Hokkaido Adventure Travel Blog

The insider’s look into Hokkaido

  • Travel Tips

    May 8, 2023 by Ayaka

    Covid-19 related requirements when travelling to Japan

    This is our guide to visiting Japan as a tourist now that Covid-19 border closures have been lifted. We will endeavour to keep this page up to date but we recommend that you double check official sources before you travel.

    Hokkaido jingu shrine in Sapporo City
  • 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 Hiking Tour 2022

    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 2022

    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