↘ Nitonupuri — Summit

The Summit route on Nitonupuri (1080 m) is the standard line to the top, up the southwest face. From the Yusato Gate it climbs past the roadside pitch the source flags as the 'steep first slope from the road' and up the southwest aspect (baked mean ~247°). Hokkaido Wilds gives ~3.7 km, ~431 m, ~3.5 hours, grade 5/10. Nitonupuri is one of the lowest peaks in the Niseko Range and one of the most popular. Read this as a description, not a recommendation.

[Terrain] The route crosses an ~874 m plateau to the summit; a false peak just below the top is easily mistaken for it in poor visibility. Baked maximum pitch 43° (median ~25°).

[Avalanche history] The source records a large avalanche below the plateau in 2009. The first slope directly above the road and the ground below the plateau are exactly that avalanche terrain. Check the Niseko avalanche bulletin and the JAN SW Hokkaido bulletin before departing, and make your own stability assessment.

Start & parking: The Yusato Gate (Route 66 winter closure, ~800 m up from Chisenupuri village). Roadside parking is extremely limited — you may need to clear your own space; take care not to block the road.

Getting there: Car only; no public transport. ~24 km from Hirafu, a taxi is ~¥7,500–8,000 one-way. Carpooling recommended.

Onsen: Goshiki Onsen is close by. Confirm hours locally.

Info: Check the Niseko avalanche bulletin and the JAN SW Hokkaido bulletin before departing.