Active Japan: North to South Adventure
- Trip code: 437X018
- Dauer: 18
- Stil: Active
Japan is one of those magical places you can visit again and again, but this 18-day adventure skips Tokyo to take you way off the beaten path. Hike Hokkaido's stunning national parks, snorkel in Okinawa's crystal-clear waters, and dive into local eats in Okinawa’s famous "blue zone". Paddle your way through Iriomote’s mangroves and cycle the peaceful streets of Taketomi Island. If you thought Japan was all big cities, think again — this trip is packed with hidden gems and epic outdoor adventures that will totally change your perspective.
Übersicht
Accommodation
Hotel (16 nts), Ryokan Stay (1nt)
Checklist
Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guides throughout
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg. 14
Highlights
Shiretoko Five Lakes and Furepe Waterfall treks, Spot Wildlife in Hokkaido's National parks, Sample local Sapporo beer from the source, Hike through Kyoto's trails in Fushimi Inari and Kurama to Kibune, Kayak, snorkel and bike through the islands of Okinawa
Introduction
Japan is one of those magical places you can visit again and again, but this 18-day adventure skips Tokyo to take you way off the beaten path. Hike Hokkaido's stunning national parks, snorkel in Okinawa's crystal-clear waters, and dive into local eats in Okinawa’s famous "blue zone". Paddle your way through Iriomote’s mangroves and cycle the peaceful streets of Taketomi Island. If you thought Japan was all big cities, think again — this trip is packed with hidden gems and epic outdoor adventures that will totally change your perspective
Meals Included
17 Frühstück, 2 Mittagessen, 8 Abendessen
Meal Budget
Plane USD530-690 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein
Optional Activities
Shiretoko
- Hot Springs Village
- Shiretoko World Heritage Conservation Centre
Otaru
- Half Day Cycling Tour of Otaru
Sapporo
- Hokkaido Jingu Shrine
Kyoto
- Besuch der Burg Nijō und ihrer Gärten (600JPY pro Person)
- Besuch des Kinkaku-ji („Goldener Pavillon“) (500JPY pro Person)
- Zen-Garten des Ryōan-ji (500JPY pro Person)
Start / Finish
Tokyo nach Ishigaki
Transport
Plane, local train, walking, private vehicle, gondola, public bus, bicycle, local metro
What's Included
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Ryokan Stay, Akan-ko
Dein Foodie-Moment: Ramen Dinner in Asahikawa, Asahikawa. Shiretoko Five Lake trek. Furepe waterfall hike. Primeval Forest hiking. Sulphur mountain visit. Lake Kussharo hot spring beach. Lake Mashu Observation Deck. Akan Ryokan stay. Asahikawa Ramen dinner. Asahidake Ropeway. Sugatami Pong hike. Free time in Sapporo. Nijo Market visit. Sapporo Beer Museum visit and beer tasting. Kurama to Kibune trek & shrine visits. Fushimi Inari Taisha hike. Okinawa Rail Observation & Ibe-dake Forest Trail Trek. Yasuda Sea Kayaking excursion. Traditional Sabani Boat tour. Taketomi island cycling excursion. Mangrove kayak and hike on Iriomote Island. Internal flights. All transportation to/from included activities
Internationale Flüge
Check-in-Zeiten und Freigepäck/Einschränkungen können je nach Fluggesellschaft variieren und sich jederzeit ändern. Für die aktuellsten Informationen zu deinem Flug wende dich bitte an deine Fluggesellschaft. Wir empfehlen Online-Check-in, um mögliche Verzögerungen am Flughafen zu vermeiden
Minimum Age
Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre
Itinerary
Day 1 Tokyo/Shiretoko
Welcome to Tokyo, Japan. There's no time to waste as you join your fellow travelers in the morning for a welcome briefing with your CEO and head towards the airport to board your flight to Memanbetsu airport in Hokkaido. Upon arrival, head to your hotel outside Shiretoko National Park and enjoy dinner together with your CEO and new travel mates
Day 2 Shiretoko
After a filling breakfast, depart the hotel en route to the Five Lakes area of Shiretoko National Park. This area is famous for its namesake five lakes that were formed years ago by the eruption of Mount Lo. The area now offers picturesque views of the mountains and the wilderness all around. In the afternoon, take a short walk to the Furepe Waterfall, a waterfall cascading into the Okhotsk Sea
Day 3 Shiretoko
Another morning hike in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shiretoko Peninsula awaits. Embark on a guided three to four hour hike through the Primeval Forest area of the park. Be sure to bring binoculars if you are a keen animal enthusiast, as there is ample opportunity to spot various species from the Steller's sea eagle to Japanese deer. The scenery is equally as dramatic as you witness the cliff edges hang over the turquoise water of the sea. The afternoon is at leisure, and you can choose to relax at your hotel bathing facilities, or walk into the village area some 20 minutes away
Day 4 Shiretoko/Akan-ko
Depart the Shiretoko area this morning and head slightly inland towards Lake Akan. En route stop to visit active volcano Mt Lo, which sits inside the Kussharo caldera. Watch the sulfurous smoke and steam rise from the craggy landmass. From there continue on to the shore of Lake Kussharo, where you can take a moment to get your hands dirty digging into the sandy shore and actually hitting hot spring water. Dig your own personal Onsen! Yet another sign of the volcanic activity still present underground in this area. Make a final stop at the observatory deck to take in views of Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu before continuing on your overnight stay at a Ryokan. After a dinner with your fellow travelers, enjoy a cultural performance in tribute to the history of the local Ainu people of the region. Akan Yukar Lost Kamuy is a presentation of Ainu ancient ceremonial dance, contemporary dance and digital art
Day 5 Akan-ko/Asahikawa
Enjoy a leisurely start to the morning to spend the morning hours enjoying the Ryokan hot springs a second time. Or choose to join your CEO for a walk around Lake Akan. Then make your way towards Asahikawa. Don't fill up too much during the day, because dinner this evening is the famous Asahikawa ramen. This ramen is famed throughout Japan as one of the best in the country
Day 6 Asahikawa
It's time to rise and shine and strap on those hiking boots once again. This morning, head to the Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway. Board the ten minute gondola ride up to the start of the walk. Spend a couple of hours exploring the area on foot, and hope for glimpses of the mountain ranges as the fog comes and goes
Day 7 Asahikawa/Sapporo
Sapporo, the capitol of Hokkaido, is home to some of the island's most interesting spots. With a day at leisure, choose to join your CEO on a half day cycling tour of Otaru, a nearby town full of historical gems to explore. Or, choose to walk on foot to explore the Hokkaido Jingu shrine, a shinto shrine honoring 4 deities
Day 8 Sapporo
Spend today getting well acquainted with the city of Sapporo, home of the world famous beer. Begin your day with a visit to the Nijo Market. Walk through the stalls full of fresh seafood, most caught right of the coast of Hokkaido. You'll see crabs, fish and things you may have never seen before like fresh urchin and fish eggs. Afterwards, head to the home of the first Japanese made beer, Sapporo Beer Museum, and sample beer that can only be found at this location
Day 9 Sapporo/Kyoto
Bid Sapporo and Hokkaido farewell and head southbound to Kyoto on a domestic flight. Upon arrival, the afternoon is at leisure and you can choose to join your CEO and fellow travelers for a dinner out in Kyoto
Day 10 Kyoto
Start your Kyoto based explorations with one of the iconic hikes outside the Kyoto downtown area. Hike from Kurama village to Kibune-two villages that mark the start and endpoint of the hike. As you wind your way through the canopied forest, visit the Yuki shrine and Kurama-dera temple
Day 11 Kyoto
The final day in Kyoto begins with the iconic visit to Fushimi Inari shrine. Walk for around 2 hours under the vibrant torii gates as you make your way along the various trails. Although this is a popular activity, it's worth it for the expansive views across Southern Kyoto
Day 12 Kyoto to Yanbaru National Park
Let the island hopping begin. Board a domestic flight bound for Naha airport, in Okinawa. Naha is the main gateway for travelers in and out of Okinawa. Upon arrival, hop onto a private transport and make your way north towards Yanbaru National Park. This area is not popular on the tourist route due to its more remote location, and indeed feels a bit like a hidden gem
Day 13 Yanbaru National Park
Embark on a guided walk through part of Yambaru Forest, spotting native flora and fauna on the Ibe-dake Forest Trail Trek. After a picnic lunch, head towards to the seaside and join your local guide on a guided sea kayaking excursion to Yasuda island. After a busy day, enjoy a dinner out together
Day 14 Kunigami/Ishigaki
Another day, another island. Today, head even further south to Ishigaki island. Still part of Okinawa, Ishigaki technically sits closer to Taiwan than to mainland Japan. Join your CEO and fellow travelers for a delicious dinner sampling the famous Ishigaki beef
Day 15 Ishigaki
In the Hirakubo Peninsula in northern Ishigaki, hop aboard a Sabani, the traditional Okinawan sailboat, and cruise along the shores of the peninsula. Hop into the water to snorkel if you choose, or just admire the stunning untouched environment. These boats are hand carved in the traditional way from hollowed logs, and only hold 6 persons per boat. Enjoy this rare opportunity to enjoy a piece of Okinawan cultural heritage. During the paddle, we'll jump out of the boat for a chance to snorkel out above the coral reef
Day 16 Taketomi Island
Just off the coast of the Ishigaki Port area is Taketomi Island, part of Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. Surrounded by coral reef, the island is actually constructed of coral walls and structures, creating a unique architectural look within Japan. The central Ryukyu village is the most well known feature of the island, full of red tiled roof buildings and tropical flowers. There are plenty of ways to explore Taketomi, but in true G Adventures style we opt for a bicycle to be able to zip around and see as much as possible
Day 17 Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park
The island hopping continues as you head west again towards Iriomote island. Spend the day kayaking in a mangrove area, spotting birds and local flora you can only find in this area. After an epic day exploring the island, choose to join your CEO and fellow travelers for a farewell dinner back in Ishigaki
Day 18 Ishigaki
Depart at any time
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Tokyo/Shiretoko
This tour departs from Tokyo today, so if you want to spend more time in Tokyo, consider joining the Active Northern Japan: Tokyo & Hokkaido adventure. Please not this tour begins with a flight from Tokyo to Hokkaido. This internal flight is included in the cost of your tour. Please make sure to arrive at your meeting point hotel no later than 10:00 am to ensure you do not miss the flight
Day 2 Shiretoko
Day 3 Shiretoko
Day 4 Shiretoko/Akan-ko
Day 5 Akan-ko/Asahikawa
Day 6 Asahikawa
It's important to note that in Spring and Fall, its common to still have snow on the ground at Asahidake, so itinerary adjustments may be made. Cold weather clothing should be packed during this season.
Day 7 Asahikawa/Sapporo
Day 8 Sapporo
Day 9 Sapporo/Kyoto
Day 10 Kyoto
Day 11 Kyoto
Spend the afternoon at leisure in Kyoto.
Day 12 Kyoto to Yanbaru National Park
Day 13 Yanbaru National Park
Day 14 Kunigami/Ishigaki
Day 15 Ishigaki
Day 16 Taketomi Island
Day 17 Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park
Day 18 Ishigaki
