Mt. Fuppushi

Mt. Fuppushi (1,200 m) rises southwest of Lake Akan in Hokkaido, its name from the Ainu language meaning 'a place with Sakhalin fir.' True to that description, Sakhalin fir forest extends all the way to the summit, unlike neighboring Mt. Meakan where alpine flowers dominate, or Mt. Oakan with its creeping pine zone. These differences in plant communities reflect when volcanic activity ceased on each mountain. Hiking is permitted but there are no marked trails, making this a mountain for experienced hikers comfortable with route-finding. The trailless summit rewards with a sense of genuine wilderness rare this close to a major city.