Mt. Ponpon

Mt. Ponpon near Lake Kussharo in Akan-Mashu National Park is a 360-meter hill with a curious feature: warm ground temperatures prevent snow from accumulating on its surface, keeping it carpeted in thick green moss year-round and allowing band-legged ground crickets to be heard even in winter. Stamping your feet near the summit sometimes produces a hollow ponpon sound, which is how the mountain got its name. The two-kilometer trail takes about an hour. The path can become overgrown in summer, so look carefully for the trailhead just off Route 52. Brown bears and hornets inhabit the area, so check local conditions before setting out.