Level 2
Subashiri Trail
Sand in your boots. Better descent. Fewer people.
Elevation Profile3,776m
Duration
5-7 hours up
2-3 hours down
Distance
7.2 km
Elevation Gain
1,520 m
Price
¥52,000
per person
Hour-by-Hour Timeline
20:30
Subashiri 5th Station
2,000m
21:15
Sand slope section
2,200m
22:30
End of sand
2,600m
00:00
7th Station merge
2,990m
02:30
8th Station
3,250m
04:00
Final push
3,500m
05:30
Summit sunrise
3,776m
About This Route
The Subashiri Trail starts lower than Yoshida, at 2,000m. The first 2 hours are on soft volcanic sand — it's annoying, but easier on the knees than rock. After the 7th station, the trail merges with Yoshida. The real advantage is the descent: you can run-slide down the sand, cutting descent time to 2 hours.
Honest Assessment
“Subashiri starts with 2 hours of sand in your boots. It's annoying. The summit compensates. The sand descent is genuinely fun — you'll see people half-running, half-sliding down. Bring gaiters or accept sandy socks.”
What's Included
- ✓Certified JMGA mountain guide
- ✓Hut reservation at 8th station
- ✓Headlamp rental
- ✓Trekking poles
- ✓Gaiters (sand protection)
- ✓Post-climb onsen
- ✓Summit photo
What's Not Included
- ✗Transport to Subashiri 5th Station
- ✗Snacks and lunch
- ✗Rain gear
- ✗Travel insurance
- ✗Hut food and drinks
Physical Requirements
- ▶Can walk 10km with 1,000m gain in under 4 hours
- ▶Comfortable with loose terrain underfoot
- ▶OK with sand in boots for 2 hours
We turn back unfit climbers. This is for your safety and the group's. No exceptions.
Season
Jul 1 — Sep 10
Best: Tue-Thu
¥52,000
per person