Mount Asahidake is the tallest mountain in Hokkaido, standing at 2,291 metres inside Daisetsuzan National Park. It is also an active volcano, and visitors can see steam rising from vents near the summit, a reminder that the mountain is still alive under all that snow. However, Marie is not just there for the view. She straps on her skis for Asahidake's backcountry terrain, an area known across Japan for its long winter season and genuinely deep powder. On a clear day, the experience is surreal. The whole scene looks too dramatic to be real because of the wide open slopes that stretch out below the peak and the rest of the Daisetsuzan range rises up all around. Another half of the whole experience is simply getting up the mountain. The Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway carries visitors from the base area up to Sugatami Station, at roughly 1,600 metres, in around just 10 minutes. Imagine climbing almost 500 metres without lifting a single step? That is what you do here. Marie suggests coming here early, especially on a rare clear and sunny day. According to her, good weather brings out the crowds fast, and she found that out the hard way. Even after arriving close to opening time, she had to wait for about 2.5 hours just to get on the ropeway. So if you are going to visit here, make sure you plan ahead of time. The ropeway schedules and prices also shift with the season, so it is worth checking conditions before you set off, since the operator also posts live mountain updates. Different faces of the same mountain (Credits: Pinterest) Asahidake looks too stunning on camera but don't take this scenery lightly. Marie points out how quickly the weather can flip, with the air turning noticeably colder and windier the higher you climb. Official visitor guidance backs this up too, warning that conditions can change fast and recommending a proper check of local forecasts before heading into the mountains. Anyone planning to ski beyond the marked and maintained areas needs real avalanche awareness and solid backcountry knowledge first. This is where preparation genuinely becomes part of the adventure. The right gear, a clear read on mountain conditions and a proper understanding of your route all matter here. The Asahidake Visitor Center is situated right by the ropeway base, and it is a good place to check trail conditions, wildlife activity and volcanic status before heading up. So why would anyone fly 16 hours for a national park most people have never heard of? Marie Longchamps' trip to Asahidake makes that pretty easy to answer. Volcanic scenery, fresh powder, huge mountain views and the chance to ski down Hokkaido's highest peak add up to a journey that genuinely earns its price. For travellers who are looking for a side of Japan that has nothing to do with cherry blossoms or busy city streets, this is exactly the kind of trip worth chasing. Disclaimer: This article summarizes a report by Marie Longchamps (@marie.unmapped). While Times Now has verified the public data presented, the interpretations of 'intent' remain those of the creator. This content is for educational purposes and does not substitute professional medical/nutritional advice. Travel News - Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now. Professionals & enthusiasts who write about lifestyle and health in all their vibrancy.