Overview
Venture into Hokkaido’s ethereal winter realm on this guided snowshoe tour through Orofure Pass, a 30-minute drive from Noboribetsu, where heavy powder transforms firs into majestic “snow monsters” (juhyo)—frozen, rime-encrusted trees that create a surreal, otherworldly forest.
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Contact Jasumo Now →From December 2025 to March 2026, trek ~3–5km on easy-moderate trails amid 1–2m drifts, ascending to a ridgeline for panoramic views of Mt. Orofure, Mt. Yotei, and Lake Toya’s distant gleam. Your English-speaking guide shares local nature lore, from volcanic geology to wildlife tracks, ensuring safety with avalanche checks.
Includes snowshoes, poles, gaiters, hot drink/snack lunch break in a sheltered spot, and hotel pickup/drop-off in Noboribetsu. This 4–5-hour adventure (plus 1-hour round-trip) is perfect for beginners, families, or photographers chasing Noboribetsu’s unique juhyo magic—book for mid-February 2026 peak (0–5°C, layers essential).
Why Choose This Experience?
- Snow Monster Spectacle: Orofure’s juhyo “monsters”—rime-frosted trees, a Hokkaido winter icon (December–March 2026).
- Guided Serenity: English guide’s nature insights—volcanic tales, wildlife—safe trails for all levels.
- Panoramic Ridgeline: Ascend for Mt. Orofure/Yotei/Toya views—3–5km easy-moderate snowshoe.
- Full Gear & Comfort: Snowshoes/poles/gaiters, hot lunch break—Noboribetsu hotel pickup/drop-off.
- Beginner Bliss: No experience needed—avalanche-aware paths, family-friendly.
- Winter Wonder: Mid-February 2026 peak—1–2m powder, 0–5°C crisp air.
Highlights
- Juhyo Snow Monsters: Trek under rime-frosted firs—Orofure’s surreal frozen forest (December–March 2026).
- Ridgeline Panorama: 3–5km snowshoe to views of Mt. Orofure, Yotei, Lake Toya.
- Guided Nature Lore: English insights on geology, tracks—safe, educational fun.
- Sheltered Lunch: Hot drink/snack break amid trees—cozy powder pause.
- Full Gear: Snowshoes, poles, gaiters—Noboribetsu hotel transport.
- Seasonal Magic: Mid-February 2026 juhyo peak—deep drifts, clear vistas.
Pricing
From ¥22,000 per person
Includes
- A (BASIC): English guide, Snowshoes/poles/gaiters, Hot drink/snack, Pickup/drop-off (Noboribetsu).
- B (PRIVATE): Guide, Gear, Lunch, Pickup/drop-off, Custom route.
- C (FAMILY): Guide, Gear, Lunch, Pickup/drop-off, Kid sizing.
- D (EXTENDED): Guide, Gear, Lunch, Pickup/drop-off, 5–6km hike.
Note: Prices for 2025/26; child (4–12) ~50% off, under 4 free (lap-held). Book mid-February 2026 for juhyo; season December–March.
Itinerary
Starting location:
Noboribetsu hotel (pickup confirmed)
Van (30 minutes)
Orofure Pass
Guided tour, Hiking (3–4 hours)
- Snowshoe forest trails, ridgeline ascent, snow monster views—3–5km.
Lunch Break
Sheltered spot (30 minutes)
- Hot drink/snack amid trees.
Van (30 minutes)
Finish at:
Noboribetsu hotel
Note: Total ~4–5 hours + transport; pickup 8:00 AM for 8:30 AM start. Mid-February 2026 peak; times adjust for snow.
What to Expect
Pickup at your Noboribetsu hotel (8:00 AM for 8:30 AM departure) in a comfortable van for a 30-minute ride to Orofure Pass. By 9:00 AM, gear up with snowshoes, poles, and gaiters for a 3–4-hour guided trek (3–5km easy-moderate)—wander powder-dusted forests, ascend the ridgeline for Mt.
Orofure/Yotei/Toya panoramas, and marvel at juhyo “snow monsters” (rime-frosted firs, mid-February 2026 peak). Your English guide shares volcanic lore and wildlife tips, ensuring avalanche-safe paths. Pause for a 30-minute sheltered lunch—hot drink and snack amid the trees.
Return 30 minutes to hotel (1:00 PM)—magical for beginners (gentle trails), families (kid sizing), or photographers (juhyo frames), with 0–5°C February crispness (layers, gloves).
Pre-Departure Notice
- Meeting Point: Noboribetsu hotel (8:00 AM pickup)—confirmed post-booking; lateness forfeits (100% fee).
- Confirmation: Instant booking with email voucher; notify dietary needs (snack), kid ages/sizes. Mid-February 2026 juhyo.
- Weather: Tours run light snow; heavy storms cancel (full refund). Juhyo weather-dependent.
- Health: Moderate snowshoeing (~3–5km, elevation ~200m); no pregnancy/extreme conditions. Sturdy boots.
- Children: Ages 4+ full access (reduced rates, child gear); under 4 free (lap-held). Supervise trails.
Good to Know
- Age Rules: 4+ for snowshoeing; under 12 supervised. Kid sizing available.
- Group Size: Small (1–8); private option.
- Attire: Layers, waterproof boots, gloves (0–5°C February); camera for juhyo.
- Duration: ~4–5 hours + transport; season December 2025–March 2026 (mid-February peak).
- Accessibility: Trails uneven/snowy; limited wheelchair—notify. English guide.
- Photos: Ridgeline/juhyo prime—guide tips for monster frames.
- Sustainability: Respect park—no litter; stay on paths.
Reviews
“We had an awesome time with Aidan! It was our first time snowshoeing and he made sure we felt comfortable and prepared. He was very communicative leading up to the tour so we knew what to expect. Hope to come back for more!”
“Aidan is such a great guy! Funny, witty, and knowledgeable about the landscape we saw. He went out of his way to pick me up from the hotel farther from the usual pickup spot, asked for my lunch preferences, and dropped me off at the station most convenient for my next travel plans.”
“Great experience! Aidan is a very good guide and made the whole experience very enjoyable. Thanks also to good weather, the hike with snowshoes has been fairly easy and the view spectacular. Highly recommended! Thank you Aidan :)”
FAQs
When’s Orofure’s best juhyo season?
December 2025–March 2026; mid-February peak for 1–2m rime-frosted trees.
Is gear and lunch included?
Yes—snowshoes/poles/gaiters, hot drink/snack (~¥22,000); pickup/drop-off Noboribetsu.
Suitable for kids or beginners?
Yes—ages 4+ (child gear); under 4 free (lap-held). Easy-moderate trails, guide support.
What if weather cancels the tour?
Light snow fine; heavy storms full refund. Mid-February 2026 stable.
How long is the full tour?
~4–5 hours hiking + 1-hour transport; 8:00 AM pickup, ~1:00 PM return.
Can I bring camera gear, photo tips?
Yes—juhyo/ridgeline prime; guide suggests low-light monster shots.
What if I have dietary needs for lunch?
Notify for snack adjustments—basic hot drink/snack; vegetarian options available.
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