Join Caledonian Sky on this brand-new 15-day voyage to one of Japan's least-developed and wildlife-rich islands, Hokkaido. Wander through vast fields of wildflowers on Rebun Island that make up part of Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park. Search for Japanese pygmy-woodpeckers, white-tailed eagles, Eurasian bullfinches, and iconic red-crowned cranes, along with millions of migratory seabirds that breed on Teuri Island. Explore spectacular Shikotsu-Toya National Park, a UNESCO Global Geopark noted for its two namesake caldera lakes, as well as hot springs and extensive hiking trails. Join locals at the buzzing asaichis (morning markets) in Abashiri and Hakodate. Learn about the indigenous Ainu culture at the Museum of Northern Peoples and experience a traditional Cossack performance in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
Highlights
Wander through the "Floating Island of Flowers" on Rebun Island
Search for millions of migratory seabirds that breed on Teuri Island
Explore spectacular Shikotsu-Toya National Park, a UNESCO Global Geopark
Join locals at buzzing asaichis (morning markets) in Abashiri & Hakodate
Learn about the indigenous Ainu and Cossack cultures of Japan and Russia
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
After breakfast, set out on an introductory tour of Japan’s cutting-edge capital city. Discover modern and ancient highlights alike before lunch at a local restaurant. Then board one of Japan’s famed shinkansen (high-speed trains) for the ride to Niigata. This evening, embark the Caledonian Sky and set sail for Hokkaido.
During a relaxing day at sea, join naturalists on deck to search for wildlife and attend engaging lectures on such topics as Hokkaido’s natural history and traditional Japanese culture.
Hokkaido’s dynamic capital Sapporo is famous for its ski slopes, ice-sculpting festival, green spaces, and great culinary scene. For a scenic overview, head southwest to Mount Moiwa Odori Park and ride the cable-car to the summit’s observation deck. Lunch at a local restaurant offers the chance to try Sapporo’s famous beer and perhaps some local seafood before browsing the busy fish market. Birders set out from Otaru to explore the surrounding foothills in search of resident Japanese pygmy-woodpeckers and varied tits, as well as blue-and-white flycatchers and other migrant species.
The northwestern island of Teuri is the seasonal home to millions of migratory seabirds, which flock to its steep slopes during the breeding season. It is also the world’s most important breeding ground for the rare rhinoceros auklet. The nearby island of Rishiri—known locally as Rishiri-Fuji due to its resemblance to Mount Fuji—rises majestically from the ocean, and offers a variety of trekking opportunities.
Along with neighboring Rishiri, Rebun Island forms part of the popular Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park. Between late-April and mid-September, the “Floating Island of Flowers” is blanketed in fields of wildflowers, and your visit is timed to enjoy the blooms before the annual flood of tourists arrive.
A former military post and penal colony, Korsakov serves as your gateway to Sakhalin Island’s capital, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Founded as a small Russian settlement in the 1880s, the city was a Japanese prefect capital from 1905 until the end of WWII. Visit a Russian Orthodox church, the Regional Museum—housed in an impressive former Japanese mansion—and the bustling market. Also enjoy a performance of traditional Cossack song and dance from a colorfully costumed local choir. Alternatively, join your ornithologist for a day of birding around the southern end of Sakhalin. Watch for Latham’s snipes, Eurasian bullfinches, white-tailed sea eagles, Siberian thrushes, and Swinhoe’s robins.
Fishing is one of the main industries of Abashiri, and your first full day here offers tasty seafood and a choice of tours. A scenic, geological expedition to the south visits a number of calderas and volcanic features, including Lakes Kussharo and Mashu and the Iwo Sulphur Springs. Then try on a surprisingly heavy sumo apron at the Taiho Sumo Museum, before lunch in Kawayu. Or, choose a nature tour in Utoro where you take a cruise to look for brown bears, white-tailed eagles, and spectacled guillemots. Then drive up to the 2,425-foot-high Shiretoko Pass (weather permitting) for stunning views of Mount Rausu, returning via Lake Toufutsu and Koshimizu Gensei-kaen, a 12-mile-long stretch awash in some 40 species of wildflowers.
Abashiri Kando Asaichi, Abashiri’s buzzing morning market, is the first stop on your city tour, followed by Ryuhyo Garasa Kan to shop for unique glass craft gifts. Learn about the Ainu, Inuit, and other indigenous cultures at the Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples before a short walk around scenic Cape Notoro. If time permits, a visit to the Okhotski Sea Ice Museum offers hands-on insights into the sea ice that encircles the region during winter. Alternatively, join a natural history tour to explore along the shore of Lake Abashiri and Komaba Kinohiroba Forest Reserve. This afternoon, be on deck as the ship navigates the scenic Nemuro Channel to search for minke, orca, and sperm whales, as well as Pacific white-sided dolphins, and Dall’s porpoises.
Two thousand species of flora and fauna are found in Kushiro Marsh, Japan’s largest peat swamp and wetland reserve. A Ramsar-registered site and national park, Kushiro provides sanctuary to the red-crowned crane, a symbol of luck and longevity in Japan. Thanks to successful conservation efforts, Hokkaido is now home to 1,500 of these rare birds. Enjoy spectacular scenery while you search for them in their marshy breeding grounds. A visit to the Kushiro City Museum offers insights into the lifestyle of the Ainu through a small, but excellent exhibit.
Its two namesake lakes—along with hot springs and great hiking—make Shikotsu-Toya National Park a popular escape from Sapporo. Your tour of this UNESCO Global Geopark includes stops at various viewpoints to appreciate Lake Toya, a nearly circular caldera lake; on a clear day, it is backdropped by Mt. Usu, an active volcano that often billows smoke.
Hakodate was one of the first ports in Japan to open to foreign trade in 1854, and around the waterfront you can find many western-style buildings such as churches, warehouses, and the Old British Consulate. Start your day like a local at the Hakodate Asaichi (morning market), which overflows with displays of fresh seafood, produce, and traditional snacks. Then climb aboard the cable-car and ascend Mount Hakodate for magnificent views over the city.
Nature rules in the Akita Prefecture, known for its rice farming, traditional festivals, and treasured dog breed of the same name. At the center of its capital lies Senshu Park, built from the ruins of Kubota Castle, a former samurai fortress. Lotus flowers now fill the remnants of old moats, and tree-lined walking trails lead to its watchtower, temple, and shrine. The city’s Hirano Art Museum houses “Akita no Gyoji,” the largest canvas painting in the world. Akita also boasts Lake Tazawa, Japan’s deepest lake.
Disembark in Niigata and board the bullet train back to Tokyo. Join a city tour, visiting highlights such as the 2,080-foot-high Skytree—the world’s second highest tower and the beautiful Meiji Shrine. Or, join a birding tour in Kasai Rinkai-koen Park, a third of which is a designated seabird sanctuary.
Day 15: Depart Tokyo
1 Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your independent homeward flight.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Category 1
Averaging 240 sq. ft. and have three portholes. Two twin beds convertible into one queen bed, sitting area, well-appointed en suite bathroom, large closets, vanity table, small refrigerator, television, personal safe, hair dryer, assorted toiletries, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, and American style outlets (two flat prongs) at 110 volts.
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Category 2
Averaging 230 sq. ft. and have large picture windows. Two twin beds convertible into one queen bed, sitting area, well-appointed en suite bathroom, large closets, vanity table, small refrigerator, television, personal safe, hair dryer, assorted toiletries, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, and American style outlets (two flat prongs) at 110 volts.
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Category 3
Averaging 220 sq. ft. with a picture window. Two twin beds convertible into one queen bed, sitting area, well-appointed en suite bathroom, large closets, vanity table, small refrigerator, television, personal safe, hair dryer, assorted toiletries, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, and American style outlets (two flat prongs) at 110 volts.
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Category 4
Averaging 220 sq. ft. with direct deck access via a sliding glass door. Two twin beds convertible into one queen bed, sitting area, well-appointed en suite bathroom, large closets, vanity table, small refrigerator, television, personal safe, hair dryer, assorted toiletries, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, and American style outlets (two flat prongs) at 110 volts.
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Category 5
Averaging 240 sq. ft. and direct deck access via a sliding glass door. Two twin beds convertible into one queen bed, sitting area, well-appointed en suite bathroom, large closets, vanity table, small refrigerator, television, personal safe, hair dryer, assorted toiletries, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, and American style outlets (two flat prongs) at 110 volts.
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Category 6
Averaging 215 sq. ft. and pave patio doors leading to private balconies. Two twin beds convertible into one queen bed, sitting area, well-appointed en suite bathroom, large closets, vanity table, small refrigerator, television, personal safe, hair dryer, assorted toiletries, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, and American style outlets (two flat prongs) at 110 volts.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Everything is streamlined so far. It seems that tour is property planned and there would be no surprises.
Apjeet Singh Button
2 hours ago
Erin seemed to know all about Galapagos locations and travel
Ted Farber
18 hours ago
Working with a company that is in USA and had english speaking helpers.
tamara helland
20 hours ago
Replied quickly
Could understand person clearly.
Dianne
4 days ago
He gave us honest information about different options we were considering, and he made everything happen in our shortened timeframe. We would be happy to work with him again!
Sarah Wilce
6 days ago
Everything is streamlined so far. It seems that tour is property planned and there would be no surprises.
Apjeet Singh Button
2 hours ago
Erin seemed to know all about Galapagos locations and travel
Ted Farber
18 hours ago
Working with a company that is in USA and had english speaking helpers.
tamara helland
20 hours ago
Replied quickly
Could understand person clearly.
Dianne
4 days ago
He gave us honest information about different options we were considering, and he made everything happen in our shortened timeframe. We would be happy to work with him again!
Sarah Wilce
6 days ago
Everything is streamlined so far. It seems that tour is property planned and there would be no surprises.
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