Hokkaido Japan

Escape to the Wilderness in Hokkaido, Japan

Picture this: Serene beachscapes with towering ocean cliffs. Fresh mountain air and crystal clear crater lakes. Majestic red-crowned cranes feeding undisturbed in their natural environment.

Rugged, raw, and real, Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, is teeming with natural diversions and wintertime snow sports like snowshoeing and skiing. Primarily a locals’ getaway, the eastern part of this island is also home to the Ainu, an Indigenous population known for its reverence for bears.

For several years, AdventureWeek has introduced up-and-coming destinations around the globe to international buyers. During AdventureWeek Japan, the island of Hokkaido is yours to experience, one tranquil, traditional moment at a time.

Discover

Designed by adventurers for adventurers, AdventureWeek is a fully-hosted intensive familiarization trip (FAM), in which the ATTA has partnered with JTB to feature the best adventure travel products on offer. AdventureWeek Japan 2019 will showcase the island of Hokkaido.

Japan Marketplace

AdventureWeek Japan features a specialized marketplace that aims to connect attending buyers and media with local travel companies operating in Japan. Bring business cards as potential partners are eager for your visit.

Who Should Apply?

Outbound tour operators and travel advisors from the United States, Canada, and Europe. Applying companies should have an interest in offering trips to Japan. Additionally, there is space for several editorial media who specialize in adventure travel.

Trip Highlights

Lake Akan

Time slows down in Akan National Park, which has three pristine, clear lakes. Located in the park’s western area, Lake Akan is known for its rare marimo algae and forest walking trails. Keep an eye open for red-crowned (or tancho) cranes, a symbol of prosperity in Japan.

Shiretoko Peninsula

A unique combination of environmental factors — including being the lowest latitude in the Northern Hemisphere where sea ice forms — allows many marine and terrestrial species like the Blackiston’s fish owl to thrive on the wild coast of this UNESCO-designated area.

Sapporo

The jumping off point for Hokkaido’s adventurous experiences, Sapporo’s urban atmosphere offers a rich taste of Japanese culture. Head out into the bustling nightlife, choose among an array of street food vendors, and finish off with a world-famous namesake beer.

Japanese Culture

From early morning to late night, Japan is steeped in noteworthy customs and culture. Slurp down a steaming hot bowl of ramen and bite into fresh-off-the-boat sushi. Join a tea ceremony and bathe in a communal natural spring bath to soak up Hokkaido’s one-of-a-kind character.

Ainu Indigenous Peoples

Traditionally hunter-gatherers and fishermen, the Ainu live almost exclusively on Hokkaido. Visit a local village and meet artisans at work on traditional handicrafts like Nibutani Attushi, a cloth made with thread from tree bark, and Nibutani Ita, flat and shallow wooden bowls.

Skiing

Locals favor Kiroro Ski Resort as their go-to snow sports destination. It is easy to see why. The area boasts average snowfall of around 20 meters, welcoming, friendly staff, and two on-site hotels. Don’t Miss Super-soft, light powder snow, Easy backcountry access and Luxurious on-site hotels.