| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Luggage limit | 1 piece |
| Minimum participant requirement | 6 travelers |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Seasonal | Autumn Maple |
• This tour price only includes round-trip bus transportation and tour guide services, and does not include accommodation, meals, or Kurodake Ropeway fees.
• The first night's accommodation must be booked and paid for by the traveler. Please be sure to choose accommodation located within the Funahira Onsen-kyo area and arrive at the meeting point before the designated meeting time on the second day. If you are unable to meet on time due to the distance of your accommodation or personal reasons, the vehicle will not be able to wait, and no refund or other compensation will be provided.
• Kurodake Ropeway tickets are not included in the tour price and must be purchased on-site by the participants. If the ropeway is closed due to weather, strong winds, equipment maintenance, or other operational factors, the tour will be rescheduled to a free-roaming arrangement or alternative arrangements will be made on the day of the tour, and no ropeway ticket fee will be charged.
• Meals are not included in this itinerary. Travelers are free to arrange their own meals during stops in Sounkyo Onsen Town, Obihiro City, etc., and related expenses are at their own expense.
• The tour includes walking tours, so comfortable shoes suitable for long walks are recommended. The Daxueshan area is at a high altitude, and there are significant temperature differences between day and night in autumn; please prepare warm clothing, windproof jackets, and other cold-weather gear according to the weather forecast.
• Mountain weather changes rapidly. In case of severe weather, strong winds, road closures, traffic congestion, cable car shutdowns, or other force majeure events, the tour guide will adjust the order of attractions, the duration of stay, or parts of the itinerary according to the actual situation. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.
• Autumn leaves are a natural phenomenon, and their color change and best viewing period are affected by the temperature, rainfall and other climatic factors of the year. We cannot guarantee the condition of the autumn leaves or the viewing effect on the day of departure.
• Please be sure to adhere to the designated meeting times for each attraction and each day. If a traveler is late, the bus will depart on time to avoid disrupting the overall itinerary; we will not wait for them. Any additional costs incurred due to lateness, including transportation, accommodation, or other expenses, will be borne by the traveler.
• The travel times are for reference only. Actual arrival and departure times may be adjusted due to weather, road conditions, traffic flow and on-site operations.
• This tour requires a minimum of 6 participants to proceed. You will be notified 8 days prior to departure whether the tour has been confirmed. If the tour is cancelled due to insufficient participants, all payments will be fully refunded.
Around the summit station of the Kurodake Ropeway, there are observation decks and well-maintained walking paths that allow general tourists to enjoy a leisurely stroll among the autumn leaves. From the summit station, you can overlook the magnificent scenery of Daisetsuzan National Park and the mountainsides covered in red foliage. The walking time can be flexibly arranged according to individual stamina and interests; typically, a light walk of 30 minutes to an hour is enough to admire the stunning autumn views.
The trails within Daisetsuzan National Park offer varying levels of difficulty, from gentle walking paths suitable for general tourists to challenging alpine hiking routes. This itinerary primarily focuses on enjoying the autumn colors by taking the Kurodake Ropeway to a higher elevation for easy access and leisurely sightseeing walks in areas like Sounkyo. For high-difficulty hikes, professional equipment and experience are necessary.
The Kurodake trail extends from the ropeway's summit station, with difficulty levels ranging from beginner-friendly scenic paths to intermediate mountain hiking routes. For general tourists, it is recommended to take a leisurely walk on the scenic trails around the summit station, which are flat and easy to navigate. To ascend to the main peak, basic mountaineering experience, physical fitness, and appropriate gear are required, and attention should be paid to weather changes.
The operating hours of the Kurodake Ropeway vary depending on the season and weather conditions, especially during the autumn foliage season. It is recommended to check the daily operating information in advance. To ride, you first take the gondola from the base station to the 5th station, and then transfer to the chairlift to the 7th station. This significantly saves hiking time, allowing easy access to the viewing areas.
In addition to the magnificent mountain views covered in autumn foliage, the Kurodake Ropeway offers panoramic views of the vast mountain ranges of Daisetsuzan National Park, including diverse volcanic crater landscapes and rich primeval forests. On clear days, your gaze can extend to the canyon scenery of Sounkyo, providing a sense of expansive views as if you are floating among the clouds.
Even for leisurely sightseeing walks, it is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring windproof and warm clothing when hiking in Daisetsuzan National Park, as mountain weather can change rapidly. Please carry enough water and light snacks, and follow trail markings, avoiding straying from designated paths to ensure your safety and protect the natural environment.
The Daisetsuzan Kurodake area is known for Japan's earliest autumn colors. The peak viewing season typically begins in late August each year and continues through late September to early October. The foliage along the ropeway and at the summit area usually reaches its peak in mid-September, offering the most brilliant autumn scenery.
In addition to the Kurodake Ropeway, the Sounkyo area features the renowned 'Ginga Falls' and 'Ryusei Falls', both listed among Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls, boasting impressive grandeur and worth a visit. Furthermore, along the way, you'll pass 'Mikuni Pass', an excellent spot for viewing the majestic scenery of the Daisetsuzan mountain range, as well as the scenic 'Lake Nukabira'.