Hokkaido Mountains & Islands
15 Day Self-Guided Adventure Tour

Today is a very flexible day where you can explore to your heart’s content! Feel free to discover the lakeside on foot, call by the Visitor Centre, or join a half-day guided canoe trip on the Chitose River flowing out of Lake Shikotsu. For such half-day tours, booking is essential and costs start from ¥10,000.

Included meals
– Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
– Hotel at Lake Shikotsu

Lake Shikotsu Onsen

38mins/¥950

Chitose JR Station

113mins/¥5,460

Asahikawa JR Station

93mins/¥1,450

Asahidake Onsen

Today you’ll be heading from Lake Shikotsu to the Roof of Hokkaido in Daisetsuzan National Park, situated in the heart of Hokkaido. You can take a local bus (38mins/¥950) to Chitose JR* Station, and then a train to Asahikawa JR Station via Sapporo (113mins/¥5,460).

Asahikawa is the second-largest city after Sapporo and there are many great eateries in the city. We recommend trying a bowl of the city’s famous Asahikawa Ramen (soy-sauce based noodle soup) for lunch, before taking another bus to Asahidake Onsen (93mins/¥1,450).

Asahidake Onsen is a popular entry point to Daisetsuzan, Japan’s largest National Park, and has easy access to hiking trails. Enjoy the onsen here in the fresh mountain air, located at 1,100m / 3,610ft above sea level.

Included meals
– Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
– Ryokan in Asahidake Onsen

Asahidake Onsen

15mins/¥3,200 per person return

Sugatami Station

Mount Asahidake (6 km / 3.7 miles, 5 to 6 hours return)

Nakadake Onsen (10 km / 6.2 km, 5 to 6 hours return)

Sugatami Station

15mins

Asahidake Onsen

Today we suggest hiking all the way up to Hokkaido’s tallest peak Mt. Asahidake (2,291m / 7,516ft) with the help of a cable car which will take you from Asahidake Onsen to Sugatami Station at 1,600m / 5,250ft. The hike to Mt. Asahidake is a constant ascent over gravel and volcanic rocks, however you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the expansive Daisetsuzan Mountains that extend to the south.

Alternatively, you can take a more leisurely hike to Nakadake Onsen from Sugatami Station. Nakadake Onsen is a natural thermal spring site hidden in the midst of the mountains. The water is not deep enough for you to fully soak your body in, but it has been a popular foot spa site for local hikers for many years (these hiking details are described in our 1-day guided tour page Mt Asahidake 1 Day Hiking Tour and Nakadake Onsen 1 Day Hiking Tour).

You will stay at the same accommodation as last night at Asahidake Onsen, so you can enjoy your day hike without having to carry your overnight luggage.

Included meals
– Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
– Ryokan in Asahidake Onsen

Asahidake Onsen

88mins/¥1,450

Asahikawa JR Station

115mins/¥2,140

Sounkyo Onsen Bus Terminal

40mins/¥0

Kogen Onsen

Today is a travel day to Kogen Onsen, a more secluded part of Daisetsuzan National Park. From Asahidake Onsen, you’ll take a bus down to Asahikawa JR Station (88mins/¥1,450) then change to another bus leaving for Sounkyo Onsen (115mins/¥2,140).

Sounkyo is an onsen resort village in a deep gorge, featuring dramatic columnar jointing cliffs. In the charming Sounkyo village, there is a visitor’s centre, a photo museum and a free foot spa all within a walking distance from the Sounkyo Bus Terminal.

You will be picked up by a staff member from your accommodation at 4:30 pm to head for Kogen Onsen (40mins/¥0). The mountain inn here has a rustic character with an open-air spa, where you can enjoy gazing at the night sky in total tranquillity.

Included meals
– Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
– Ryokan in Kogen Onsen

Kogen Onsen

Kogen Numa Hike
(8 km / 5 miles , 5 to 6 hours return)

Kogen Onsen

Today is a free day which you can enjoy at your own discretion. You can choose to just relax at your accommodation or go for a day walk to admire the alpine plants and ponds in the wetlands right on your doorstep.

Due to the fact that this area has a high density of brown bears, before walking into the wetlands please call into the Bear Information Centre to find out about the latest bear sightings and movements in the area. Onigiri rice balls, Japanese hiker’s favourite lunch for hiking, can be ordered the day before to carry energy with you for your day hike (¥700).

Included meals
– Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
– Ryokan in Kogen Onsen

Kogen Onsen

40mins/¥0

Sounkyo Onsen Bus Terminal

115mins/¥2,140

Asahikawa JR Station

3h48m/¥8,360

Wakkanai

This morning you will be driven by the Kogen Onsen staff back to Sounkyo Onsen Bus Terminal at 10:00 am (40mins/¥0) and take a connecting bus to Asahikawa (115mins/¥2,140). Here you will board an early afternoon JR train to Wakkanai, the northernmost city in Japan (3h48m/¥8,360).

On your train journey north, you will travel along the Teshio River and Sarobetsu Wetlands where you may briefly sight Mt. Rishiri across the sea if the weather is fine. You should arrive in Wakkanai before nightfall and will be able to enjoy a stroll around this exotic town, with the road signs written in three languages: Japanese, English and Russian! This is due to the fact that until recently Wakkanai and Sakhalin were connected by a ferry service over La Pérouse Strait, and travellers from the Russian town of Sakhalin are frequent visitors.

Included meals
– Breakfast
Accommodation
– Hotel in Wakkanai

Wakkanai Ferry Terminal

2h50m, 2nd class ¥2,850

Rebun Island Ferry Terminal

59mins/¥1,240

Cape Sukoton

Misaki Meguri Walkway
(12 km / 7.5 miles, 5 to 6 hours)

Funadomari Township

43min/¥980

Accommodation

You will take an early morning ferry (2h50m, 2nd class ¥2,850) at 7:15 am departing Wakkanai Ferry Terminal to Rebun Island which forms a part of Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park. Rebun Island is known to Japanese as an alpine flower garden floating in the ocean. Hiking trails extend all over the island from north to south. This island is also brown bear-free, and the coastline is dotted with interesting fishermen’s houses and warehouses.

At the ferry terminal, you’ll meet a staff member from your accommodation, with whom you can leave your overnight gear to be transferred to your accommodation. We recommend that this morning you take a local bus to Sukoton Cape (departing at 10:45 am, 59mins/¥1,240) at the northern end of the island and explore the Misaki Meguri (Around the Cape) Walkway. You can take a return bus from Funadomari Township just after 4 pm (43min/¥980) to check-in at your accommodation.

Included meals
– Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
– Minshuku* on Rebun Island

*Minshuku is a Japanese style inn, similar to a bed & breakfast.

Accommodation

Rebun Rindo Trail to Momoiwa Trail
(6 km / 3.7 miles, 3 to 4 hours)

Shiretoko Township

9mins/¥320

Accommodation

Today is a free day, but we recommend that you walk from your accommodation to the Rebun Rindo Trail, and onto the Momoiwa Trail, which will eventually take you to Shiretoko, the southern tip of Rebun Island (3-4 hours).

This is the most popular trail on Rebun Island for its accessibility, stunning floral scenery, dramatic coastline and views of Mt Rishiri across the sea. From Shiretoko Township, you can take a local bus to return to your accommodation (departing at 2:56 pm and 5:03 pm on weekdays, 9mins/¥320), or alternatively walk for an extra an hour back to your lodgings.

Included meals
– Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
– Minshuku on Rebun Island

Rebun Island Ferry Terminal

40mins, 2nd class ¥950

Rishiri Island Ferry Terminal (Oshidomari Port)

Cape Peshi (3 km / 1.9 miles, 1 hour)

Continuing on with island hopping today, you will take a ferry across to the sister island Rishiri which departs at 1:25 pm (40mins, 2nd class ¥950). The entire island of Rishiri is a sleeping volcano and on a clear day, you can appreciate the cone-shaped peak sweeping out of the ocean to a height of 1,721m / 5,650ft.

At the ferry terminal, you will be picked up by the staff of your accommodation for a short drive to your next lodgings. This afternoon, we recommend that you explore the short, sharp walkway to Cape Peshi near the ferry terminal. At a height of 90m (295ft), there is a white lighthouse and an incredible view over the bay with Mt. Rishiri as a backdrop.

Included meals
– Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
– Hotel on Rishiri Island

Accommodation

10mins/¥0

Trailhead of Mt Rishiri

Mount Rishiri (13 km / 8 miles, 9 to 10 hours)

Trailhead of Mt Rishiri

10mins/¥0

Accommodation

If the weather conditions permit, you may like to take up the challenge of hiking to the summit of Mt Rishiri, also known as Rishiri-Fuji. It is a strenuous hike, as you start climbing from just over 200m / 656ft all the way up to 1,721m / 5,645ft. The accommodation staff can drive you to the trailhead of the Mt Rishiri hiking trail in the early morning on request. If you wish, a trekking guide can also be arranged in advance to accompany you on your hike.

The total walking distance is 12km (7.5miles) from the trailhead, which generally takes a full-day, 9-10 hours. Make sure you order a packed lunch at your accommodation the day before to take with you. The alternative to this long hike is a shorter one way walk to Pon-Yama, leading to Himenuma Pond, a popular visitor stop with a nice view of Mt Rishiri (8km / 5miles, 5 hours walking).

From Himenuma Pond, you can take a bus back just after 2 pm to a bus stop near the accommodation. If you would like a break from hiking, you can also book a guided sea kayaking and/or fishing tour through the accommodation (booking essential, cost ¥8,800).

Included meals
– Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
– Hotel on Rishiri Island

Rishiri Island Ferry Terminal

1h40m, 2nd class ¥2,550

Wakkanai Ferry Terminal

4h50m/¥6,200

Sapporo JR Station Bus Terminal

Now it is time to say goodbye to the islands. You’ll depart Rishiri Island at 8:30 am on the ferry heading back to Wakkanai (1h40m, 2nd class ¥2,550). At 11:30 am from the Wakkanai ferry terminal, hop on an Express Bus departing for Sapporo, Hokkaido’s capital city (4h50m/¥6,200). Your bus will arrive at 5:20 pm at Bus Terminal at Sapporo JR Station.

Included meals
– Breakfast
Accommodation
– Hotel in Sapporo

Sapporo JR Station

65mins/¥3,250

Shiraoi JR Station

This morning you will take a JR Express Train from Sapporo Station to Shiraoi, a town right on the Pacific Ocean (65mins/¥3,250). Shiraoi offers travellers a great opportunity to learn about Hokkaido’s indigenous Ainu people and their culture. This town hosts of the most prominent Ainu sites in Hokkaido, the first National Museum of Ainu ”Upopoy”, which opened in April 2020.

Both the museum and your accommodation are within walking distance from the Shiraoi JR Station, you may wish to leave your luggage in a coin locker at the Station or at your accommodation before heading to the museum. You will be staying at a newly opened guesthouse tonight, within short walking distance to izakaya bars for an unforgettable local dining experience.

Included meals
– Breakfast
Accommodation
– Hostel in Shiraoi

Shiraoi JR Station

2h40m/¥7,260

Hakodate JR Station

Today you will take a JR train to transfer to Hakodate City (2h40m/¥7,260), positioned as a gateway to/from the mainland Honshu. There are ferries, bullet trains and flights servicing Hakodate to help you transit to your next destination in Japan. Hakodate is one of the most historic cities in Hokkaido, as it was the first place where the Japanese settlement began in Hokkaido. Today it remains as a popular travel destination for both domestic and international visitors. A popular evening activity here is the Mount Hakodate Ropeway, which you can take up to the top of the hill to see the city lights overlooking the peninsula.

Included meals
– Breakfast
Accommodation
– Hotel in Hakodate

Your tour finishes after breakfast at the hotel. Hakodate is known for its morning market so be sure to check out the fresh seafood before you leave Hokkaido!

Included meals
– Breakfast

Thank you for travelling with Adventure Hokkaido, safe travels and we hope to see you back again one day soon.