Hokkaido Adventure Travel Blog

The insider’s look into Hokkaido

Activity Guide

Jul 17, 2024 by Hattie

A Local’s Guide to Photography in Hokkaido

From wildlife to weddings, Hokkaido is fast on the rise as a photography haven. Often, our guests join us with cameras in tow and ask for our advice on kit to bring, as well as advice on how to get around Hokkaido with their gear. As part of our locals series, our resident shutterbug Hattie will share her tips on photography in Hokkaido.

A photographer takes a photo of Stellar's Sea Eagles gathered on broken drift ice off the coast of Rausu, Shiretoko.

  • Travel Tips

    Jul 10, 2024 by Hattie

    What to eat in Hokkaido? Adventure Hokkaido Team’s favourite foods!

    One of the most commonly-asked questions of guides on our tours is, “What should I eat?” Well, you’re in luck… in this blog, members of the Adventure Hokkaido Team share their favourite Hokkaido foods with you, complete with recommendations on where and when to enjoy them.

    Dinner prepared with in-season produce
  • Activity Guide

    Jun 27, 2024 by Richard

    The Hiker's Guide to Weather in Daisetsuzan National Park

    What’s the weather like in Daisetsuzan National Park? That has got to be our most frequently-asked question from hikers! The park is vast and at the mercy of some extreme conditions at times. Guide Richard breaks down the weather by month and outlines some things that may surprise you.

    A hiker takes a photo of a cloudy sky and snow lingering on mountains along the Asahidake-Kurodake Traverse in Hokkaido.
  • Activity Guide

    May 8, 2024 by Hattie

    Bloomin’ Lovely! Hokkaido’s Trees and Flowers

    Hokkaido’s summers may be short, but during its brief tenure, its flowers burst into bloom and its trees become a vibrant green. On our tours from June through to September, we often come across plenty of these beautiful trees and flowers. In today’s blog, Hattie will introduce some of the flora we encounter more regularly on our tours.

    Aleutian Avens in bloom in July at the base of Mt. Asahidake.
  • Gallery

    Apr 5, 2024 by Michael

    Shikotsu-Toya Winter Hiking Tour

    Our guests from New Zealand had an amazing time with Adventure Hokkaido guides Tobaji and Yuka on the custom 3 day version of our Shikotsu-Toya 6 Day Winter Hiking Tour. The group enjoyed snowshoeing up Mt. Monbetsu's snowy slopes for sweeping views of frigid Lake Shikotsu, learning more about Ainu culture, taking a closer look at volcanic hot springs and trying out the delectable local cuisine.

    Three guests pose triumphantly at the top of Mt. Mobetsu, holding the summit sign which shows elevation.
  • Travel Tips

    Mar 28, 2024 by Zac

    Independent Travel to Hokkaido

    Independent travel in Hokkaido doesn’t need to be intimidating! While a little more planning and flexibility is needed, Adventure Hokkaido Guide Zac is here to guide you through everything you need to know and to show you that travelling alone in Hokkaido is an unforgettable experience.

    Admiring a fantastic view of Lake Mashu.
  • Travel Tips

    Mar 27, 2024 by Michael

    Going Gluten Free in Hokkaido

    Like veganism and vegetarianism, gluten free diets have yet to make a splash here in Hokkaido. Culturally important ingredients also mean that avoiding gluten completely can be a challenge. However, as Adventure Hokkaido Guide Michael will demonstrate, with a bit of careful planning it’s perfectly possible to navigate Japanese cuisine with a gluten free restriction!

    A hand uses metal tongs to grill meat on a meat grill. There are plates of meat and side dishes around the grill.
  • Travel Tips

    Mar 5, 2024 by Hattie

    Japan Calling! How to Set Up Your Phone for Travel in Hokkaido

    To rent-a-SIM or to not rent-a-SIM? Staying connected while on holiday has never been more important, especially if you plan to venture into Hokkaido’s wilderness. In this blog, we will walk you through all the ways you can set up your phone for travel in Hokkaido.

    A pair of hands hold a smartphone in an outdoor setting. A map app is open on its screen.
  • Culture

    Feb 15, 2024 by Ayaka

    On the Ainu Journey with Adventure Travel

    Ayaka shares her experiences on getting closer to Hokkaido's indigenous people, the Ainu, through her work in adventure travel. Her insightful article will help you to learn more about the Ainu and perhaps inspire you to connect with indigenous cultures in your country, too.

    An Ainu guide wears traditional winter clothing while standing next to frozen Lake Akan
  • Activity Guide

    Feb 10, 2024 by Michael

    Why You Need to Try Cycling in Hokkaido

    Flowers in the fields, clean, sweet air and blue skies! Michael shares what makes cycling in Hokkaido so special, key tips and advice cyclists should know before visiting the island and why you should choose cycling as your Hokkaido summer activity.

    Cycling above Lake Toya on a sunny Hokkaido summer day
  • Travel Tips

    Jan 25, 2024 by Zac

    A Local's Guide to Eating Out in Hokkaido

    Language barriers and unfamiliar cuisine can make eating out in Hokkaido seem daunting at first - but fear not! Adventure Hokkaido's official expert eater Zac is here to help you with all the insider tips you need to enjoy a fantastic meal out in Hokkaido!

    A traditional wooden platter of colourful nigiri sushi (small balls of rice topped with slices of raw fish).