Mt. Tokachi Bogakudai: An Active Volcano Up Close Above Biei

Mt. Tokachi Bogakudai is a viewpoint at the foot of Mt. Tokachi, an active volcano above Biei, looking at the mountain and the land its lava shaped. When you arrive, the smell of sulfur hangs in the air, a reminder that the volcano is alive.

1The view

Besides Mt. Tokachi, you can see Mt. Biei and Biei-Fuji.

Turn around and the Biei hills spread out below. The video pans from the hills to Biei-Fuji, Mt. Biei and Mt. Tokachi.

2The shelter

There is a disaster shelter building with vending machines and toilets inside; it is clean and makes a good break on a drive. The road down toward Kamifurano also has big views of Mt. Tokachi.

3Season and parking

See the Biei tourism page (in Japanese).

4How to get there

From Sapporo: about three hours: the Do-o Expressway to Asahikawa, then south on Route 237 to Biei.

From Asahikawa: a little over an hour. Take Route 237 toward Biei and Furano, turn left onto Prefectural Road 966 as you enter Biei, and follow it past Shirahige Falls and Shirogane Onsen up to Bogakudai.

5Near Bogakudai

Shirahige Falls in Biei: Where to See It and How to Avoid the TrafficA local's guide to Shirahige Falls at the foot of Mt. Tokachi in Biei: the 30-meter falls over the blue Biei River, the viewing bridge, free parking, how to get there from Asahikawa or Sapporo and how to avoid the summer traffic. Biei and Furano by Car: A Local's Route Around the Summer CrowdsA local's driving loop through Biei and Furano that avoids the summer traffic on Route 237, from Asahikawa or as a day trip from Sapporo: Farm Tomita, the Blue Pond, Tokachidake and the hills of Biei.

6FAQ about Mt. Tokachi Bogakudai

Q1. Is Mt. Tokachi an active volcano?

Yes. You can smell sulfur in the air at Bogakudai, and steam rises from the crater area.

Q2. Are there toilets?

Yes, in the disaster shelter, along with vending machines.

Q3. Is it open in winter?

No. It is closed from December to late April.