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.

  • 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.
  • 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
  • Activity Guide

    Dec 7, 2023 by Michael

    A Local's Guide to Snowshoeing in Hokkaido

    Snowshoeing is the best way to enjoy Hokkaido's winter landscape. Michael goes into detail about what snowshoeing is and what you need to know before setting out. And the best part is, no experience is required to enjoy this amazing sport!

    A view of Lake Mashu in winter from a view point. The surface of the lake is covered in big plates of ice. It is a beautiful day with blue sky above.
  • Activity Guide

    Nov 8, 2023 by Zac

    When is the best time to hike in Hokkaido?

    Adventure Hokkaido Guide Zac breaks down each of the seasons in Hokkaido, explaining what to expect and how to make the most out of each month.

  • Activity Guide

    Sep 29, 2023 by Yuka

    Hiking Safely in Hokkaido

    In this blog, Yuka gives practical tips on how to stay safe on Hokkaido's trails. While hiking in Hokkaido can be a wonderful and memorable experience, there are one or two things to keep in mind for your safety.

    A view from the slope of Mt. Midori showing striking autumn colors slashing down through green expanses of pine. Snow at a slightly higher elevation offsets this contrast of color with a wintery white.
  • Gallery

    Aug 7, 2023 by Richard

    Daisetsuzan to Akan–Mashu Hiking Tour

    Along with fellow guide Yuka, I took a group of hikers from Australia on a 9 day trip taking in some of the best hikes in the Daisetsuzan and Akan–Mashu national parks.

    A group of hikers walking along the ridge of Mt Meakan are dwarfed by the rugged volcanic scenery. The sky is moody with large clouds. In the background a smaller peak sits in shade.