“Winter in Hokkaidō”, Nakayama Slope, Kimobetsu, Hokkaido, c. 1930, southwest of Sapporo. Back-country skiers covering ground across a winter landscape. More developed today, Route 230 between Sapporo and Kimobetsu roughly follows the historic pass.

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Sheep grazing in the shadow of Ezo Fuji, Hokkaido, c. 1930.

Nakayama Pass (Nakayama-toge) is located near Kimobetsu Town, southwest of Sapporo, in the mountainous western region of Hokkaido.

The ski area is further along on the Nakayama Pass road. Its gentle slopes are great for anyone just beginning backcountry skiing. Nakayamatoge opens initially for a very short early season every year before reopening for spring skiing.

In the past, it was open throughout the winter, but it now closes for most of the peak winter months. Road traffic is subject to whiteouts, drifting snow, and sudden icing.