Rivers, Rafts, and Ainu Roots – An Immersive Adventure
4-DAY
DIFFICULTY
GREEN SEASON
4 Days 3 Nights
Min. 2, Max. ８
River Canoe
Rafting
- HIGHTLIGHTS
-
- Enjoy canoeing on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Shikotsu and rafting along the pristine middle-to-upper reaches of the Mukawa / Saru river.
- Cultural Immersion in Biratori Town
- Deepen your understanding of Ainu life and culture through museum visits and evening BBQs with local Ainu residents.
- Experience everyday Ainu traditions through hands-on activities such as iwor (traditional space) and a special meal inside a chise (traditional house).
- In the Abetsu Forest, guided by Ainu storytellers, walk through the woods and learn how Ainu life has evolved in relationship with the forest—past, present, and future. Discover the visionary project of “creating a forest for the next 300 years” aimed at sustaining and passing on Ainu culture.
Rafting on Mukawa River
Traditional Ainu cuisine in Biratori
OVERVIEW
Shaped by 40,000 years of volcanic activity, this journey explores Lake Shikotsu by canoe, then moves to Sarugawa River for rafting and ends in Biratori, where travelers experience Ainu culture through hands-on activities and local food, highlighting the harmony between nature and culture.
ITINERARY
DAY 1
A Day of Canoeing at Lake Shikotsu and Stay in Chitose
New Chitose Airport or Pre-stay Hotel
10:00–10:45 Briefing in vehicle
10:45–11:45 Visit: Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center
12:00–13:00 Lunch (Local restaurant around Lake Shikotsu)
13:30–16:00 Canoeing experience at Lake Shikotsu
Check-in & Accommodation: HTL in Chitose
Dinner: Izakaya (near hotel)
DAY 2
A Day of Moss Corridor Walk and Stay at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu
8:30 Depart from hotel
9:00–12:00 Moss Corridor Walk
12:20–13:20 Lunch (Tonton)
13:03–14:00 Free time
16:30–17:30 Check-in & Free Time: Hoshino Resorts Tomamu
18:00– Dinner (Hoshino Resorts Tomamu)
Accommodation: Hoshino Resorts Tomamu
DAY 3
A Day of Rafting and Ainu Cultural Experiences
9:00 Depart from hotel
10:00–14:00 Rafting on Mukawa River (Tomiai–Niwa or upstream Fukuyama–Tomiai) *Route depends on water level; includes special lunch
14:00–15:00 Briefing on Ainu culture (in vehicle)
15:00–16:00 Visit: Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum
16:00–16:30 Check-in: Biratori Onsen Yukara
16:45–18:45 Experience & Dinner: Biratori BBQ at Yukara (interaction with local Ainu community)
Accommodation: Biratori Onsen Yukara
DAY 4
A Day of Ainu Cultural Experience and Special Lunch
8:45 Depart from hotel
9:00–12:30 Experience & Lunch: iwor Ainu Cultural Program (Forest Walk) + Special Ainu Cuisine Lunch in a Chise
12:30–14:00 Continue cultural activities
15:30–18:30 Transfer to New Chitose Airport or post-stay hotel
MEAL
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ✕ | ○ | ○ |
| 2 | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 3 | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 4 | ○ | ○ | ✕ |
ACCOMMODATIONS
| Area | Facility Type | Room Type | Onsen / Spa | WiFi | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chitose City | Hotel | Western style room |  |
|
| 2 | Hoshino Resort Tomamu | Hotel | Western style room | |
|
| 3 | Biratori Onsen Yukara | Ryokan | Japanese style room | Onsen |  |
Tour Operator / Contact
JTB Corp. HOKKAIDO Branch
- Address
Urban Net Sapporo Bldg, 1-2, North 1 West 6, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0001 Japan
- Website
JTB — “Perfect moments, always.”
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