Without a doubt, this tour is extraordinary & it is our most sought-after tour! For the second time we will be returning to Hokkaido and over 8 days we will explore this sparsely populated northern island of the Japanese archipelago. In Winter, Siberian temperatures and plenty of powder snow make it a skier’s dream location. However, in Summer & Autumn the snow disappears, the mountain trails meander, and the glorious deciduous foliage changes into rich colors that set the mountain alight.
This Hokkaido Tour takes us through Japan’s largest wilderness region. We will run through remote forests, across alpine plateaus and past mountain lakes & smoking Fumeroles. This region really is astonishingly wild and there is even the possibility of seeing foxes, deer, eagles and bears! For this reason, all guests will be required to carry bear bells to warm these furry friends of our presence on the trails.
This trip is a fully guided trail running holiday for moderate to fit individuals with some trail running experience. However, we emphasize the word ‘holiday’ and you do not need to be super speedy to thoroughly enjoy participating in this tour! And never fear… there is plenty of relaxing too! Our evenings will be spent lounging in hot outdoor onsens (hot springs) and enjoying traditional Japanese dinners before collapsing into our ryokan's (Japanese B&B) futon beds. Over the duration of our tour you will have access to our expert guides and coaches who always strive to facilitate an environment of education and learning for all elements of trail running. We are eager to share our knowledge on gear, equipment, nutrition, wilderness safety and conservation, adventure or race planning, local environmental and cultural significance and running techniques tips and tricks that will have you dancing, thriving and keeping safe on the trails.
Our 9 day, 8 night tour will start from New Chitose Airport on Japan’s northern Island of Hokkaido. From here we will travel inland to the Tokachi Mountains where we will begin our explorations. Whilst the desired runs are weather dependent, it will be our aim to summit a different volcanic peak every day of the tour. Over the course of the tour we will travel deeper into the mountains until we experience a part of Hokkaido where few visitors reach.
In short, the trip showcases the natural highlights of Hokkaido and whilst the trail running (and hiking!) distances are relatively challenging (3-4hrs per day), there will be plenty of relaxing and enjoying the local delicacies, hot springs and Japanese hospitality.
This Hokkaido Tour takes us through Japan’s largest wilderness region. We will run through remote forests, across alpine plateaus and past mountain lakes & smoking Fumeroles. This region really is astonishingly wild and there is even the possibility of seeing foxes, deer, eagles and bears! For this reason, all guests will be required to carry bear bells to warm these furry friends of our presence on the trails.
This trip is a fully guided trail running holiday for moderate to fit individuals with some trail running experience. However, we emphasize the word ‘holiday’ and you do not need to be super speedy to thoroughly enjoy participating in this tour! And never fear… there is plenty of relaxing too! Our evenings will be spent lounging in hot outdoor onsens (hot springs) and enjoying traditional Japanese dinners before collapsing into our ryokan's (Japanese B&B) futon beds. Over the duration of our tour you will have access to our expert guides and coaches who always strive to facilitate an environment of education and learning for all elements of trail running. We are eager to share our knowledge on gear, equipment, nutrition, wilderness safety and conservation, adventure or race planning, local environmental and cultural significance and running techniques tips and tricks that will have you dancing, thriving and keeping safe on the trails.
Our 9 day, 8 night tour will start from New Chitose Airport on Japan’s northern Island of Hokkaido. From here we will travel inland to the Tokachi Mountains where we will begin our explorations. Whilst the desired runs are weather dependent, it will be our aim to summit a different volcanic peak every day of the tour. Over the course of the tour we will travel deeper into the mountains until we experience a part of Hokkaido where few visitors reach.
In short, the trip showcases the natural highlights of Hokkaido and whilst the trail running (and hiking!) distances are relatively challenging (3-4hrs per day), there will be plenty of relaxing and enjoying the local delicacies, hot springs and Japanese hospitality.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Run and hike through bamboo groves with a chorus of 'bear bells' jingling from our group
- Hike and run to the summit of active volcanic peaks
- Explore steaming, stinky fumaroles on the side of Hokkaido's most beautiful volcanos.
- Rest in traditional Japanese mountain inns and lodgings, nestled on the side of an active volcano
- Indulge in the best of Japanese culture - delicious meals, outdoor hot springs and indoor steaming onsens
- Enjoy Japanese cuisine in the company of your new trail running friends
This tour was the best holiday one could have wanted. The week was a delight to the senses with wonderful runs in the mountains to unimaginable volcanic peaks through lush green forest. After, to indulge the senses further in natural hot spring spas, delicious food and delightful company. Our guides were fun, knowledgable and professional. Despite being an older runner, I felt completely at ease and included in this tour which catered to all abilities in our group. Julia
TOUR DETAILS
DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION |
New Chitose Airport |
DEPARTURE TIME |
7am to be introduced to your guides and the group |
RETURN TIME |
4pm return to New Chitose Airport |
ACCOMMODATION |
Japanese mountain inns and ryokans |
MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE |
10 guests |
INCLUDED |
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NOT INCLUDED |
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COST |
$TBC* AUD *$450 deposit (non refundable) required on booking. Remaining amount required 3-months prior to departure. |
RUN DETAILS |
Minimum Run Duration: 7km/75min
Maximum Run Duration: 24km/4hrs Technical Difficulty: Moderate - Advanced (trail experience required) Steepness: Gentle to very steep, rough volcanic slopes NB. This is a holiday involving trail running. To the best of their abilities, our guides will craft each days’ runs to individual needs and en route will frequently stop for photos and soaking up the ambience of the regions. Running distances noted in this itinerary may vary to differentiate between guest abilities & accommodate weather. |
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