Our journey in Hokkaido is suggested in Summer, as much of Hokkaido transforms into vivid green and is the season of harvest for much of Hokkaido’s amazing food produce and seafood. Many do visit the southern areas of Hokkaido, however we do find these areas in the north east, does offer an amazing wildness experience, coupled with stunning hikes, sublime cuisine and lovely summer weather.

Your journey begins in Asahikawa, where you can easily get to by flight after connecting in Tokyo before driving into the Daisetsuzan Mountain range to Kamikawa. Aptly named ‘Daisetsuzan’, meaning ‘Great Snowy Mountains’, this extraordinary national park features a number of towering snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, burbling rivers, and vast expanses of primeval forest teeming with rare and exotic wildlife. You will find hiking trails to suit any level of fitness from trails that traverse the length of the park. Another amazing experience while in Kamikawa is the cuisine at Fratello di Mikuni, who use fresh Hokkaido produce cooked with Italian and French cuisine.

We then move towards the north east, driving through pristine forest, where there might be a chance to spot bears, as we head to the Shiretoko Peninsula. It is said to be the last unexplored region of Japan and consists of steep mountain peaks covered with virgin forests. This pocket of nature, a UNESCO World Heritage since 2005, is also known as the “waterfall kingdom” and hosts an impressive range of waterfalls. The park is home to the red fox, sika deer and Ussuri brown bear, while sea eagles, seals and whales can be spotted in the waves by boarding a sightseeing boats. For the more adventurous, we would suggest hiking Mt Rausu!

After all your hikes, we end your journey on the shore of Lake Kussharo.