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Hokkaido

FROM CITYSCAPES TO UNTAMED FRONTIERS

 

The island of Hokkaidō, formerly known as Ezo, is not only Japan's second largest and most northern prefecture, but also its largest wild frontier. Home to sprawling national parks, Hokkaidō’s abundant nature and unique wildlife make it a special region of Japan unlike any other. Pockets of untouched scenery can be found in many regions of the island with some of the most famous being the pristine Lake Akan, the remote Shiretoko Peninsula, and Kushiro National Park, to name a few. Hokkaidō has few large cities, with some of the largest being Sapporo and Hakodate, both on the south-west side of the island. Travel to Hokkaidō is most commonly made by air through Chitose Airport near to Sapporo, or by under sea railway to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station and these feats of engineering allow for travel between Tōkyō and Hokkaidō in just four hours.

 

Highlights of Hokkaido

 

Hokkaidō’s wildlands attract adventurers undertaking activities such as hiking, canoeing, cycling and a variety of winter sports. Being Japan’s coolest region, it’s climate can be a mild escape from the hot and humid summers of the mainland, and makes it the perfect destination for an outdoor adventure.

  • Trek the wide array of natural spaces that Hokkaidō has to offer; from the mountainous region of Daisetsu and the crystal clear crater lakes of Lake Mashū, to the alien landscape of Mt. Iō and its rocks of yellow sulphur.
  • Catch a glimpse of species of bears, squirrels and deer unique to Hokkaidō that can all be found roaming the island freely, as well as the endangered red-crowned crane, which migrate to Kushiro National Park annually.
  • Learn about the Ainu people, who originally inhabited this region, offer a different cultural perspective to the island through the language, artwork, music, and cuisine that can all be experienced in Abashiri and Northern Hokkaidō.
  • Get a taste of Hokkaidō’s specialist range of cuisine that suits all tastes. From high quality seafood to corn, wheat and dairy products – both domestic and international travellers flock here to have a taste of what is on offer.

 Self guided tours

Discover the country at your own pace with our detailed maps and walking instructions. Everything else - from rail tickets to accommodations - are all organised by us, so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying excellent local home-cooked meals and world class hospitality.

Self-Guided
Hokkaido Daisetsuzan self-guided walking 6 days

Hike amidst the natural beauty of the Daisetsuzan mountain range, sacred to the Kamikawa Ainu.

Trip level:
Level
Duration:
6 Days
From USD 2,160
Self-Guided
Hokkaido Winter 7 days: Lake Akan to Shiretoko

Experience vast snow landscapes and wildlife you'll only see in Hokkaidō in winter on this self-guided adventure.

Trip level:
Level
Duration:
7 Days
From USD 2,375
 Guided tours

Sign up as individual travellers and leave as lifelong friends on an Oku Japan small-group guided tour. With a maximum of 13 people in any group, our tours ensure you get the full attention of your local guide who themselves share a passion for Japan. Whether it’s traditions, food, society or history, learn the ins and outs together with your fellow travellers and the assistance of our fully-licensed, bilingual guides.

Guided
Wild Lands of Eastern Hokkaido

A small-group guided tour through eastern Hokkaidō that features hot spring bathing, incredible regional cuisine, rewarding hiking, and chances to spot wildlife unique to the island.

Trip level:
Level
Duration:
9 Days
From USD 4,745