Hiking in Hokkaido: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You
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Discover the natural beauty and diverse terrains of Japan’s second largest island!
Boasting one UNESCO World Heritage site, six national parks and more than a dozen other natural areas and protected spaces, there is a lot to see in Hokkaido. Hiking gets your out into the island’s incredible wilderness. Compare and book a certified guide for your trip on Explore-Share.com: 1500+ guides, 70+ countries and more than 8000 different programs to choose from. Take a pick from our selection of Hiking trips in Hokkaido. The mountains are calling!
Top hiking trips | Hokkaido
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FAQs: Hiking in Hokkaido
What should I know about Hiking Hokkaido?
Situated just to the north of Honshu, Hokkaido is Japan’s second largest island and chock-full of incredible hiking opportunities. Outside of the aforementioned locations, there are plenty of other great parks and natural areas to explore on foot.
Other popular hiking spots include Shikotsu-Tōya National Park and Akan Mashu National Park. The former is home to Mount Yotei, which is the eighth tallest mountain on the island and among the most popular to climb. Shikotsu-Tōya is also home to Noboribetsu hot springs, which make for a great evening activity after a long day of hiking.
Meanwhile Akan Mashu National Park, one of the two oldest national parks on the island, is home to volcanic craters and forests. Hiking around the edge of Lake Mashu is quite popular as is climbing Mount Meakan and enjoying the views from the top.
Why should I choose Hokkaido for my Hiking adventure?
Stunning scenery
The island of Hokkaido boasts some incredibly stunning scenery. Mountains, forests and alpine meadows dominate the interior of the island while tree-covered and rugged cliffs lead down to the sea on the island's coast lines. Hiking is a great way to get out and see all of the natural beauty that awaits on this incredible island.
Come for the culture
When you are not out on the hiking trails, take some time to enjoy the unique culture of Hokkaido. Numerous wineries and breweries operate on Hokkaido, making wine and beer tours a popular evening pastime once the hiking boots have been unlaced. Also, take some time to explore the local markets and try out some local cuisine too.
Amazing wildlife
Some of Hokkaido’s best hiking spots remain quite wild and undisturbed, which makes them perfect for wildlife watching. Shiretoko National Park, for example, is home to brown bears, deer, foxes, fish owls and eagles. Off the shores of Hokkaido, orca and sperm whale sightings are also not uncommon.
What can I expect from the weather during my Hiking trip in Hokkaido?
During the summer, average daily temperatures on Hokkaido range from 15 ºC to 20 ºC. Summer is also the wettest time of year, with an average of 125 millimeters of rain falling each month.
How can I get to Hokkaido?
Most trips to Hokkaido will begin with a flight into the New Chitose Airport (CTS), the largest one on the island. CTS can be easily reached by connection from Tokyo. From here, buses connect the city of Sapporo to many of the most popular hiking spots.
Which language is predominantly spoken in the Hokkaido region?
Japanese
What's the country code for the Hokkaido region?
+81
What currency is accepted around Hokkaido?
Yen (JPY)
When is the best time to travel to Hokkaido for Hiking?
June to September
What people are saying about Hiking | Hokkaido
Philipp
It was a great experience and with Jun we had a fabulous guide. We hope he will be a guide for much longer to join him again. Thanks a lot Jun, どもありがとうございます
Chloe
Our two guides have been really great and showed us the beauty of Rishiri and Rebun Island by sharing their knowledge and passion. We did learn a lot about the flora on Japan's most Northern islands! Rishiri-Zan was a great, pleasant summer hike and must be beautiful and fun for ski touring in Winter time. thanks again!
Jacob
Jun did an incredible job guiding us through Daisetsuzan National Park. He was attentive, friendly and courteous. His knowledge of the local flora, fauna, and landscape was superb (that rock garden in particular left a deep impression on me). His cooking was superb. And, we felt like we experienced aspects of the Japanese outdoors and culture that are very hard to reach. Andy and I had a phenomenal time.
Maria
Excellent professional guide and wonderful scenery
Gadi
The trip was great. The views are extrodinary.
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