Introduction to today's journey
The dormant volcano Shari Dake rises in serene grandeur above the remote village of Kiyosato, forging a symbiotic relationship rooted in natural beauty and cultural heritage. The mysterious mountain's slopes covered in gnarly forest of tiny trees almost passing as bonsai is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking panoramic views and tranquil solitude. Together, Shari Dake and Kiyosato epitomize Hokkaido's rich natural history and cultural depth, where mountain and village converge to inspire exploration and appreciation of Japan's northern wilderness.
Today's journey takes me from Kiyosato with a group of locals up the slopes Shari Dake behind the village. A challenging climb along the track eventually takes us up to its misty summit. From there we head back down the mountain for a rewarding onsen.
Today's Journey
 |
Mount Shari Dake, a dormant volcano towers over the town of Kiyosato. The weather is perfectly clear as we set out towards its summit. |
 |
Heading up the mountain, the track starts some distance up along a new road. In years past the track started from the town. From here we can see out across the Sea of Okhotsk from where low cloud is quickly barrelling in from. |
 |
The cloud covers over the mountain as we set out with one of the local school groups starting their new year. |
 |
Reaching a solid rock rapid at the plug of the volcano. From here the narrow track steeply ascends towards the summit. |
 |
Thick cloud shrouds the mountain as we climb along the crater rim. |
 |
Reaching a marker post on the trail around the crater. |
 |
Thick cloud shrouds the mountain as we climb along the crater rim. |
 |
Passing a tiny temple on the ridge to wish hikers good luck in reaching the summit less than half an hour away now. |
 |
Successfully summitting the 1545 metre high Shari Dake and resting here for lunch. |
 |
The view from the summit is mysterious and ominous as we begin our descent. |
 |
Hiking through the mountain wilderness in bear country. |
 |
Eventually we do make it back down the bottom of the mountain and soak our sore muscles in a hot-spring fed Kiyosato onsen. |
|
