Daisetsu Kogen Onsen (ፂ, Daisetsu Kōgen Onsen) is one of multiple bases from where Daisetsuzan National Park can be explored. Located at 1260 meters above sea level, the small, remote base on the eastern side of the national park consists of just a single lodge with hot spring baths and is connected to the main road by a ten kilometer, unpaved road.
Daisetsu Kogen Onsen is the trailhead of a popular, circular hiking trail through a pond-dotted highland that offers some of the most spectacular autumn colors in all of Japan - usually best in the second half of September.
Because the area is home to a high density of brown bears, hikers are required to attend a short safety briefing at the bear information center before setting out. The trail may also be closed at short notice due to bear activity. Hiking the full route takes about five hours and requires proper hiking footwear. To avoid attracting bears, eating is permitted only in a small number of designated areas.
A separate hiking trail leads from Daisetsu Kogen Onsen to Mount Midoridake (3 hours one way), from where well prepared hikers can continue hiking into the vast interior of the Daisetsuzan mountains.
Due to the long winters, the accommodation at Daisetsu Kogen Onsen is open for only about a third of the year from mid June to mid October (it has remained closed since 2025 due to a shortage of staff, and remains closed in 2026). It offers 16 simple tatami rooms that get booked out far in advance during the autumn color season. Rates start at around 16,000 yen per night and person, including dinner and breakfast. The accommodation's hot spring bath can also be used by non-staying guests between 10:30 and 16:00 for 900 yen.
Getting there and around
Daisetsu Kogen Onsen is accessible from mid June to mid October via a ten kilometer unpaved road that forks off National Route 273 around Lake Taisetsuko. The unpaved road is closed to regular traffic for about ten days during the peak of the autumn color season, which usually takes place in the second half of September (September 19-30, 2026). Daisetsu Kogen Onsen is not accessible during the long winter season from mid October to mid June.
By bus
In 2026, Daisetsu Kogen Onsen does not enjoy any access by public transportation.
By car
During the road closure in autumn, a limited number of motorists are allowed to drive up to the Daisetsu Kogen Onsen parking lot. Advance reservations (details to be announced) and a fee of 2000 yen per vehicle are required. Outside of the road closure period, motorists can use the parking lot at Daisetsu Kogen Onsen free of restrictions and fees.
How to get to and around Daisetsuzan National Park
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