Wild Lands of Eastern Hokkaido
Wild Lands of Eastern Hokkaido
Wild Lands of Eastern Hokkaido
9 Days Starting in Kushiro and ending in Memanbetsu
Visiting: Kushiro, Hokkaido, Meakandake, Kawayuonsen, Abashiri, Utoronishi, Rausu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
140
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 13
Physical rating:
Medium
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Contact us
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
From:
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Tour Overview
Hokkaido is the second-largest of Japan’s islands, long regarded as a remote wilderness by other residents of the Japanese archipelago. Known in feudal times as Ezo, Hokkaido was originally inhabited only by the indigenous Ainu people. Today it attracts nature lovers and is a pristine paradise of mountain ranges, lush forests and indescribably beautiful crater lakes produced by volcanic activity.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Kushiro
Location: Kushiro
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Meet at the tour hotel in the centre of Kushiro. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a local Robatayaki restaurant.
Day 2 : Walk Kushiro Marshland And Travel To Akan Onsen
Location: Hokkaido
Accommodation: Onsen Ryokan (Japanese hot springs inn)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel this morning by private vehicle to Kushiro marshland, Japan’s largest wetland area with a diverse ecosystem and Japan's first Ramsar Site. The area is home to the red-crowned crane, a national treasure and loved by birdwatchers, as well as abundant other wildlife. Walk through the forest to the observatory overlooking the vast marshland and then continue on trails through the marsh exploring the local flora and fauna. After the walk we head onwards in our vehicle to Lake Akan, a crater lake in the Lake Akan National Park. The area is home to the largest community of indigenous Ainu people Hokkaido. We stay here for two nights in a lovely Onsen hot spring hotel in a lakeside setting.
Walking distance: 6.8km / 4.2 miles
Elevation gain: negligible ascent and descent
Time required: 3 hours
Day 3 : Hike Meakandake
Location: Meakandake
Accommodation: Onsen Ryokan (hot springs inn)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we climb Mount Meakandake, an active volcano whose peak reaches 1,499m and which has formed the landscape around Lake Akan. We hike through wonderful scenery.
Gaze across the landscapes of Mount Oakandake and Lake Onneto, watching out for alpine flowers unique to Hokkaido.
Walking distance: 6.6km / 4.1 miles
Elevation gain: 788m/2585 feet ascent; 788m/2585 feet descent
Time required: 4.5 hours
Day 4 : Visit Ainu Kotan Village In The Morning And Afternoon Walk To Mt. Iou
Location: Kawayuonsen
Accommodation: Onsen Ryokan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we visit the Akanko Ainu Kotan Village to learn about the history and culture of Hokkaido's indigenous inhabitants, the Ainu. We watch a traditional dance performance, officially recognised as an important feature of Japan’s cultural heritage.
Afterwards we travel by our private vehicle to Kawayu Onsen and enjoy a lovely walk to Mount Iou. Mount Iou is a very active volcano, and we will watch as sulphur rises from the more than 1,500 fumaroles covering its slopes.
Our lodging tonight is a charming Ryokan inn in Kawayu Onsen. The town is famous for having some of the highest-quality thermal waters in the whole of Hokkaido.
Walking distance: 5.2km / 3.2 miles
Elevation gain: negligible ascent and descent
Time required: 2.5 hours
Day 5 : Walk Along Lake Mashu And Traverse The Mashu Caldera
Location: Abashiri
Accommodation: Onsen Ryokan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After a short journey by private vehicle we reach Lake Mashu. Known as one of the clearest lakes in the world and one of the most beautiful in the whole of Japan, Lake Mashu is often shrouded in mist during the summer months, giving it an air of mystery.
After climbing on foot to the peak of Nishibetsudake, we descend the other side of the mountain, enjoying amazing views of the vast grass farmland unique to Hokkaido. After the hike, we continue by private vehicle to Abashiri, a modern town which relies on its fishing industry. Our accommodation tonight is a lovely Onsen Ryokan.
Walking distance: 11.4km / 7.1 miles
Elevation gain: 553m/1814 feet ascent; 763m/2503 feet descent
Time required: 5 hours
Day 6 : Wakka Nature Center
Location: Abashiri
Accommodation: Onsen Ryokan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we enjoy optional cycling or walking through one of the largest wildflower nature reserves in Japan beside Lake Saroma, Japan’s third-largest lake with a length of 20 kilometres. In the Wakka Nature Centre we can spot hundreds of different types of flowering plants.
Later, we visit the Museum of Northern People and learn more about the indigenous peoples inhabiting the north. The Ainu have a history stretching back over 2,000 years to the time of their arrival in Hokkaido from Siberia; the area also has mysterious traces of an even earlier culture called the Moyoro.
We make our way to Utoro Onsen, a pleasant hot-spring town and gateway to the vast Shiretoko Wilderness. This is a perfect base for our next three nights in a local hotel enjoying the Onsen baths and regional delicacies.
Optional
Cycling/Walking distance: up to 20km / 12.5 miles
Elevation gain: negligible ascent and descent
Time required: 2 hours
Day 7 : Utoronishi
Location: Utoronishi
Accommodation: Hotel, Hot spring
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
If the weather is kind today, we enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Okhotsk. From the sea there are stunning views of the Shiretoko Peninsula's dramatic coastline and perhaps even glimpses of Hokkaido brown bears and their cubs, as well as deer, foxes, and marine life such as dolphins and whales. If the weather is not calm enough for the boat ride, we’ll stay on land and hike a lovely waterfall path instead.
In the afternoon we travel by local bus to the famous Shiretoko Five Lakes, spending time on the picturesque nature trails there.
Walking distance: 3.4km / 2.1 miles
Elevation gain: negligible ascent and descent
Time required: 1.5 hours
Day 8 : Lake Rausu
Location: Rausu
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today begins with a local bus journey to the start of today’s walk past picturesque lakes and onwards to Lake Rausu, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest lake on the Shiretoko Peninsula. Here there are stunning views of Mount Rausu, highest peak of the peninsula. This is a wonderfully remote area whose beauty is not widely known. We provide boots for the uniquely enjoyable mud trail before returning to our lodgings in Utoro Onsen.
Walking distance: 6.3km
Elevation gain: 187m/613 feet ascent; 187m/613 feet descent
Time required: 3 hours
Day 9 : Tour Ends
Location: Memanbetsu Airport Bridge
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, our guide will arrange transfer to Memanbetsu airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
8 nights in hotels and Japanese-style inns
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Entrance Fees
Entrance to museums, national parks and other sights on the group's itinerary
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
All transportation between tour locations
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Fully Guided
Full-time services of an English-speaking tour guide
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Local Taxes
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Meals – Half Board
Daily breakfast and 8 dinners
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Airport transfer upon departure from Utoro Onsen to Memanbetsu Airport
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Daily luggage transfer on motorcoach
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
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Drinks with Meals
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Country Entry Visas
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Airport transfer upon arrival from Kushiro airport to Kushiro city
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A single room supplement is required for solo travellers at hotels
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
Internal flights to reach Hokkaido not included
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
Check out our Q&As
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
The daypacks will be carried by the guest on the walking sections so we do recommend a backpack. Please note that only we include the baggage delivery for one bag or suitcase per person. Extra bags may be sent subject to a charge payable locally for each transfer. The suitcase should weigh no more than 30–35 lbs. at time of departure. The total dimensions of the bag when you add the bag’s external
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Tours with Oku Japan allow you to experience Japan up close and personal, utilising local trains, buses and subways to get around. Walking around villages, towns and cities is an integral element of all our trips, so you’ll need to be active and happy to tackle stairs at train stations that may not have disabled access. Likewise, our Self-guided cycling tours allow a style of travel and freedom su
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
Please refer to our booking terms and conditions
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All travellers get our Preparing for your Trip and Travelling in Japan documents, as well as a detailed personalized itinerary. Those travelling on one of our self-guided tours receive our bespoke topographical maps and walking instructions.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
No
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
For our small-group guided tours, if you would like to share with another traveler we will seek to match you up. If we are successful then you need not pay the solo supplement.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Our travellers are typically English speakers from around the world. On our small-group guided tours, you travel in the company of one of our professional local guides.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
As per our booking terms and conditions, change fees would apply. If you have to change your dates due to the prevailing entry requirements for Japan please contact us and we would be happy to work with you to change your dates without charge.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Monday - Tuesday
Jul 22, 2024 - Jul 30, 2024Friday - Saturday
Aug 16, 2024 - Aug 24, 2024Friday - Saturday
Aug 30, 2024 - Sep 07, 2024Monday - Tuesday
Sep 09, 2024 - Sep 17, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Oku Japan requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of oku japan charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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