Adventure Hokkaido

19/08/2024

Richard and Yuka style our incredible new AH-exclusive merchandise… These stylish tops! 👕✨

Our tops are available to purchase for all guests on our tours in either a fetching pale blue or a neutral grey. Featuring designs of Hokkaido’s iconic animals going off on their own exciting adventures, these tops will immerse you in the spirit of Hokkaido’s great outdoors. They’re also practical - light, breathable and long-sleeved to help fend off Hokkaido’s strong sun and insects, as well as machine-washable and quick-dry. All very desired qualities in a top when you’re on an adventure holiday! 😆

These will be sold for ¥4,000 each and we carry Japanese sizes SS ~ 3L. They’ll be available on all of our tours going forward so if you’re travelling with us, just ask your guide if you’d like to purchase one! 🙌

17/08/2024

Richard here, and myself and many other AH guides are spending a lot of our summer in Daisetsuzan National Park with our guests - everyone is having a great time! 🙌

Our tours in the Daisetsuzan area remain among our most popular departures, and for good reason - it’s just beautiful! Naturally, before visiting, our guests want to know what they should pack which leads me to our most-frequently asked question… “What’s the weather like in Daisetsuzan?”🤔

As the park spans a huge area and elevation range, the answer to this question differs based on where and how high up you are in the park! 😵‍💫 So, I’ve put together a handy guide to help hikers learn more about what kind of weather to expect in Daisetzuan during your visit. Check it out, and I hope it’ll be useful! 🌧☀️❄️⚡️

The Hiker's Guide to Weather in Daisetsuzan National Park 👉 https://www.adventure-hokkaido.com/blog/activity-guides/hikers-guide-to-daisetsuzan-weather

08/08/2024

You might remember that a few weeks ago, the AH team was scouting exciting destinations for a new tour. Did you guess where we were? 🤔

For those of you who guessed Shikotsu-Toya National Park… you were right! 🥳 Our brand new Shikotsu-Toya 5 Day Hiking Tour is packed with easygoing hikes - but that’s not to say there won’t be plenty of adventure! You’ll tiptoe across the wreckage of a major eruption, skirt steaming volcanic vents and climb considerable heights to enjoy some astonishing views. Not to mention all of the amazing hot springs you’ll visit, many of which are considered some of the best in not just Hokkaido but the whole of Japan! 😶‍🌫️♨️

This tour will be running this spring in May 2025, which is a relatively quiet and nice and cool month in Hokkaido - and a therefore fantastic season if you’d like to avoid the crowds and beat the summer heat! Get in touch with us as soon as possible if you’d like to join us on this amazing new tour. 📩

Shikotsu-Toya 5 Day Hiking Tour 👉 https://www.adventure-hokkaido.com/tours/shikotsu-toya-5-day-hiking-tour

07/07/2024

Although summer in Hokkaido is upon us, our attention is already turning to autumn. If you’re still considering a tour in Hokkaido later this year, we do have spaces spaces remaining on some of our tours and you would be most welcome to join us! 🤗
If you’re craving a challenge, our Far North Tour, departing September 10th is for you! You’ll explore the northern islands of Rebun and Rishiri, enjoying stunning hikes in this remote part of Japan and enjoying unique island culture. 🌊🏔 On the other hand, our Far East Tour, departing October 6th, is a little lighter on the hikes, giving you time to enjoy the region’s diverse wildlife - including bears splashing around in rivers during Hokkaido’s salmon run. 🐻
We’ll be closing these tours in the next four weeks so if you are keen to join us, head on over to our website to secure your places!

Japan’s Far North 6 Day Hiking Tour 👉 https://www.adventure-hokkaido.com/tours/japans-far-north-7-day-hiking-tour

Japan’s Far East 9 Day Wildlife & Adventure Tour 👉 https://www.adventure-hokkaido.com/tours/japans-far-east-9-day-wildlife-adventure-tour

14/06/2024

Visitors to Hokkaido often flock to see the region’s popular flower meadows but we at Adventure Hokkaido prefer the beautiful, natural flower meadows that can be found across Hokkaido’s alpine plateaus! 🌼 And it’s not just the flowers that make the mountains here so beautiful - a diverse network of trees create the wonderful autumn tapestry for which Hokkaido’s national parks are so beloved. 🍃

The flower season kicks off at high altitudes from around June, so it’s the perfect timing for us to share our latest blog, a guide to our favourite Hokkaido flowers and trees. You’ll not find any lavender or sunflowers here - everything in this blog is a species native to Hokkaido’s wilderness.

Hokkaido’s Flowers and Trees 👉 [https://www.adventure-hokkaido.com/blog/activity-guides/hokkaidos-trees-flowers](https://www.adventure-hokkaido.com/blog/activity-guides/hokkaidos-trees-flowers/)

12/06/2024

Guests and guides alike had a blast on the first tour of the season - our Far East Wildlife & Adventure Tour! We saw foxes prowling the coast, sea otters drifting above strands of kelp, hungry herons, majestic eagles and yes, even a brown bear! Plus we learned all about Ainu culture from an Ainu Guide at Lake Akan and enjoyed some amazing canoeing down pristine rivers and wetlands. Visit our tour page to learn more about this fantastic tour and join us for an unforgettable adventure! 🦦

Japan's Far East 9 Day Wildlife & Adventure Tour 👉 https://www.adventure-hokkaido.com/tours/japans-far-east-9-day-wildlife-adventure-tour

07/06/2024

I have had an absolute blast working with Adventure Hokkaido, sharing the wonders of this very special island with all of our guests. But now the time has come for me to start my new adventure! Later this summer I will be leaving Hokkaido, but I will always cherish the land, the wildlife and the people in my heart. I hope to see some of you on my next adventure. Happy travels! - Michael

16/05/2024

The Adventure Hokkaido team have been out scouting some exciting routes in southern Hokkaido! 🔍 🤔

We’ve explored summits looking out over caldera lakes, an island oasis and even spent time with a volcano meister to witness and learn about the destructive power of a young volcano… Can you guess where we are? 🌋 ♨️ 😶‍🌫️

Much of what we’ve seen will find its way into a brand new tour, coming soon! Watch this space… 👀

07/05/2024

When you think of Japan, you of course think of the country’s national flower, the beautiful cherry blossom. We of course have them here in Hokkaido, too… with a few key differences!
First, they bloom from late April into mid-May, depending on the region. That’s over a month after mainland Japan! 😧 The species we enjoy here in Hokkaido is different, too. Down south, the cultivar of choice is the famous Somei Yoshino, with its large, whiteish blossoms. Hokkaido on the other hand is home to a wild cherry species, known as “Ezoyamazakura” in Japanese (literally, “Hokkaido mountain cherry”). The blossoms on these wild trees are a deeper pink and bloom at the same time as young, crimson leaves - unlike the Somei Yoshino, whose leaves sprout after the blossoms finish. 🌸🍂
Although they were a little early this year, they are as spectacular as always! Here’s a view of Mt. Asahidake at sunrise, framed by lovely Ezoyamazakura cherry blossoms.

02/05/2024

You might think that winter in Hokkaido limits the hiking routes you can enjoy, but nothing could be further from the truth! Winter offers a whole wealth of snow hike opportunities, some of which we explore on our Shikotsu-Toya 6 Day Winter Hiking Tour. ☃️ You’ll have the chance to challenge yourself while enjoying some stunning views from snow-covered mountain trails. Sweeping winter vistas of caldera lakes await… as do some of the most popular hot springs in Hokkaido! 😶‍🌫️♨️

The best part? This tour isn’t dependent on snow to go ahead! If there’s not enough snow for snowshoeing, we can just as easily enjoy the routes on foot. 👍

Shikotsu-Toya 6 Day Winter Hiking Tour 👉 https://www.adventure-hokkaido.com/tours/shikotsu-toya-6-day-winter-hiking-tour/

20/04/2024

As part of a commitment to continuous improvement, we’ve made some exciting changes to our Japan’s Far North 7 Day Hiking Tour! 🤩
To make the hikes on this tour accessible to a wider range of participants, the tour now spends more time exploring the length and breadth of both Rebun and Rishiri Island, allowing for a more immersive experience of northern island life. 🏔🌊
Finally, we’ve included some extra time in Wakkanai, where our guests will be able to explore beautiful Cape Soya, the northernmost point in Japan.
We’re accepting bookings on this tour for this autumn. If you’d like to join us on this revamped itinerary, head on over to our website and grab your seats as soon as you can!

Japan's Far North 7 Day Hiking Tour 👉 https://www.adventure-hokkaido.com/tours/japans-far-north-7-day-hiking-tour/

19/04/2024

For gluten-free eaters, eating out in Hokkaido may prove to be a challenge. But with a little foresight and extra vigilance, anyone can achieve a delicious, gluten-free diet while travelling in Hokkaido! Our latest blog explores foods you will want to avoid while here, reasons why some foods are not gluten-free friendly, tasty and safe alternatives and some useful terms and expressions to help you navigate the island’s culinary landscape. You will have plenty of yummy options to refuel during your adventures in Hokkaido! 🍙🍙🍙

Gluten Free in Hokkaido 👉 https://www.adventure-hokkaido.com/blog/travel-tips/going-gluten-free-in-hokkaido/

12/04/2024

In our latest blog, Zac will talk through the challenges and rewards of solo travel in Hokkaido and offer handy advice if you’re thinking of braving our northern land alone. Travelling Hokkaido alone can seem overwhelming at first, but there is really nothing to fear! And who knows, you may even make some new friends along the way. 👫🎶

Independent Travel to Hokkaido 👉 https://www.adventure-hokkaido.com/blog/travel-tips/independent-travel-to-hokkaido

05/04/2024

Check out our guide Richard on the latest Snow Country Stories Japan podcast! He joins host Peter to discuss hiking in stunning Daisetsuzan National Park.

Richard shares his take on this incredible alpine park, including the landscapes, wildlife and seasonal beauty and provides insights into our multiday hiking tours in the park.

A must-listen for anyone dreaming of a Daisetsuzan adventure! Listen here... 🎧 https://snowcountrystories.com/episodes/ep25-daisetsuzan-japans-largest-national-park

01/04/2024

Wildlife photographers, you asked, and we heard you…

We are very pleased to announce the launch of our first photography tour, our Winter Wildlife 8 Day Photography Tour! 🥳📷 This tour takes you across Hokkaido in the capable hands of a Hokkaido-based professional photographer in search of the stars of Hokkaido’s winter wildlife. The gang’s all here - you can expect to capture some incredible shots of Red-crowned Cranes, Whooper Swans and Steller’s Sea Eagles to name but a few! 🪿🦅

We welcome amateur, enthusiast and professional photographers alike on this tour, just as long as you’re savvy with a camera! However, seats are limited so if you’re keen to join us, do get in touch via our website as soon as possible.

Winter Wildlife 8 Day Photography Tour 👉 https://www.adventure-hokkaido.com/tours/hokkaido-winter-wildlife-8-day-photography-tour

19/03/2024

If you’re already dreaming of a winter trip to Hokkaido, we’ve got you covered. 🫡 The dates for our popular Japan’s Far East 7 Day Wild Winter Tour for Winter 2024/25 are already live on our website - including dates for the popular February Special! ☃️
The February Special is one of our most popular tours and allows you to experience the very best of Hokkaido’s winter charms. We’ve already had interest, so if you don’t want to miss out, head on over to our website and secure your places on tour good and early. 🏃‍♂️💨

Winter Tours 👉 https://www.adventure-hokkaido.com/winter-tours

13/03/2024

Konnichiwa! Michael here to tell you all about the amazing creatures we saw during our recent 3-day guide training. We saw adorable Long-tailed T**s playing in the trees by the Biei River, two Eurasian Teal couples in the volcanic ponds around Mt. Asahidake and even watched as two Eurasian Jays aggressively disturbed the slumber of a Ural Owl. But most spectacular was the Siberian Flying Squirrel we watched glide from the top of one tree to the trunk of another! Did you know that Siberian Flying Squirrels will make several resting holes in different trees, and glide from one to the next over the course of the night? So why could we see this one in the daytime? Late February and early March is breeding season for these soaring squirrels, and this little fellow was no doubt searching for a partner! 💕

09/03/2024

Izakaya? Teishoku? Nama kudasai?! What do all of these words mean?! 🤯
Fortunately for you, Adventure Hokkaido Guide and Chief Eating Officer Zac is on the case to give you all the local’s tips to eating out in Hokkaido! 👍 Where to eat, what to eat and even useful Japanese phrases are all covered in the blog, so do check it out if you’re feeling a bit nervous about eating out when you visit Hokkaido.
Excuse me… this blog is making me hungry. Time for dinner! 🤤🍣
A Local's Guide to Eating Out in Hokkaido 👉 https://www.adventure-hokkaido.com/blog/travel-tips/eating-out-in-hokkaido

23/02/2024

What an amazing time our guests are having on our Japan's Far East Wild Winter February Special! Although the weather has been unseasonably warm, that hasn't put a damper (pun intended) on everyone's spirits. As you can see, they've been having an amazing time! 🥰
There have also been plenty of wildlife sightings, as expected - but what was not so expected was a magical encounter with a Blakiston's Fish Owl from the window of the group's ryokan in Yoroushi Onsen. 🤩🦉
We will be releasing 2025 dates for this special one-off tour very soon. Consider heading on over to our website to sign up for our mailing list so you don't miss out when new tour dates drop! 📩

15/02/2024

Michael from Adventure Hokkaido here! 🙋🏻‍♂️
We’re now midway through February, and between snowshoeing through forests and observing some fascinating migratory bird species, we’ve certainly been enjoying this year’s winter to the fullest.
But it’s always around this time that I get that strong urge to go cycling! Luckily, Hokkaido is a prime location for doing just that. Please take a look at my new blog, in which I go over what makes cycling in Hokkaido so special, and share some tips and advice on cycling over here. If you’re a diehard cycling fanatic, or simply an amateur ready for an exhilarating challenge, please join us on one of our cycling tours. We can’t wait to hit the road with you!
Check out our website for both my blog and details on our guided cycling tours. 🚴‍♀️💨🚴‍♂️💨

Why You Need to Try Cycling in Hokkaido 👉 https://www.adventure-hokkaido.com/blog/activity-guides/cycling-in-hokkaido

24/01/2024

Appearing with Hokkaido’s midwinter snows are several wintering bird species! 🪶
The most popular and well-known of these is the Steller’s Sea Eagle. 🦅 The heaviest eagle in the world, it soars over the ocean from Sakhalin and the Kamchatka Peninsula, making a stop in Hokkaido over the winter. You can’t miss these birds when they soar overhead - their wingspan is larger than most fully-grown adult humans! 😳
Another popular bird is the graceful Whooper Swan. 🦢 Fleeing the cold of Siberia’s winter, they set course for the south to keep warm. Along the way, they stop off in Hokkaido… and they can’t resist the chance to enjoy Japanese onsen culture while they’re here, commonly found keeping warm along the hot spring shores of Lake Kussharo! ♨️💕
Winter in Hokkaido really is a birder’s paradise! 😄

19/01/2024

2024 is off to a flying start with our Japan’s Far East Wild Winter tour! ☃️
Our guests (and guides!) have been having an amazing time exploring East Hokkaido. They’ve donned snowshoes and explored lake and forest vistas and even got up close and personal with the steaming volcanic vents at Mt. Io! 🌋
Not to mention all the astonishing wildlife encounters they’ve had so far… 🦊🦅🦢
We’ll be closing reservations for our March departure of this tour soon and seats are still remaining. If you’d like to join us, it’s not too late - head on over to our website to snag your seat!

Japan's Far East Wild Winter Tour 👉 https://www.adventure-hokkaido.com/tours/japans-far-east-7-day-wild-winter-tour

28/12/2023

Wishing you a very Happy New Year from Adventure Hokkaido and hoping that your 2024 is filled with many wonderful adventures! 🥳
A quick heads-up that our team will be taking a break over the New Year’s Holiday here in Japan and so our inbox and social media will be unmonitored from 29th December 2023~3rd January 2024. 🙇🏻‍♀️
But don’t worry, we’ll be back and ready to jump into action and our exciting winter season from January 4th!
See you next year! 🙌

27/12/2023

We've seen amazing winter phenomena in Hokkaido over the years! ☃
Diamond dust occurs when water v***r freezes in midair, creating ultra-fine ice particles which glitter like precious jewels. 💎✨ Sun halos occur when light refracts through ice particles high in the Earth’s atmosphere, creating a rainbow-like ring around the sun. And rime ice occurs when drifting fog freezes onto tree branches, turning entire forests into beautiful frosty sculptures! 🤍
If you’re interested in seeing some of these wondrous winter phenomena for yourself, please take a look at our winter tours. It's not too late to join us and we can’t wait to show you all that Hokkaido winters have to offer! 🤗

Winter Tours 👉 https://www.adventure-hokkaido.com/winter-tours/

24/12/2023

Merry Christmas from Adventure Hokkaido! 🎄🎅🏻
Many people in Hokkaido have Christmas trees in their home at this time of year, but as fir and spruce trees grow naturally across Hokkaido, perhaps they aren’t needed… The region is full of beautiful, snow-covered Christmas tree forests like this one below the Asahidake Ropeway! 😍
Christmas is not usually a day off work in Japan, but those who have time off today in Hokkaido may well be taking advantage of the fresh powder falling on the mountains. It’s not unusual on Christmas Day to see Hokkaido residents enjoying winter sports, like skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing. 🏂❄️
Finally, a tradition popular across Japan is enjoying fried chicken on Christmas Day. 🍗 But rather than queuing up at fast food joints, some Hokkaido residents prefer to enjoy fried chicken from Hokkaido’s very own convenience store chain, Seicomart, on Christmas Day! (And we can’t blame them, Seicomart’s fried chicken is delicious! 😋)
Wherever you are in the world and whether you’re celebrating or not, we hope that you have a great day!

21/12/2023

Michael here, the newest member of the Adventure Hokkaido team. 🙋🏻‍
With so much snow on the ground, I can’t wait to go snowshoeing! Walking through magical forests, climbing snowcapped peaks, gazing upon frozen lakes… For me there is nothing better! Check out our latest blog on snowshoeing where I introduce and explain the basics to beginners. ☃️
We also offer snowshoeing on our Japan's Far East 7 Day Wild Winter Tour. Join us as we encounter beautiful Whooper Swans, walk upon drift ice in Shiretoko, learn about rich Ainu culture, and more! We look forward to your visit. 🦢🦅

A Local's Guide to Snowshoeing 👉 https://www.adventure-hokkaido.com/blog/activity-guides/snowshoeing-in-hokkaido
Japan's Far East 7 Day Wild Winter Tour 👉 https://www.adventure-hokkaido.com/tours/japans-far-east-7-day-wild-winter-tour

16/12/2023

We’re very pleased to announce our second rollout of Self-Guided Tours! 🥳
Both our new Lakes & Volcanoes 8 Day Self-Guided Tour and Hot Springs & History 7 Day Self-Guided Tour begin in Sapporo, which is super handy if you’re launching your Hokkaido trip from New Chitose Airport!
Lakes & Volcanoes, at Grade 3, will take you on some amazing hikes through Shikotsu-Toya National Park, prime caldera lake and onsen country right on Sapporo’s doorstep! 🌋🧖🏻‍♀️
Hot Springs & History will lead you on a journey through Hokkaido’s natural and human history, finishing in the historic port city of Hakodate. 🚢🌲
Head on over to the tour pages to find out more, and feel free to get in touch if you’re interested in striding out on your own Self-Guided Tour with us! 😄

Lakes & Volcanoes 8 Day Self-Guided Tour 👉 https://www.adventure-hokkaido.com/tours/lakes-volcanoes-8-day-self-guided-tour
Hot Springs & History 7 Day Self-Guided Tour 👉 https://www.adventure-hokkaido.com/tours/hot-springs-history-7-day-self-guided-tour

16/12/2023

Check out this amazing video by Will Tang of Going Awesome Places, who travelled with us for the Adventure Travel World Summit back in autumn! He joined a special departure of our Japan's Far East Wildlife & Adventure Tour and it looks like he had some very memorable experiences along the way.

Thanks for travelling with us Will, and we're so happy that you had an amazing time in Hokkaido! 🐻

The Far East of Hokkaido is relatively unknown to most travellers to Japan but if you love the outdoors, wildlife encounters, Indigenous culture, and going o...