At 2013m, Nipesotsu-yama (ニペソツ山) is one of Hokkaido’s highest mountains. It is also one of the finest – a jagged peak rising out of the surrounding forests, isolated, rugged and difficult to access. Fukada Kyuya, the mountain essayist who compiled the Hundred Famous Mountains of Japan (日本百名山), allegedly regretted not including it in his famous list. Since the approach to the main route was destroyed in the 2016 typhoons, the old route from Horoka Onsen (幌加温泉) has been reopened to make it possible as a long day out and back for a fit party. The remote primeval forest and isolated high alpine ridges are well worth the effort.