area.

A "tricky" steep section - Mt Yotei

Hirafu and Niseko Ski Resort

If you plan on hiking from the Makkari side or Kyogoku side you can stock up on some of the fresh spring water before setting off. I have climbed from the Hirafu side and the hike took a total of 6 hours. The steep descent was quite painful on the knees so I would recommend taking hiking poles and also try to get more than 3 hours sleep the night before you attempt the hike. Unfortunately the clouds came in so our view from the top was non-existent.

Mt Yotei summit err Derek did you check the tenki?

For those who do not live in the Niseko ski resort area you can keep an eye out for any possible volcanic activity with the Kutchan Mt Yotei webcam

Hirafu hiking course

Within 5 minutes walk from the center of Niseko Hirafu village is the start of Hirafu’s hiking course. The trail leads to the Niseko village Hilton hotel and takes 30 minutes one way. So a 1 hour hike both ways. It is a relatively easy hike, no long climbs. It has been recently improved with multiple bridges and board walks.

Boardwalks near the Hilton hotel

Wet section near the Hilton side

The entrance from the Hirafu village side is opposite the sunsports center 200 meters up a steep gravel road.  From Seicomart go right through the traffic lights, you’ll see Sunsports 300meters on your left. If you’re driving you can park here.

Gravel road leading to hiking course start point

Sunsports land 300 meters from Seicomart

Throughout the trail  are trees with tags showing the tree name in Japanese and English. A lot of bird life can be heard and seen. At one point you can see Hirafu’s center 4 lift and popular Onne ski run.

Hirafu Center 4 lift and Onne ski run

Further along are glimpses of Mt.Yotei. Near the end, the trail runs parallel along the Niseko village golf course. You can see fairways and the odd golf cart going by.

Yotei on a cloudy June day

If you’re staying in Hirafu and would like to see Niseko’s native bush up close, the Hirafu hiking course is nearby and  suitable for people of all ages.

Overall an easily accessible and fun little hike.

Start of Hirafu hiking course

Silver birch trees and sasa bamboo