HereWeGo
April 17, 2026 • 3 min read
Mount Asahi is not only the tallest peak in Hokkaido but also a site rich in mysterious stories, including a mysterious SOS signal that once saved the lives of climbers.
Introduction to Mount Asahi
Mount Asahi, located in Higashikawa, Japan, is the highest mountain in Hokkaido, attracting thousands of climbers each year. While the main path is accessible for many, the mountain is shrouded in mysteries and strange tales, one of which revolves around a famous event that occurred on July 24, 1989.
The Disappearance Incident
Two climbers from Tokyo went missing while attempting to reach the summit of Asahi-dake. As twilight descended, a rescue helicopter spotted a massive SOS sign made of fallen trees. This area quickly became the focal point for the rescue teams.
When found, the two climbers were taking shelter in a cave, approximately 2-3 kilometers north of the SOS signal. They were frightened and dehydrated but safe. Interestingly, they were unaware of the existence of the SOS sign, and their condition did not allow them to create such a signal themselves.
Unraveling the Mystery of the SOS Signal
Upon further investigation, authorities discovered that the SOS sign was not made from random branches but rather from neatly trimmed logs. Additionally, a backpack, a tape recorder, and a driver's license belonging to Kenji Iwamura, who had been missing since 1984, were found nearby. Remarkably, human bone fragments, including a skull, added to the enigma of this story.
A tape found in the recorder captured the voice of a man pleading for help: "SOS; help me! I can't move on the cliff! SOS; this is where I first encountered a helicopter! The sasa is too dense, I can't get up! Please rescue me from here!"
✈️ Tìm chuyến bay giá tốt
Đặt vé ngay với giá ưu đãi từ các hãng hàng không
Danger Zones and Advice for Travelers
Mount Asahi has two notable landmarks: Kinko Iwa (Safe Rock) and Nise Kinko Iwa (False Safe Rock). The Safe Rock indicates that you are nearing the summit, but if you fall near the False Safe Rock, you might get lost in a dense bamboo forest of sasa. This situation poses significant risks for climbers if they are not cautious.
Most climbers return safely, but it's crucial to stick to your planned route. Before each climb, inform someone about your destination and adhere to your itinerary.
Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers
For Vietnamese adventurers looking to explore Mount Asahi, obtaining a Japanese visa is the first step. To apply for a tourist visa, you need to prepare financial documents, a travel itinerary, and an invitation letter if available. Flight costs from Vietnam typically range from 6 to 10 million VND, depending on the booking time and airline.
Additionally, the best climbing season is from June to October when the weather is pleasant and rainfall is minimal. A trip may cost around 15 million VND, covering airfare, accommodation, and daily expenses.
Besides trekking at Mount Asahi, visitors can explore other attractions in Hokkaido like Sapporo or Otaru, renowned for their cuisine and stunning natural scenery.
Conclusion
Mount Asahi is not just a popular climbing destination; it also holds many mysterious stories. The SOS signals saved two climbers' lives but could not save the person who created them. This serves as a reminder to always exercise caution when exploring new territories and to adhere to safety guidelines.
Article adapted and edited from: Atlas Obscura
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