↘ Makkari Route

The Makkari route climbs the south side of Mt Yotei, gaining roughly 1,520 m of vertical over about 10 km from a trailhead near 320 m to the crater rim. The whole route faces broadly south to southwest, averages about 29 degrees, and reaches a maximum of around 54 degrees up high — this is complex terrain (ATES level 3) and unambiguously avalanche terrain.

The lower route is in trees. From the trailhead (~320 m) the line works up ridge-like ground toward the Southern Knob (南コブ, ~650 m). At the Minamikobu-bunki junction it diverges from the summer-trail direction, then passes the 750 m and 1000 m markers as it gains height. The forest gives some shelter from wind, but the angle steepens steadily.

Past a flat called The Terrace and approaching treeline, the terrain opens out and becomes wind-affected. Above roughly 1000 m the snow surface tends to harden, and the route passes a marked 'Avalanche danger' spot and a zone where 'crampons / ski-crampons are often required.' Expect wind-scoured slopes, crust, and ice.

Around 1300 m is the point where 'most descend from here.' Above it the angle, wind, and snow conditions get markedly more serious, with open, exposed slopes running up to the crater rim. Whether to push above 1300 m depends on the day's snow, visibility, and your own judgement.

The rim high point is about 1,840 m. The Yotei-zan Emergency Hut sits near the rim, with the crater (the 'ohachi') opening on the inside. The summit is a featureless cone, notorious for high wind and whiteout.

The single biggest descent hazard is dropping the wrong aspect. Yotei is a near-symmetrical stand-alone cone; in flat light or cloud it is easy to ski off the south/southwest Makkari face onto another aspect entirely (another route's drainage). Record your uptrack and verify your bearing with compass/GPS before descending. Commit to the wrong slope and you will be carried down into the neighbouring valley. This is not a recommendation — it is avalanche terrain, and every decision is your own.

Trailhead / parking: The Makkari route starts on the south foot of Yotei from the Makkari village side. The trailhead is near 320 m, with parking around the summer-trail entrance (winter access depends on snow clearing — check before you go).

Getting there: Most parties drive in from the Kutchan / Niseko area toward Makkari village. Winter public transport is limited, so a private or chartered vehicle is realistic. Watch road and forest-road snow/plowing conditions near the trailhead.

Descent: Most parties turn to ski down from around 1300 m. Whether or not you continue to the rim (~1,840 m) and the emergency hut, descend back along your uptrack onto the Makkari (south to southwest) side. Carry GPS/compass for poor visibility.

After: The Makkari, Niseko, and Kutchan areas have onsen and places to eat for a post-tour bath and meal (confirm hours and winter opening with each venue).