Asahigaoka Park

A town park right behind the hostel. It is not a mountain in any serious sense, but Mt. Yotei opens up once you reach the top. Summer or winter, it works rather like an extension of our garden.

In the green months it makes a good morning walk, or a run starting from our door. No gear needed — a fine way to spend the evening you arrive, or an hour while you wait out the weather.

In winter there are cross-country tracks. You can sledge, and if you have snowshoes you can wander and look for birds. Kutchan Asahigaoka Ski Area is right next door.

Cross-country skis can be rented at Yukinko-kan inside the park. Snowshoes are not available to rent, so bring your own.