Located in the central part of Hokkaido, there is an active volcano that is 2,077m high. The Tokachi-dake Alps is a predominantly volcanic region made up of ten mountains including Tokachi-dake, Biei Fuji (1,881m), Biei-dake (2,052m), and Mae Tokachi-dake (1,642m). Today, this area is known as The Daisetsuzan (Big Snow Mountain) National Park, and is where the present Tokachi-dake rose some 500,000 years ago, becoming active about 10,000 years ago. Tokachi-dake continues to erupt about once every 30 years. Such a wonder of nature fascinates and beguiles many tourists and mountain climbers who visit the area.From the summit of Tokachi-dake, there is a splendid view of Furano-dake, and Mount Kami-Horokameku. There is also a famous hot spring (onsen) resort near Tokachi-dake called Hakin Onsen, which is considered to be the first stop for to sightseeing in Tokachi-dake. A waterfall called Shiro-Hige no Taki (White beard waterfall) which cascades down the mountainside can be seen from Hakin-bashi (Hakin bridge) located near the resort. To this day, a wisp of thick white smoke can be seen trailing out of Tokachi-dake.