Hokkaido Wildlife–Adventure Tours

Hokkaido, separated from mainland Japan by the Tsugaru Strait, is home to wildlife not found anywhere else in the country. The mountains, skies, marshlands and oceans are home to creatures great– like Brown Bears, Steller’s Sea Eagles and Orcas– and small– like Long-Tailed Tits, Siberian Flying Squirrels and the Northern Pika. The best part is that regardless of the season, there is always a high chance of seeing some of Hokkaido’s incredible wildlife on our tours. Grab your binoculars and join us for a wildlife adventure here in Hokkaido!

Our Hokkaido Wildlife–Adventure Tours

Japan's Far East 9 Day Wildlife & Adventure Tour

An intrepid journey covering the three National Parks in Eastern Hokkaido. Experience the best of our outdoors, wildlife & culture on this multi-day guided hiking, canoeing & wildlife tour.

Easy Multi-Activity

May

Jun

Aug

Sep

Oct

See Tour

Japan's Far East 7 Day Wild Winter Tour

A winter odyssey in Japan’s eastern frontier, touring through two national parks in eastern Hokkaido. Be mesmerised by the extraordinary snow-kissed landscapes, the unique wildlife experiences, and the warmth of hot springs.

Relaxed Winter Adventure

Jan

Mar

See Tour

Japan's Far East 7 Day Wild Winter Tour - February Special

Hop between ice floes, snowshoe along the rims of caldera lakes and warm yourself in hot springs along Japan’s wild eastern frontier. Not to mention the fantastic wildlife experiences that await you on this winter adventure!

Relaxed Winter Adventure

Feb

See Tour

Why Adventure in the World of Hokkaido’s Wildlife?

Unique & Diverse Species

Once connected to the Sakhalin Peninsula, Hokkaido is today separated from mainland Japan by the Tsugaru Strait, also known as Blakiston’s Line. This is a unique point in the world where the local ecosystem shifts from Asian species to Eurasian. As such, Hokkaido is home to a number of flora and fauna that can only be found here in the whole of Japan! Its location just south of Siberia also makes it a migratory spot for many birds and aquatic mammals.
A Spiritual Connection

Eastern Hokkaido is a region that remains an important residential and spiritual ground for the indigenous Ainu. Many have set up shops, restaurants and workshops in the area to introduce Japanese to their way of life. The Ainu have a deep connection to the wildlife in Hokkaido, believing them to be gods and guardians. The large Brown Bear, for example, is deeply respected and revered by the Ainu as a god of the mountains. The Orca is thought of as the guardian of the oceans, and the Blakiston’s Fish Owl is the protector of Ainu villages. Seeing these animals up close and in their natural habitats will imbue you with the same sense of awe and respect that the Ainu have for them and will give you a deeper connection with this land.
The Great Outdoors

The abundance of wildlife here in Eastern Hokkaido makes it quite easy to spot. In fact, you are very likely to see more deer than people on a visit! However, it’s one thing to see animals from afar and quite another to see them at close-quarters engaging in natural behaviours. This is only possibly by journeying off the beaten path, straight into their habitat. On our tours, you’ll not only watch the wildlife but you’ll also have the chance to hike, canoe and walk through their world and see them in situations and areas that most tourists may not.