Snowshoe trekking in Rishiri, Hokkaido

Come and explore the beauties of snow covered virgin forests at the foot of Mt Rishiri, on snowshoes at your own pace! Snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy the winter of Mt Rishiri, which doesn't require any prior technical skills unlike backcountry skiing.

I offer half day trips and 1-day trips, depending on your fitness levels and how you want to enjoy Rishiri!

Half Day Course (3 hours):

It's an easy way to get a taster of snowshoeing and enjoy the winter outdoors. This course combines the beautiful snowscape and purely having fun in the snow. Children from the age of 6 can join this course, and so I recommend it to families with children, first time snowshoers, and those that are not as confident in their fitness levels! There's a lot of focus on making it a FUN course so even though it's a short programme, the satisfaction level tends to be high!

1-Day Course (6-8 hours) with lunch included:

We'll be exploring places that we wouldn't have the time to reach in a Half Day Course. The view and snowscape on the route will be magnificent and you can immerse yourself in the nature more. We'll have a warm lunch that I prepare for you on a table crafted from snow, where you'll be able to warm up and regain your strength for more fun and exploration in the afternoon!

ITINERARY:

– For Half Day Course, meet at 9am or 1:30pm at my family hotel (please let me know if you need to be picked up from the port or your own hotel). For 1-Day Course, meet at 9am.

– Fill in necessary documents

– Equipment / Clothing check

– Start Snowshoe trekking and enjoy winter Rishiri!

– Relax at Rishiri Fuji Onsen (hot spring) at the end of the trek.

– Back to hotel

PRICE:

Half Day Course – JPY 6,000 per person

1 Day Course – JPY 12,000 per person

Included in Price:-

Guide Fee, Lunch (for 1 Day Course)

Excluded from Price:-

Accommodation

ACCOMMODATION:

I recommend you to stay in my family hotel that I manage (photos can be found on this page). It is equipped with a nice onsen (hot spring bath) where it is awesome to stay after a day of skiing. You will enjoy delicious home-cooked Japanese food. Please get in touch to get more info!

TRANSPORTATION:

Coming to Rishiri can be done either by flight (45 min) from Sapporo either by ferry (1.40) leaving from Wakkanai.

KIT LIST:

– Warm clothing (jacket, trousers – I recommend full ski wears)
– Warm hat
– Warm gloves
– Warm shoesI can lend you a set of snowshoes and a suitable backpack for the trek for free.Please bring any snacks that you might want to eat and nibble during the trek!

If you'd like to experience the winter beauty on the remote island of Rishiri, please get in touch with me! I can show you where only the local guides can take you…!

I also offer backcountry skiing trips in Rishiri. Have a look at this programme if you have prior experience of ski touring and if you're seeking an off-the-beaten track skiing adventure!

Disclaimer:

Please be aware that depending on the weather and the conditions, I may decide to change the route, objective of the trek, and any other contents of the trip, for safety reasons.

As a guide, I cannot be held liable for any accidents that may occur during the trip, except for those that occurr due to my gross negligence or malicious intent.

Please also be aware that I will be guiding at a pace appropriate for the participant with the lest technical and fitness levels.

Cancellation Policy:

I ask for a Cancellation Fee in case of last minute cancellation:

For cancellation on the day before the trip – 50% of Trip Price

For cancellation on the day of the trip – 100% of Trip Price