Esan Prefectural Natural Park

Mt. Esan is an active volcano in the Esan area. This mountain was designated as a prefectural natural park. The park comprises four main areas, namely coast, forest, and Mounts Esan and Yokotsu. There is not much vegetation in the peak area of Mt. Esan. But, around 600 thousand azalea trees and over 60 varieties of alpine flora on the foot of the mountain. It’s been selected as one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan by Motoo Iwasaki, who is the famous mountaineer in Japan.

Red vein’s crimson flowers bloom in Spring. By the time of Autumn, the plateau is dyed red by maple leaves. You can enjoy the scenery from the observatory, the hills of the sidewalk, and all angles you like.

The Esantsutsuji Park, located at the foot of Mt. Esan is a good place for travel families to walk around and bring some food for a picnic. If you come with children and teenagers, you can go hiking on Mt. Esan.

About Mt. Esan

Mt. Esan was formed by ancient eruptive activity. About 10,000 years ago, the Esan lava dome was formed, and it is an active volcano. Although it has been in a lull since the small eruption in June 1874, you can still feel the heartbeat of the earth as it continues to raise fumaroles. Due to the combination of conditions such as low-nutrient volcanic ash and lack of sunshine, the effects of fog generated in the Tsugaru Straits, alpine plants that can only be seen in 2000m-class mountains can be observed on Mt. Esan, which is not so high.

Azalea Blossom

After the cherry blossom season, when the city of Hakodate is surrounded by pale pink flowers, it’s time for azaleas. Mt. Esan, located in the eastern part of Hakodate, is a famous place for azaleas. From late May to early June, the foothills were covered with rose-pink flowers. And there is an Esan Azalea Festival to enjoy the azalea blossom.

Esan Azalea Festival – The Beautiful Azalea Blooms View

Autumn Maple Leaves

Mt. Esan is tinted into red and yellow colors when Autumn is coming. Autumn leaves fully bloom in early November. If you come with children and teenagers, I will recommend you go hiking on Mt. Esan. You will receive beautiful red maple leaf views from different angles.