Daisetsuzan National Park
, or
Taisetsuzan is located in the mountainous center of the northern
Japanese island of
Hokkaido. At 2267.64 square kilometers, Daisetsuzan is the largest national park in Japan.
The name means "Great Snowy Mountain(s)", an apt description of these peaks â€" there are 16 peaks over 2000 meters with trails and many more without trails â€" that offer some of the most rugged scenery in Japan.
There are three volcanic mountain groups. The groups consist of
stratovolcanoes piled on top of each other. As one vent becomes active, it builds a peak then stops until a new vent appears. These groups are:
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Daisetsuzan Volcanic Group â€" lies in the northern part of the park and includes Hokkaido's tallest mountain,
Mount Asahi.
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Tokachi Volcanic Group â€" lies in the southwest of the park north of the
Yubari and
Hidaka Mountains. It includes
Mount Tokachi*
Shikaribetsu Volcanic Group â€" lies in the eastern part of the park and includes
Mount Ishikari.
These volcanic groups lie around a central highlands dominated by
Mount TomuraushiThe park is famous for its wildlife, including brown bears, its alpine meadows and remote backcountry.
Daisetsuzan National Park also includes the hot spring resorts of
Asahidake Onsen,
Sounkyo Onsen and
Tenninkyo Onsen.
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Daisetsuzan National Park* http://www.biodic.go.jp/english/jpark/np/daisetu_e.html
* http://www.idioimagers.org/daisetsu/index.htm (photo gallery of Daisetsuzan)
