The itinerary
open to change - our way, your way
The itinerary we've designed aims to give us all the maximum reignition opportunities working and being with the best of this part of Hokkaido's landscape, culture and beauty. And there will also be things we discover on the way - the unpindownable Ainu festivals, farmers who invite us in for harvesting, unexpected sights and hidden trails....... we have the time, we have the freedom and we can respond and re-design as we want!
And we don't always have to do everything together! For example, if you fancy a day of gentle contemplation rather than a steady hike, we can make this happen!
In the words of Dr Zeus "Your have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the one who'll decide where to go.... "
This is our AND your reignition!
Day 1 - arrival
Welcome to Hokkaido! We offer a pick up from New Chitose airport or the train station at JR Shimukappu to bring you to your home for the next few days at our Chisaka base.
Get to know one another, Naomi and Jo, and a little about Hokkaido, Japan and how to have the best of times here.
We'll have the briefest of briefings about the trip and lots of time for you to connect, reflect and maybe set your intentions for your reignition journey.
Sleep - Chisaka local hotel (Japanese style)
Day 2 - river flows
We start the day as we will do each day, with a yoga, activation and strength session, then take breakfast together at lovely HOA's Hidaka basecamp.
Our first micro-adventure together is a raft trip on one of the many nearby pristine rivers. We think the laughter, splashes and exhilaration of an hour or so on the river is a tip top way to shake off travel weariness and get into the flow with our world-class river guides.
After a change of gear and some hearty lunch we tootle up the valley to the tiny Izawa fishery in the forest. Izawa is a family owned fishery that people travel to from all over Japan. Here we catch fish and have it prepared, cooked and served within minutes. It's as beautiful to watch as it is to savour!
Sleep - Chisaka local hotel
Day 3 - forests and farms
After yoga and breakfast we have a few hours forest based fun and games with a canopy-level walk in the woods with our HOA guides.
Lunch is followed by a visit to a family-owned farm for some time working alongside our lovely friends here amongst the tomato vines, pumpkins and other veggies. The produce from this small holding usually goes to a farm shop set up by Naomi to provide a small income for these family farmers and get field-fresh vegetables and fruit to the local restaurants and homes. Today we'll divert some of the veggies to a cooking pot as we help our hosts cook our supper.
Sleep - Chisaka local hotel
Day 4 - Ainu culture and coast
Stretched, warm and fed we hop into the van for the first leg of our tour. An hour down the road we stop at the Ainu cultural centre to find out about the Indigenous peoples of Hokkaido and how their culture influences island life still.
Continuing south we reach the coastal town of Hidaka and follow the coastline stopping off at a stables to understand more about the legendary race horses of the area and what happens to them when they retire.
Sleep - Urawaka local hotel
Day 5 - hiking Mount Apoi
If the weather is kind we may head to the black sands for our warm up, perhaps see the kelp harvesters coming in to land with their slippery catch.
A short drive takes us to Mount Apoi geo-park where we put our boots and backpacks on for the 8km round trip to the top of Mount Apoi and tremendous views of the coast and the endless hills of Hidaka National Park. This is our first walk and talk, steady, slow hiking . Breathing well. Opening up. Soaking in.
Tonight we sleep at the local onsen hotel.
Day 6 - seal watching in the winds
We drop back to the ocean at Cape Erimo visiting the charming Museum of the Winds, taking a boat trip around the headlands, arches and other geo-features to watch seals and other marine life. Back on dry land we hop up the coast and inland a little to the delightful, heart-shaped Lake Toyoni and a leg stretch up to the ridge.
Then it's in the van leaving the coast for the central heartlands and the southern edges of Daisetsuzan National Park.
Sleep - Lake Shikaribetsu onsen
Day 7 - lakeside autumn leaves
A slower start today with time and space to enjoy the lake views, forest trails or a canoe trip. We take lunch at the lake then potter gently through the forests stopping at island temples, waterfalls and a gorge for photos or to simply absorb these wonders. We finish the day at Sounkyo, a small mountain town beloved by Japanese visitors for its onsens and ropeway.
Sleep - Sounkyo onsen
Day 8 - Mt Kurodake hike and sake tasting
Our regular yoga stretch session gets us ready for the hike to Mount Kurodake , one of the most accessible volcanic peaks of the Daisetsuzan range. We take the ropeway (cable car) up and down to take the sting out of the climb and to give plenty of time for a visit to the sake brewery in the late afternoon. The day ends with the drive up to the foot of Mount Asahidake.
Sleep - Asahidake Onsen
Day 9 - Asahidake loop hike
If the weather is good and we're feeling strong, we'll make an early start to climb Mount Asahidake, the highest volcano on the island, and then continue around the cirque taking in several other tops. This will be a big day out so we take a packed lunch and full mountain gear. The onsen will feel especially good this evening!
Sleep - Asahidake Onsen
Day 10 - Tokachi-dake round hike
A second chance to get up high in very different volcanic scenery begins with a drive to the base of Mount Tokachidake. Today's hike is a steady ascent up through aromatic scrub and alpines to attain the ridge line traversing Mount Kami-Furano to Tokachidake. From here we descend by a different route to reach our vehicles and a welcome cafe. Lots of options here for anyone wanting a shorter hike or just to hang out in the natural onsens! We leave the mountains tonight heading down to the vibrant town of Furano and foodie heaven.
Sleep - Furano hotel
Day 11 - feasting and flowers in Furano
Furano has reinvented itself as a bit of a gastro centre for Japan with excellent wineries and vineyards, cutesy coffee shops, artisan bakeries and a cheese 'factory'. We'll have time to wander about, exploring and sampling, we may even try our hand at cheese-making. At some point we'll visit the flower farms - spectacles of colour and fragrance that draw in visitors from all over Asia.
Sleep - Furano hotel
Day 12 - Otaru and the emerald north coast
Otaru is a port town on the north coast of Hokkaido, famed for its canal side walks, glassmaking and historical buildings. We drive over to have late morning and lunch pottering around the streets then continue north and east to the Shakotan peninsula. Azure seas, jagged cliffs backing on to luscious fruit farms and verdant hills - we stop for short hikes to view points, collect fresh produce and breath in the ocean air.
Sleep - Yoishi glamping (tbc)
Day 13 - Mount Tarumae hike
Circling around the green hills we arrive at Lake Shikutso and the low volcanic stubs of the surrounding mountains. We have a short hike to the summit of Tarumae for views of the lake below and open horizons - a great place to sit and reflect on the adventures of the last few days and what has been happening for us along the way.
We end with a celebratory meal with our last night together.
Sleep - Kyukamura Shikotsuko Onsen
Day 14 - farewell
A last session of opening up and softening limbs and joints before heading off to the airport or station and whatever life next holds.
The Reignition Essentials
Reignition .... your way
Reignition .... your way
Reignition .... your way
Reignition trips are all about:
● Some time trekking in amazing places
- Play and playfulness
● Living simply and well – getting our hands dirty
● Tuning in to some ‘productive’ rest
● Celebrating – getting into the local spirit
● Daily practice for stretch, strength and flow
● Invitations to special places….the insider view
● Optional 1-2-1 couns
Reignition trips are all about:
● Some time trekking in amazing places
- Play and playfulness
● Living simply and well – getting our hands dirty
● Tuning in to some ‘productive’ rest
● Celebrating – getting into the local spirit
● Daily practice for stretch, strength and flow
● Invitations to special places….the insider view
● Optional 1-2-1 counselling / coaching conversations along the way
refreshing - restoring - releasing from 'stucks'
Naomi
Reignition .... your way
Reignition .... your way
Naomi O'Keeffe is our local guide for this Reignition trip. A Hokkaido native she brings the insider connections that make this trip so special. She also brings joy, fun and an utter professionalism and, as a superb photographer, a wonderful eye for images. Naomi is co-founder of Hokkaido Outdoor Adventures with husband Pat. She's also s
Naomi O'Keeffe is our local guide for this Reignition trip. A Hokkaido native she brings the insider connections that make this trip so special. She also brings joy, fun and an utter professionalism and, as a superb photographer, a wonderful eye for images. Naomi is co-founder of Hokkaido Outdoor Adventures with husband Pat. She's also started the Chisaka farm shop and many more ventures besides.
Jo & Naomi co-designed and co-deliver this trip.
HOA
More on the Hokkaido Walks & Talks
More on the Hokkaido Walks & Talks
Hokkaido Outdoor Adventure is located at the foot of the Hidaka mountain range in Hokkaido, Japan. Their base is an old wooden school house surrounded by great outdoor spaces. Founded in 1997 Pat and Naomi have been providing adventures to local schools and groups of national and international visitors. They are known for first ascent
Hokkaido Outdoor Adventure is located at the foot of the Hidaka mountain range in Hokkaido, Japan. Their base is an old wooden school house surrounded by great outdoor spaces. Founded in 1997 Pat and Naomi have been providing adventures to local schools and groups of national and international visitors. They are known for first ascents and exploratory trips on rivers around Hokkaido and the world. They are our hosts and partners for this Reignition.
More on the Hokkaido Walks & Talks
More on the Hokkaido Walks & Talks
More on the Hokkaido Walks & Talks
For more details on the walks and talks and the 'how' of this Reignition trip, click here: