Hike the North Island of Japan
Get away from the crowds and head to the north island of Japan for your next hiking adventure! Stunning scenery, including volcanos, loads of spirng wild flowers, pleasant summer temperatures or outstanding fall foliage! Our guests Susan and Richard tell us about their incredible Asian adventure on today’s show. Learn when to go, what to expect and why you should consider trekking Japan for your next adventure travel holiday.
Why Visit Hokkaido
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost and second largest island, has one of the nation’s lowest population density. And it is filled with incredible scenery, from volcanos and lakes, to forests and rich farm land. Hokkaido has almost a quarter of Japan’s arable land. Plus, it has an abundance of wildlife. In fact, the delightful Tancho red-crested crane is more often found here than elsewhere in the country. Except for Russia, Hokkaido has more brown bears than anywhere else in Asia. And for a country noted for its tasty food, Hokkaido offers some of the best food in Japan!
The island itself is a late addition to Japan, having been declared a Japanese territory in 1868 to keep it from becoming part of Russia, its nearby neighbor. The native Ainu people were hunter gatherers of this fertile but harsh land.
Hokkaido is seismically active, with five active volcanos amongst its many dormant ones. Trekking among volcanoes offers otherworldly views. Hokkaido has six national parks and five quasi-national parks, so there are plenty of landscapes to hike and explore!
When to Visit Hokkaido
As Japan’s northernmost island, the winters can be harsh. While snowboarders may enjoy winters in Hokkaido, most folks will prefer the other three seasons. When winter gives way, the fertile land showcases amazing wildflowers in the spring. Summers are pleasant and cool with temperatures averaging 62 to 72°F (17 to 22 °C ). Unlike most of Japan, Hokkaido escapes the June and July rainy season (and accompanying uncomfortable humidity). Its dry climate makes for pleasant summer visits. Many folks love going in the fall to see the outstanding fall foliage. The snows begin in earnest starting in November.
How Hard is the Hiking in Hokkaido
The trails can be challenging, so it’s best to train adequately before your trip. You can expect steep elevation gains and descents, as well as some slippery roots and paths.
Need help planning your training? I recommend my affiliate, Trailblazer Wellness. Becki can customize an at home training regimen to make sure your body is fit for your particular adventure travel holiday plans. Use the Promo Code ATAKIT to get 10% off. Plus, at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the podcast and this website.
How to Use a Japanese Onsen
All the thermal activity from the volcanos has the wonderful benefit of providing natural hot springs for onsens, aka a Japanese communal bath. Enjoying an onsen at the end of a long day’s hike is quite the treat! Many ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) will offer an onsen. There are community onsens as well.
There is a ritual for using an onsen. First, you must be naked. No exceptions – not even sandals.
There are over 27,000 onsens in Japan. Onsens are designated for males or females. You are expected to be completely clean before entering an onsen. There will be some showers and stools outside the onsen. Before entering the onsen, you take a sort of pre-bath. You are expected to sit on the stool to wash yourself. First wash your privates before doing a more thorough cleansing from the stool. Then soap up and scrub yourself really well. Shampoo your hair, too. Rinse thoroughly with hot water. When you are finished washing, you get into the hot tub or spring for a nice soak. Unless you have booked a private onsen, you will be sharing your bath with others. Don’t splash or be too noisy. Do not drink alcohol before entering an onsen.
You are never to put your hair or a towel in an onsen (or dunk your head underwater). When you’re finished, Japanese usually take another quick shower, then you towel off in the locker room. Bring your own small towel, as there may not be one to rent. Then you can put on a yukata, which is a bathrobe-like kimono. You can even wear these to dinner! Outdoor onsens are called Rotenburo. Indoor onsens, called sento, use regular heated water. If you can’t bear being ‘bare’ among strangers, seek out a private onsen. Note: Many onsens do not allow folks with tattoos. Be sure to inquire first. (Tattoos are associated with gangs in Japan, so are considered taboo).
Getting Around in Japan
It’s usually pretty easy to get around in Japan. Many signs are in English as well as Japanese, and many people speak English. However, it’s a good idea to download Google Translate before your trip. You can even snap a photo and it will translate a street sign or menu for you!
Japan Rail Pass
The best way to get from place to place in Japan is via train. You can buy a Japan Rail Pass to save money and get where you want to go efficiently.
Helpful Links
Other Asian Adventure Travel Holidays
Hike the Kumano Koda Trail Japan
(C) Active Travel Adventures – All Rights Reserved
