Hokkaido is one of the best regions for adventure tourism on the planet. It’s a single island in the north of Japan, and yet it is home to a huge variation of natural settings (and all the adventure possibilities which come with them). We’ve already covered Hokkaido’s best ski resorts as well as a handful of adventures around Sapporo, but with an island this big, we’ve still barely scratched the surface. So, we’ve decided to narrow down our list to the very best outdoor adventures in just the eastern quarter of Hokkaido.
To make the most of the area, you’ll want to go in Winter. From Europe, the most convenient way to get to Hokkaido is still the Finnair direct flight to New Chitose Airport (see the official Finnair website for the latest flight information). This route has cut the journey down significantly, as travellers can simply take a 9-hour direct flight instead of transferring at Tokyo which can waste an extra full day of your trip – that’s crucial for an adventure like this one!
We’ve found the most thrilling, inspiring, and unique outdoor activities in east Hokkaido, and we’ve designed this guide so that an intrepid adventurer could hit all of them as they journey from the north coast to the south coast. You’ll want to grab a 45-minute flight from New Chitose to Memanbetsu Airport. As soon as you step out, you’ll find that the Okhotsk region is like a different world. The snowy climate, mountainous topography, and unspoiled nature will truly make you feel like you’re earning your explorer badge.
From here, the world is your oyster! This region is fantastic for solo exploration, and you’ll be certain to find yourself a transformative experience wherever you go. But, just in case you don’t fancy a totally structureless wonder through the Japanese wilderness, we’ve gone ahead and provided a comprehensive guide to the best adventures in east Hokkaido – from north to south! Grab a pad and pen, have a read, and start making notes for your own itinerary.