↘ Kyogoku Route

The Kyogoku route climbs the northeast face of Mt Yotei (aspect NE–E, mean slope ~32°, max ~52°) from a trailhead at roughly 421 m to the summit zone near 1894 m — about 1473 m of vertical over ~8.1 km, alpine the whole way. It is classified as Complex (ATES Level 3) avalanche terrain; read this as a description of the ground and conditions, not as a recommendation.

[Trailhead ~421 m] Start at the trailhead sign. The lower track is gentle and sheltered in the forest, passing a 2nd road crossing early on; wind effect here is minimal.

[~970 m narrow spur] The ridge pinches to a narrow spur within the trees. The going is reasonably steady to here, but the angle steepens as you gain height.

[~1100–1350 m crampon zone] From around the 'Crampons/ski-crampons may be required' marker the surface firms up and wind-scoured ice becomes common. Skin grip can fail; ski crampons or boot crampons may be needed.

[~1350 m — 'Most descend from here'] This is the elevation widely used as a realistic turn-around and descent point. Above it the slope is wind-exposed, increasingly crusted and icy, and terrain becomes hard to read in poor visibility. Many parties turn here and ski the northeast face.

[Above ~1350 m — crater rim and summit] If continuing higher, expect sections reaching ~52°, harder snow, and strong wind on the ridge. Past Makkari-dake (1892 m) the route gains the crater rim and the summit of Yotei (1898 m; ~1894 m on the track). The top is a broad, near-featureless cone wrapped around a large crater.

[Descent caution] The main hazard is descending the wrong aspect. Yotei is a symmetrical, featureless cone with few reference points; in cloud or flat light it is easy to confuse the northeast face you climbed with an adjacent aspect and be drawn into a different gully or face. Descend while actively confirming your ascent aspect (NE–E) with GPS and compass. Watch for wind-loaded slab, weak layers under crust, and steep ground near the crater. This is avalanche terrain that demands judgement.

[Trailhead & parking] The Kyogoku route starts on the northeast side of Yotei from the Kyogoku-side trailhead (~421 m, at the 'trailhead sign'). In winter, backcountry users self-park in the available pull-offs; plowing is variable and space is limited, so avoid blocking the road or snow-clearing operations.

[Getting there] Roughly 2–2.5 hours by car from Sapporo / New Chitose. Winter (studless) tyres are essential, and the forest road and approach may be unplowed. Public transport is sparse; a private car or an arranged tour is the practical option.

[Descent point] Because the upper mountain is wind-scoured and icy, many parties use the ~1350 m 'Most descend from here' point as a realistic turn-around and ski-down point.

[After] Day-use onsen and eateries are scattered around the Niseko / Kutchan / Kyogoku area. Confirm opening hours and winter closures yourself in advance.