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Utasai Beech Forest Nature Guide Walk

Highlights

Tours start from 1 person. 50 minutes by car from Niseko or Toyako Onsen
A local guide will show you the Utasai Beech Forest, a national natural monument
Discover the beech forest's beauty with a guide's insights
The guide shares about flowers and birds in the forest

What to expect

Take a guided walk through the Utasai Beech Forest, a designated national natural monument. Enjoy a relaxing time exploring the seasonal beauty of the forest.

What's included

Guide fee
Insurance

Packages (2)

Short Course (Approx. 1.5 hours)Dailyfrom USD 20.81

Long Course (Approx. 2.5 hours)Dailyfrom USD 31.21

Schedule

Meet at Kuromatsunai Tourism Association.
Transfer to Utasai Beech Forest Parking Park
If arriving by car, follow the guide's vehicle and park at Utasai Beech Forest Parking Park.
Start the Utasai Beech Forest Walk
Explore the northernmost beech forest, a designated national natural monument, and enjoy seasonal flowers, wildlife, and birds.
Seasonal Highlights
・Flowers: Mizubasho (late April–early May), Ginryoso (mid-June), Oobayuri (July), Beech foliage (late October).
・Wildlife: Ezo squirrels, chipmunks.
・Birds: Uguisu, woodpeckers, and more.

*Sightings depend on season, weather, and conditions.
Enjoy Nature Through the Seasons
Spring to Summer:
Walk under dappled sunlight and feel the refreshing breeze. From late April to early May, delicate spring flowers bloom, and by mid-May, the beech trees sprout vibrant light-green leaves. In summer, lush foliage provides shade, and the cool forest air offers a perfect escape.
Autumn to Winter:
From late September, enjoy vibrant autumn colors, peaking in late October. By November, the bare forest reveals its raw beauty. In winter, explore the snowy landscape on snowshoes.
Tour Ends (time is approximate).
・If by car: Ends at Utasai Beech Forest Parking Park.
・If not by car: Return to the Tourism Association by guide vehicle.

Location and Directions

Check-in
Kuromatsunaikankokyoukai
〒048-0101 Hokkaido, Suttsu District, Kuromatsunai, 545 温泉ぶなの森内
■Access by Car
・From Niseko: Via Route 5 (50 minutes)
・From Lake Toya: Via Route 37 (50 minutes)
・From Otaru: Via Route 5 (2 hours)
・From Hakodate: Via Route 5 (2 hours)
・From Sapporo: Via Route 230 → Route 5 (2.5 hours via Nakayama Pass)

■Access by Train
・Kuromatsunai Station (JR Hokkaido / Hakodate Main Line)

Restrictions

Participation Restrictions:
- Age: 4 years and older (children cannot participate alone).
- Physical Ability: Must be able to walk independently (the course is closer to light hiking or trekking).
For Small Children:
The course includes uneven terrain, similar to light hiking. If a child cannot walk the entire way, adults may need to carry them. Adjustments, such as switching to a shorter course like "Buna no Komichi," may be made for families with small children.
Solo Participants:
Tours can be arranged for solo participants with an additional fee of ¥4,400.

What to bring

Clothing:
- Summer: Long-sleeve shirt, long pants, hat, comfortable shoes, rain gear.
- Winter: Warm clothing, insulated boots, gloves, hat.
Rubber boots are recommended for muddy conditions (e.g., after rain).
Drinking water
Rain gear (top and bottom for rainy weather)
Insect repellent (optional but useful)

Additional notes

Tours operate even in rainy weather.
Programs may be modified or canceled due to weather or other conditions. No fees will be charged for cancellations before the program starts. However, no refunds will be provided if the program is canceled after it has begun.
Participation fees include insurance. Injuries during the program will be covered within the scope of the organizer's insurance.
From December onward, snowshoe walks may be offered depending on snow conditions.
Utasai Beech Forest Rules:
The Utasai Beech Forest is a designated natural monument. The following actions are strictly prohibited:
- Collecting plants, mushrooms, insects, etc.
- Taking anything from the forest (even a single leaf or stone).
- Entering areas off the designated trails.
- Littering.
- Using fire, including smoking.
As activities take place outdoors, unforeseen accidents may occur. Please follow the instructions of guides and instructors to ensure safety. The organizer and guides are not responsible for accidents caused by customer negligence or intentional actions.