Mt. Hakodate/Mt. Esan Hiking and the World Heritage Jomon Prehistoric Sites Exploration

2 Days, 1 Night Hiking trip in the southernmost point of Hokkaido

Mt. Hakodate/Mt. Esan Hiking and the World Heritage Jomon Prehistoric Sites Exploration

Hakodate Hiking～Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples～Esan Hiking～Ofune/Kakinoshima Sites

Physical and Technical Level

Physical level ★★☆☆☆　Skill level ★☆☆☆☆

  In Hakodate, you can experience history in the making - from the ancient times of the Jomon to the rise of the Ainu, to the Japanese settlement of Hokkaido - true frontier culture. At the center, sits Mt Hakodate which has been revered by all cultures who settled here.  Travel back in time to the roots of Hokkaido and experience a simpler time when people lived in balance with nature.  See how their spirituality still echoes in Japanese culture today. 

 Whether leisurely riding a Hakodate streetcar, hiking the slopes of the mountain, or cycling through the beauty of Hokkaido’s nature, you will find a hidden gem of Japan. At all stages, local and knowledgeable guides will enlighten you with stories of the past, from the Jomon to the Ainu, and explain their deep connection to the beautiful nature all around you.  At all stages, local and knowledgeable guides will enlighten you with stories of the past, from the Jomon to the Ainu, and explain their deep connection to the beautiful nature all around you.

  Hakodate has been continually inhabited since 10,000 BCE.  Unlike elsewhere in Japan, much of that history has survived, making it a unique place to experience ancient Japan at its rawest.  Here you can travel through time from the Jomon period to the modern era.

　Feel the close relationship with nature and the forests that have long been hallmarks of Hakodate. Since ancient days, sensible forestry practices have been a hallmark of the area and many locals acted as wardens to the majestic forests found here.

　Gaze upon the enchanting Tsugaru straits, the traditional boundary between the main island and Hokkaido. Imagine how those ancient peoples navigated such treacherous waters to enable trade between cultures.

  Finally, at night, enjoy a relaxing dinner made with local ingredients and hot spring to heal the tiredness of your long day. In the morning, enjoy a refreshing walk while looking at the vast ocean in front of the hotel. 

■Important Notices

・Please follow the instructions of the guide. 

・Collecting and taking out plants from Mt. Hakodate and Mt.　Esan is prohibited.

・We are not responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of valuables.

■Price¥46,460～

■Tour operating seasons and numbers of times

May through November (Mt. Esan impassable in winter)

■Duration

Day1: Mt. Hakodate Hiking: 3hours, Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples  1.5hours

Day2: Mt. Esan Hiking: hours、Ofune and Kakinoshima Heritage Sites  2hours and 50min

■Number of participants（Min./Max.）

2/7

■Required levels 

More than Physical level３, Skill level（Please refer to  attached sheet for descriptions for levels）

■Meeting & Departing Points
 Hakodate station

■Measures against COVID-19

We will comply with the "Guidelines for Responding to New Coronaviruses in the Travel Industry". The following are some excerpts
・Maintain a distance of 2 m (at least 1 m) from people as much as possible. (Prevention of droplet infection).
・Employees and customers are requested to wash their hands with soap or disinfect their hands with alcohol disinfectant (ethanol with a concentration of 70% to 95%). (Prevention of contact infection)
Source: Japan Association of Travel Agents
https://www.jata-net.or.jp/virus/211122_tourguideline.htm

Highlights

・ Take a 2.5 hour hike to the summit of Mt. Hakodate, which has amazing views of the city, while  learning about the history and tales of Hokkaido. 

・Delve deep into the life of the Ainu people, known as the indigenous people of Hokkaido at the Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples. The collections of historical crafts and good will connect you to their lifestyle and spiritual culture.

・Take a guided tour at two Jomon UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites with a Jomon expert who will take you deep into the Jomon world.  What made the Jomon settle here and what prompted their artistic expressions?

・Experience Mt. Esan which has long been religiously relevant to this area and is still revered today.

Itinerary

Day1:

Day2: