Active Japan: North to South Adventure

Duration

18 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

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.

Includes

Activities

Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Ryokan Stay, Akan-ko Your 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

Accommodation

Hotel (16 nts), Ryokan Stay (1nt)

17 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 8 dinners

Transport

Plane, local train, walking, private vehicle, gondola, public bus, bicycle, local metro.

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guides throughout.

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.

Trip Details

Duration

18 days

Transportation

Plane, local train, walking, private vehicle, gondola, public bus, bicycle, local metro.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Tokyo, Japan

Finishes

Ishigaki, Japan

Accommodations

Budget

Travel Style

Active, Budget

Physical Rating

Average

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.
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.

Meals included: Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Hike to this waterfall that plunges down the side of the emerald cliffs into the sea. This forest hike with a 64 m elevation gain is will have you seeing blue water year round and reflective rainbow when the sun hits just right.Activity - Hike through the Shiretoko Five Lakes. On this 4.8 km loop with an elevation of 43 m, walk by reflective lakes and stunning green mountainous scenery. Admire bright green foliage in the summer, gorgeous flower covered mountains in spring and impressive fall colors in autumn.Accommodation - Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Spend a free afternoon exploring Shiretoko how you'd like.Activity - Hike through this part of Shiretoko, seemingly untouched by man. Walk through the forest and be on the look out for foxes and deer while admiring the incredible forest and cliff side views. You may even have the chance to see bear markings on the trees.Accommodation - Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit the impressive caldera lake within Akan Mashu National Park. Take in the views from the best spot to see whats considered the clearest lake in the world.Activity - Experience traditional Japanese life with a night at a traditional Japanese Inn. Stay in tatami-matted rooms and enjoy a glimpse into Japanese culture and history.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the otherworldly sulphur mountain and breathe in the hot air. See the greenish yellow algae that grows around the fumaroles with a steady stream of steam released across the mountain. The head to Lake Kushharo. With a hot spring under the sand, dig a hole and relax in your hand-dug beachy hot spring.Activity - Visit the Ainu Kotan Village. There are only two indigenous groups remaining in Japan and Akanko Ainu Kotan is one of the largest settlements still remaining in Hokkaido. During our visit, we'll see the village and experience their cultural performance in the evening.Accommodation - New Akan Hotel

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Nearly every region of Japan has their own style of ramen, so a trip to Hokkaido wouldn't be complete without trying Asahikawa specialty ramen. With thin noodles and savory broth, this is a dish you won't want to miss.Accommodation - Hotel Amanek Asahikawa

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.
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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit Daisetsuzan National Park and ride the gondola up to start your hike around Sugatami Pond Loop. This easy, loop hike will give you astounding views of volcanic rock and Mount Asahi-dake, the tallest mountain in Hokkaido reflecting off ponds. After the hike, take the gondola back down.Accommodation - Hotel Amanek Asahikawa

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 to visit the Hill of the Buddha, a incredible and huge shrine. Or, choose to explore the Hokkaido Jingu shrine, a shinto shrine honoring 4 deities.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.Free_time - Spend a free afternoon in Sapporo.Accommodation - The B Sapporo

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit Nijo Market, a market over 100 years old. You'll see fresh local seafood like urchins and salmon eggs, and other local vendors.Activity - Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum for a tour and tasting of the popular brew. Known as the first beer made in Japan, we'll have a chance to sample a beer that can only be found at the museum. Opt for a fun all-you-can-eat-and-drink meal in the Beer Hall.Accommodation - The B Sapporo

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Accommodation - Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Shijo Omiya

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Transfer by train and subway to Kurama Station and begin your CEO-led hike. Walk between these two picturesque, quaint villages in the Kitayama Mountains and follow the stone steps up into the verdant, mist-shrouded forests. Pass through the highland and visit smaller temples and search for spring water outlets flowing down the trail. Stop along the way at the Kurama-dera Temple—located atop the mountain with stunning views of the countryside, Yuki Shrine, Maoden, ending at Kibune Shrine. The total hike time will be 2.5 hours for a total of 3.9km and a total elevation gain of 584m.Accommodation - Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Shijo Omiya

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.
Spend the afternoon at leisure in Kyoto.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Hike up Fushimi Inari through 10,000 stunning torii gates (as seen in the film Memoirs of a Geisha). The shrine itself is at the base of the Inari mountain but includes many trails up to smaller shrines in the area. The hike up is about 2 hrs.Free_time - Enjoy a free afternoon in the beautiful town of Kyoto.Accommodation - Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Shijo Omiya

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Free_time - Spend a free evening after arriving to Okinawa.Accommodation - Ada Garden Hotel

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Trek along the Ibe-dake forest path through the Special Wildlife Protection Area and learn about the history and ancient wisdom of protecting this precious forest.Activity - Kayak to the uninhabited island of Yasuda off the coast of Yanbaru. Taking about 30 minutes one way, we'll glide over pristine reef and through crystal clear water, clear enough to see the colorful coral and bright fish. Explore Yasuda island's white sand and relax on the beach, where sea turtles sometimes visit, before paddling back to the coast.Accommodation - Ada Garden Hotel

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 famous Okinawan ryōri (food).

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Free_time - Spend a free evening in Ishigaki before a group dinner.Accommodation - Hotel Abianpana Ishigaki

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Climb aboard a traditional wooden Sabani Boat. Local to Okinawa, we'll sail in this dugout-cedar boat and have a chance to snorkel in the blue water through colorful reefs.Activity - Jump out of the traditional Sabani boat with a snorkel mask and fins.. Glide above the tropical coral reefs and admire the colorful life below the sea. Your sabani boat guide will point out some of the amazing things you may see like puffer fish, sea stars or maybe even a sea turtle!Free_time - Spend your afternoon at leisure in the Ishigaki Port area.Accommodation - Hotel Abianpana Ishigaki

Day 16: 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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Glide through the Mangrove forest waterways in a kayak and learn about the importance of these amazing trees. You'll have the chance to observe the unique wildlife that the Mare and Hinai Rivers' ecosystem supports.Transport - Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.Transport - Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.Accommodation - Hotel Abianpana Ishigaki

Day 17: 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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.Transport - Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.Activity - Hop on a bicycle and explore Taketomi's noteworthy stops. Starting at the Yugafu-kan cultural center, we'll then bike to Nishi Pier for a perfect view of the sea, to the white sands of Kondoi Beach for a swim and a snorkel, and to the traditional village of Taketomi. This tour will bring you to experience the picturesque beaches of the island and its well preserved history.Accommodation - Hotel Abianpana Ishigaki

Day 18: Ishigaki

Depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $13099

AUD $11,134

(Tour only)

Offer ends 01 Apr, 2026 Per Person Standard

Duration: 18 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

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.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 19 Jul 2026

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Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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