Knowing the factors considered by hikers in selecting their entrance and routes can be helpful for mountainous natural park managers. Mt. Tomuraushi in Daisetsuzan National Park used to be a remote destination that required hikers to make overnight trips to reach the summit. With easier access, there has been a recent increase in day trip hikers. This increase has raised certain concerns, such as soil erosion on the visitor trails, trampling of vegetation, and extension of bare grounds around campsites. We conducted questionnaire survey on hikers’ route selection and their reasons for choosing a specific route and trailhead to Mt. Tomuraushi. The results showed that hikers placed much value on scenery, availability of natural resources, and access and convenience of each route and trailhead. Important factors included conveniences, walkability and good scenery. More experienced hikers were found to be more likely to choose less convenient and less crowded trailheads than less experienced hikers.
