Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Live Cam

Geographical and Geological Context

Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu is situated on the southwestern slopes of Mount Annupuri, a dormant stratovolcano that forms part of the Niseko Volcanic Group in Hokkaido. Located in Kunochō, Abuta District, the resort occupies elevations ranging from approximately 300 meters at the base to 1,200 meters at the summit, providing diverse topography conducive to winter sports and year-round outdoor activities. The underlying geology is characterized by Pleistocene volcanic deposits—primarily andesitic to dacitic lavas interbedded with pyroclastic tephra layers—eroded over millennia by glacial, fluvial, and mass-wasting processes. This volcanic foundation yields well-draining, mineral-rich soils on gentler slopes, while steep cirque walls and ridgelines expose fresh volcanic rock, creating dramatic outcrops that remain visible even under heavy snow cover.