Daisetsuzan (Hokkaido, Japan) Grand Traverse, how hard?

I'm planning a trip to Japan and I'd like to spend one week immerse in Japanese nature. I've read something about the "Daisetsuzan Grand Traverse", which is a 5 days and 55km trekking on a route that connects the Asahi-dake and the Tokachi-dake. I don't usually go for trekking in my home country, even if I enjoy doing it from time to time, so I'm wondering if anyone did that and can actually tell how difficult could be for someone who is not even an amateur trekker (I'm in not in a bad shape, tho). If you also have any other alternative route that you enjoyed feel free to share!

Best Answer

I walked the whole thing (bottom Asahi-dake ? valley down from Tokachi-dake). Here are the main difficulties:

The most difficult part was actually climbing Asahi-dake, because a part of the slope is muddy and slippery. When dry I guess it is easy.
There are also a few sections with a rope that you need to hold in a narrow very steep path. Not really difficult, but definitely more than just walking, so it could block someone that has a handicap.
Some parts are mountain ridges, which can be a problem for people with acrophobia.
There are no shops at all, so carrying all of the food and gas (to boil water) for the 5 days can be considered a difficulty.

Overall it was quite easy and very enjoyable.

I saw 3 bears, who happened to be much lower than me, at a reasonable distance. If I had met them face-to-face I might have considered that a difficulty. The path is well-traveled though, with many people wearing small bells, so I guess they stay away.

I had no GPS so I lost my way one time. I would suggest checking your smartphone every hour or so, don't forget to install an offline maps app such as OsmAnd before leaving.