↘ Hirafu Route

Mt Yotei's Hirafu route climbs the mountain's west-to-northwest flank (mean aspect ~280 degrees) for about 1,550 m of vertical over roughly 12 km one way. It begins at the Hirafu trailhead parking on the west side (~290 m). The lower section follows forestry road and forest, passing the end of the forestry road (~560 m), the Minamikobu junction (~590 m) and the Southern Knob (Minami-kobu, 649 m) as it gains height gradually.

Around 700 m the angle steepens (the "700 m point – steep climb"). The gully terrain here funnels avalanches, and a waypoint explicitly warns against entering one drainage ("Do not enter this gully," ~708 m). The route continues over a 970 m narrow spur, past 1,000 m, and onto a flatter bench known as "The Terrace" (~1,050 m). To here the travel is mostly through treeline forest.

Roughly 1,300–1,350 m is where most skiers turn around ("1300 m / 1350 m – Most descend from here"). Above this the snow hardens: a waypoint marks the "Powder line – often icy beyond here." The trees thin and wind effect grows. A distinct avalanche-danger point sits near 1,475 m.

On the upper cone (~1,600–1,700 m) the slope locally reaches around 40 degrees and the surface is commonly wind-affected or icy. Several waypoints flag that crampons and/or ski crampons are often required through this band (~1,603 m, 1,631 m, 1,650 m, 1,694 m). The Yotei emergency hut stands at about 1,673–1,682 m, and the crater rim is reached near 1,703 m. The high point is the Yotei summit marker on the rim (1,898 m); Makkari-dake (1,892 m) is another point on the rim. The rim is exposed and windy, and orientation is easily lost in poor visibility.

The single greatest hazard on the descent is aspect. Yotei is an isolated cone, and the upper mountain presents similar-looking slopes in every direction. In flat light (overcast or cloud that erases all shadow and texture) it is easy to drop off onto an aspect other than the west-to-northwest face you ascended — a mistake made on this peak every season. Carry reliable navigation and descend the aspect you planned. This route is classified ATES "complex" (Level 3): it is unambiguous avalanche terrain and demands a current stability assessment and your own judgement.

Trailhead & parking: The route starts at the Hirafu trailhead parking on the west side (~290 m). Access is typically from the Niseko/Kutchan area; in winter the usable parking depends on plowing, so check current local conditions before committing to a plan.

Getting there: Approach the northwest base of Yotei from the Kutchan/Niseko side. Expect snow and ice on the roads — a 4WD vehicle with winter tyres or equivalent is appropriate. Public transport is limited and infrequent, so confirm options in advance.

Descent point: Most skiers begin their descent from about 1,300–1,350 m (the "Most descend from here" marks). Above that it becomes a hard, icy, wind-exposed zone; pushing to the crater rim or summit depends entirely on the day's conditions and your judgement.

After: Onsen and food are scattered around the Kutchan/Niseko area. Hours and openings vary by season, so confirm locally.