A young volcano, Asahi-dake is the highest peak in the Daisetsu mountain range, which stretches over more than 50km and boasts a number of summits above 2 000m. If you don't feel up to tackling Asahi-dake's steep rock faces, often shrouded in cloud, the beautiful Sugatami plateau makes for an easier climb. At the end of the day, head to the small Asahidake Onsen hotel complex, with its many hot springs, the most appealing of which are in the open air in an enchanting alpine setting.