At Mt. Asahidake in winter, you can encounter mystical phenomena created by nature itself. The powerful essence of winter, with its ever-changing conditions, promises awe-inspiring experiences and majestic beauty with every visit.
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Compared to ground level, the air is clearer, especially during cold winter nights when atmospheric moisture is minimal, allowing for a vivid display of bright, colorful stars. Enjoy views of the Milky Way, shooting stars, and other celestial wonders exclusive to this locale. Star maps are available at the front desk – please don't hesitate to ask.
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When the temperature drops below -15°C on clear, calm (or slightly breezy) nights, you can witness diamond dust. The hotel provides magnifying glasses (more than 3x magnification) for viewing. Next to the hotel at the Asahidake Visitor Center, there's a microscope with approximately 40x magnification. Upon request, staff can show you magnified views of snowflakes.
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Did you know that sun pillars are commonly seen at Daisetsuzan Asahidake in winter? Especially around sunset, a column of light – a sun pillar – that's as wide or wider than the sun can appear. If you're lucky, during a full moon, moonlight reflecting off ice crystals can also create a 'moon pillar'.
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The 'snow monsters' are trees covered with rime, created when vapor or droplets in the air freeze instantly upon contact. This forest of frost-covered trees, found only under specific conditions, is one of Japan's famous sites for rime scenery. At Asahidake, you can witness both their power and their surreal beauty.
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Mt. Asahidake is known for the consistent northwest seasonal winds. These winds create wind ripples (known as "shukabura"), creating wave-like patterns on hardened snow surfaces. In a single day, walls of snow several meters high can suddenly form due to strong winds. A recommended spot to observe these is around the Couple's Pond.
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Under the right conditions, thick clouds can cover the landscape below like a sea, offering a fantastical view. At the Ropeway terminus at an altitude of 1600m, you can enjoy the view above this sea of clouds, with Mt. Asahidake blanketed in white, a clear blue sky, and peaks of the Tokachi Mountain Range emerging beyond the clouds.
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On a clear winter evening, Mt. Asahidake, enveloped in a silver world, can sometimes glow a distinct shade of pink. From the foot of the mountain, there are moments when the horizon-like sea of clouds turns a breathtaking shade of orange. Witnessing this, you'll surely feel an overwhelming sense of joy.
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Hokkaido is home to some unique wildlife. If you're lucky, even in winter, you might encounter rare birds while bird-watching. Kids, why not try out fun snow activities such as sledding, taffy-pulling, or making snow angels? At the next to the hotel at the Asahidake Visitor Center, there are snow play equipment rentals and tours available.
