Blog

The insider’s look into Hokkaido

  • Gallery

    Jan 4, 2023

    Custom Winter Photography Tour in Japan's Far East

    In December 2022 we hosted the Li family, from the USA, on a customised version of our Japan's Far East Wild Winter Tour. The family of 4 are all keen photographers, so we tweaked the itinerary to add more wildlife photography opportunities and also match the early season conditions. Stanley was kind enough to share his photos. Get a taste of what you can photograph in eastern Hokkaido.

    Two Red Crowned Cranes dance in a snowy field in Tsurui, Hokkaido. ©️ Stanley Li
  • Travel Tips

    Nov 20, 2022 by Kazu

    A Local’s Guide to Driving in Hokkaido

    Have questions about getting around by car in Hokkaido? In this article, Kazu gives tips for driving in Hokkaido. A handy guide for anyone planning on renting a car and exploring Hokkaido by road.

    A view of Lake Kussharo from Bihoro Pass.
  • Travel Tips

    Oct 15, 2022 by Ayaka

    How to Onsen (Like a Local!)

    Dipping in an Onsen, or hot spring, is a post hike ritual for Ayaka! She'll explain all about onsen etiquette, from how to enter the bath to the best way to unwind afterwards so you can dip your toes into this part of our culture!

    Hot-spring water gushes out of a wooden pipe and into a small outdoor bathing pool at Nukabira Onsen.
  • Gallery

    Aug 18, 2022 by Richard

    Around Daisetsuzan 6 Day Hiking Tour

    Ayaka and I hosted a family from Israel, now living in Tokyo & the Netherlands, on our Around Daisetsuzan 6 Day Hiking Tour in August 2022. Our guests were blown away by the variety of landscapes on the tour and challenged by some difficult weather. Climbing above the clouds on the final day, under aozora, blue sky, was a rewarding way to finish the tour.

    The green ridgeline of the Daisetsuzan mountains stretches away in the distance. The summit of Mt Tokachi is framed by clouds and the rest of the sky is blue.
  • Gallery

    Jun 14, 2022 by Ayaka

    Guide Training in Japan's Far North

    Every year the Adventure Hokkaido guides gather together for a guide training trip, where we catch up, share ideas and knowledge and brush up on our "guiding English". In June 2022, we headed to Rebun and Rishiri in Hokkaido's north and were lucky to be joined by Dr Mark Brazil and Mayumi Brazil of Japan Nature Guides. Enjoy my favourite photos from the trip.

    Two birdwatchers watch a black-tailed gull colony with Mt Rishiri in the background.
  • Guide Story

    Jan 26, 2022 by Ayaka

    Meet Our Guides at Adventure Hokkaido

    Meet our guides at Adventure Hokkaido. In these videos we introduce our hiking, cycling and nature guides who are passionate about what they do – guiding in Hokkaido’s great outdoors.

    Guides ready for the walk
  • Gallery

    Dec 28, 2021

    Asahidake, Biei & Toma Winter Tour

    Adventure Hokkaido Guides Tobaji, Richard & Ayaka had four day snowshoeing adventure in Asahidake, Biei and Toma last week. They were accompanied by a bunch of local guides, travel companies and the Hokkaido Transport Bureau. Snow hiking in the forests around Asahidake Onsen and Shirogane Onsen was a joy as always, and having the Toma Limestone Cave all to ourselves was a remarkable adventure!

    A snowshoer falls backwards into the snow. The photo captures the split second before they disappear into the snow.
  • Activity Guide

    Nov 30, 2021 by Kazu

    Hokkaido Wildlife Guide

    It is no secret that Hokkaido's wildlife is both varied and spectacular. This article shares our favourite wildlife to see in Hokkaido, as well as tips on all the best spots to view them.

    A tancho crane holding withered sasa grass in its beak lands on a snowy field.