Mount Tarumae Mountain
Active volcano beside Lake Shikotsu, rugged terrain
Part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park in Hokkaido, Mount Tarumae is an active volcano near Lake Shikotsu; visitors hike to crater rims, photograph the lake and soak in nearby hot-spring towns.
Mount Tarumae at a Glance#
About Mount Tarumae#
Mount Tarumae is an active stratovolcano on Hokkaido’s southern flank of Lake Shikotsu, with an elevation of about 1,041 meters.
Hikers use established trails to reach the crater rim for close views of the volcanic cone and fumarolic areas, and the summit provides broad views over Lake Shikotsu and the caldera. The mountain lies inside Shikotsu-Toya National Park and is commonly visited from lakeside onsen towns.
Because Tarumae remains volcanically active, trail access and viewpoint safety are managed by park authorities and can be restricted during episodes of increased fumarolic or eruptive activity.
- Park and access: Sits on the southern shore of Lake Shikotsu within Shikotsu-Toya National Park and is a popular day-hike from the lake and nearby hot-spring resorts.
- Volcanic activity: An active volcano with historical eruptions; authorities may close trails during heightened activity or strong fumarolic emissions.
What to See#
- Crater rim and fumarolic area: A steaming summit crater and rim that hikers visit for close-up views of fumarolic vents and the volcano’s recent lava-formed cone; access is via marked trails from nearby onsen and park entrances.
- Lake Shikotsu viewpoints: Multiple viewpoints and trails that look over Lake Shikotsu and the surrounding caldera, commonly used as photo spots during clear weather.
How to Get to Mount Tarumae#
From Chitose Airport or Sapporo, drive or take local transport to Lake Shikotsu and then the trailheads near the lake shore. Seasonal park and trail information is available from Hokkaido visitor centers.
Tips for Visiting Mount Tarumae#
- Tarumae is an active volcano-check JMA advisories and regional activity reports before travel.
- Access from Lake Shikotsu area gives scenic views of the crater and surrounding national park.
- Trails can be rocky and loose-use sturdy footwear and expect steam or gas near vent areas.
Best Time to Visit Mount Tarumae#
Summer is the ideal time for hikes and crater views; winter conditions are severe.
Weather & Climate near Mount Tarumae#
Mount Tarumae's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -12°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1402 mm/year), wettest in August.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -12° - -4° | -15° | 93 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.3h |
| February | Poor | -12° - -3° | -15° | 75 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.0 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| March | Poor | -8° - 0° | -10° | 79 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.7 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -2° - 6° | -2° | 91 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 5.0 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.2h |
| May | Acceptable | 3° - 12° | 5° | 100 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 4.3 m/s | 1.2 high | 14.4h |
| June | Good | 8° - 16° | 12° | 101 mm | overcast | 88% | 3.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 15.1h |
| July | Good | 13° - 20° | 17° | 143 mm | overcast | 90% | 3.6 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.8h |
| August | Acceptable | 15° - 21° | 18° | 189 mm | overcast | 88% | 3.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 13.7h |
| September | Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 174 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 3.9 m/s | 1.0 high | 12.3h |
| October | Acceptable | 3° - 12° | 5° | 129 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.6 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.9h |
| November | Poor | -3° - 5° | -3° | 124 mm | overcast | 83% | 5.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.6h |
| December | Poor | -8° - -1° | -11° | 104 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.0h |
