Hokkaido Hiking Tours

Walk Hokkaido's best trails with local guides
Views of Tokachi Volcanic Group

Immerse yourself in the cultural and natural beauty of Japan’s northernmost island on our Hokkaido hiking tours. As we traverse picturesque rural villages and expansive mountain ranges, revel in the opportunities to connect deeply with the region, observe details that typical visitors miss and enjoy spontaneous encounters along the way. Our small group hiking tours are designed to get you out walking in the amazing Hokkaido countryside in the safest, easiest way possible. Throw your hiking boots on and we’ll see you there!

Our Hokkaido Hiking Tours

Japan's Far North 7 Day Hiking Tour

Hikers climbing a rugged headland on Rebun Island

The breathtaking mountains and wild coastline of Japan’s northern frontier will quench your thirst for adventure on this island hopping multi-day guided hiking tour.

Grade
3
Moderate

Hike a total of 30km on mixed terrain over 7 days

May
June
July
August
September
October

Daisetsuzan to Akan–Mashu 9 Day Hiking Tour

The blue crater pond on Mt Meakan in the Akan–Mashu National Park. Volcanic steam rises in the background.

Experience Hokkaido’s varied hiking and unique wildlife. This tour takes in high alpine plateaus, steaming active volcanos, clear caldera lakes and alpine wetlands home to the Hokkaido brown bear.

Grade
4
Vigorous

Hike a total of 65km on varied terrain over 9 days.

June
July
August
September

Shikotsu-Toya 5 Day Hiking Tour

A view from the top of Mt. Ichankoppe. Bamboo grass slopes away to Lake Shikotsu and a mountain looms out of the lake in the distance.

Explore stunning national parks a stone’s throw from Sapporo. You’ll hike through steaming volcanic landscapes, past lakeside vistas and hidden forest oases… and of course, take a dip in some of Hokkaido’s best hot springs!

Grade
2
Easy Active

Hike 41km over 5 days

May
October

Shikotsu–Toya 6 Day Winter Hiking Tour

The steaming fumaroles in Noboribetsu Hell Valley in winter.

Explore a land of ice and fire as we make our way through the snow-capped volcanoes of Shikotsu–Toya National Park. As well as the spectacular views, you can enjoy learning all about the indigenous Ainu and Hokkaido’s fascinating wildlife.

Grade
3
Moderate

Hike or snowshoe 28km on easy trails.

January
February
March

Why Hike in Hokkaido

Diverse Trails

Our mountains nationwide are covered with hiking trails which date back to the Shugendo culture, Japan's ancient mountain asceticism. The trails were built over the years to reach the most prominent and sacred peaks. Information about these trails, however, remains untranslated to a great extent, especially more so in rural areas. Together with our experienced local guides, you’ll hit the road less travelled and explore hiking trails which date back centuries!

Flora & Fauna

Hokkaido has evolved in its own unique way for millennia which has given rise to its unique flora and fauna. In the last ice age, Hokkaido was separated from mainland Japan but retained its connection with the Russian island of Sakhalin. Due to this, there are many species found only here within Japan, including brown bears, squirrels and chipmunks. Hiking in Hokkaido provides plenty of opportunities to spot these unique species.

Culture

There’s no better way to experience Japanese culture than hiking with a local guide. Hokkaido is frontier territory so overland travel under your own steam is nothing unusual. Bathe in natural hot springs, savour the fantastic fresh seafood, local vegetables, fruit and even ice cream. And to complete your day as a Japanese adventurer, fall into a well earned sleep in futon bedding on tatami floors. It doesn’t get any more Japanese than this!

Views of Tokachi Volcanic Group