"Harmony with Nature and the Spirit of Prayer Across Time"
By walking through the vast nature that connects the ages and connecting with the people who once lived there, one can fully experience the long story woven by the chain of life.
Concept
Beautiful gems hidden in the region × The Finest experience
"The Long-standing Coexistence and Cycle with Nature in Hokkaido"
Hokkaido is a land where the Jomon culture has flourished for centuries.
With the passage of time, through exchanges with Honshu, the Satsumon culture blossomed, and through interactions with the Okhotsk region, the North and South met, eventually evolving into the Ainu culture. This unique path has been carved out by the region.
In this land, which has etched its own history, the ancient philosophy of "coexisting with nature and circulating" is still deeply felt in many places.
Experiencing these traces is one of the greatest values of traveling through Hokkaido.
Long-Trekking
A journey walking the land created and loved by the gods, feeling glimpses of its greatness.
Long-History
A journey witnessing the crossroads of history where humans and nature coexisted, celebrating its enduring legacy.
Long-Dialogue
A journey engaging in dialogue with all forms of life, connecting to a future 10,000 years ahead.
"THE GARDEN OF THE GODS", as expressed in the Ainu language, is a land called, "MOSIR", an endless garden created by their gods, in order to cherish and revel in its beauty! the northern volcanos, lakes, forests, seas and wetlands were all connected, and essential to the vibrant brilliance of life!
Features
"A Journey Connecting History and the Future, Felt with Every Sense"
By walking the long journey on your own feet, witnessing the crossroads of history and culture, and engaging in dialogue with life that spans the past, present, and future, you experience a long story that can only be felt here.
Stepping firmly on the great northern land, through encountering the "coexistence with nature and the spirit of prayer that transcends time," this journey will lead you to discover sustainability on the time scale of 10,000 years.
On this tour, you'll walk through this vast land created by the gods, and experience its grandeur!
First off, immerse yourself in the daily life of the native Ainu people, who are recognized as true representatives of living Japanese Heritage, and listen to their voices, which may deepen your understanding of Hokkaido's culture.
Then, in the midst of nature, walk the Asahidake Sugatami course, where you will encounter beautiful alpine plants and wildlife, feeling the harmony between nature and humans. From wetlands to calderas and alpine zones, enjoy the changing landscapes of nature, while experiencing the land with your own feet!
This journey will offer you a heartfelt moment to understand and realize the essence of sustainability, while truly feeling the greatness of nature. Feel the essence and interdependence of nature, in how it's nourished by the snowmelt of Daisetsu Mountain, and the lifestyle of the local community that benefits from it.
By means of activities like visiting local sake breweries and experiencing regional furniture-making, you will enjoy a special time learning about sustainable industries and lifestyles.
3day 2 nights - Sample Tour
Tour DAY 1 Touring the Ainu World
In 2018, the "Kamikawa Ainu", was recognized as a vital aspect of Japanese Heritage, and over 20 locations related to the Ainu people and their legends in the Kamikawa region were designated. This tour begins with a visit to the Kawamura Kato Ainu Memorial Museum.
You will have lunch in a chise (traditional Ainu house), where the daily life of the Ainu people still thrives, and by listening directly to the voices of the Ainu, you will gain a deeper understanding of their world-view and way of life.
By learning directly about the background of this land from the Ainu people, you will be able to experience Hokkaido on a much deeper, more immersive level.
Tour DAY 2 Sustainability Experience in Harmony with Nature
At the foot of Mount Daisetsu lies the lush, "divine garden' of nature which captivates visitors—the Asahidake Sugatami Course!
Before entering the mountain areas, participants will receive a pre-tour lecture, learning how to maintain an appropriate distance from nature, and the land.
In this harsh, cold environment, alpine plants take root and bloom beautifully, active volcanoes release constant plumes of smoke, and wild animals such as chipmunks and brown bears roam.
This experience will remind you of the irreplaceable feeling of being supported by nature, a sensation that reconnects you to life itself! Sustainability might be born, not from human creation, but due to being deeply moved by the grandeur of nature which we cannot produce ourselves, and humbly confronting it in this unique moment of time.
Filled with the joy of experiencing that same awe across millennia, we walk steadfastly along the path of the gods, the - "Kamuy-no-michi"!
Tour DAY 3 Experiencing the Blessings of Daisetsu Mountain
This tour offers an experience of sustainability through the rich nature of Daisetsu Mountain, where snowfall from the 2,000-meter peaks melts, and, over decades, is transformed into delicious natural water that benefits the local community in various ways. Participants will visit a local sake brewery where this pristine, aged water is used in the brewing process, and also experience furniture-making, a representative industry of the region. Through these activities, you will gain insight into sustainable industries and lifestyles that coexist harmoniously with nature.
A tour where you may experience the co-existence of humans and nature at the crossroads of Hokkaido’s history and culture.
While tracing the roots of both the Ainu, and ancient Jomon cultures, this journey offers an opportunity to learn about the enduring spirit of living in harmony with nature.
In Kamikawa Town, the sustainable tour begins with attempting to gain a deep understanding of Ainu culture. After learning about the Ainu’s spiritual culture, and their co-existence with nature, you will experience the grandeur of Daisetsu Mountain’s natural beauty and feel the importance of the harmony between nature and humans. With the overwhelming landscape of Daisetsu Mountain before you, you'll enjoy sumptuous Italian cuisine crafted for you by renowned Japanese chef Kiyomi Mikuni, using the finest local ingredients.
This is a tour that allows you to hear, see, feel, smell, and taste the breadth of Mosir with all five senses!
3day 2 nights - Sample Tour
Tour DAY 1 Living with Kamuy
In annexing the Kamikawa Ainu region under the Hokkaido Development Commission, Hokkaido became part of Japan, but unfortunately, the Ainu people were forced to abandon many of their important practices and cultural traditions, including their unique tattoos and language. However, in 2018, "Kamikawa Ainu" was recognized as a Living Japanese Heritage, and over 20 sites related to the Ainu people and their legends in the Kamikawa region were identified.
This tour includes a visit to the Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial Museum. The Kawamura family established this private museum on their own property to preserve and transmit Ainu culture, offering a space to learn about the spiritual, material and cultural heritage of the Ainu people, which still thrives in daily life.
Throughout this 2-night, 3-day sustainable tourism experience, everything you encounter will have meaning! It will serve as the starting point for a journey to engrave in your heart the spirit of prayer nurtured by Mosir across time, and the dialogue of life that has continued from distant ancient times.
Tour DAY 2 Observing the Playground of the Gods, "Kamuy Mintara", with your own eyes
Amidst the primitive and majestic mountain landscape, a 360-degree panoramic view unfolds. Even in midsummer, white snowfields persist, and the greenery of mountain pines is complemented by a carpet of alpine plants in white and red hues. Around you, the "usubaki chō" (yellow swallowtail butterfly) flutter like flower petals, creating a stunning vision that will amaze all who witness it!
At the foot of the mountain, a natural paradise awaits, with towering basalt cliffs stretching up to the sky, and the majestic, "Ginga Ryūsei-no-Taki" (Galaxy Meteor Falls), where raw power and graceful beauty coexist.
Tour DAY 3 Experiencing Food and Industry Powered by the Blessings of Daisetsu Mountain
This tour offers an opportunity to experience sustainability through the rich nature of Daisetsu Mountain, where snowfall from the 2,000-meter peaks melt and, over decades and centuries, transform into delicious natural water that brings various benefits to the local community.
With the overwhelming landscape of Daisetsu Mountain before you, you will experience a sustainable tourism model aiming to revitalize the region, such as utilizing forest spaces, with an environmentally sensitive mountain biking course developed by Kamikawa Town, inspired by the sustainable tourism approach of Zermatt, Switzerland.
Afterward, enjoy Italian cuisine prepared using local ingredients, crafted by renowned Japanese chef Kiyomi Mikuni.
A journey that connects to the future, looking 10,000 years ahead through a dialogue with nature. This unique experience will help you to understand the sustainable values of the region, feel the interwoven chains of life, and receive messages for the future.
You will learn about the spirit of Ainu culture and their coexistence with nature while immersing yourself in the diverse natural environments of Daisetsu Mountain. Discover alpine plants that take root and bloom beautifully even in the cold, harsh environment, active volcanoes constantly emitting smoke, and wildlife such as chipmunks and brown bears.
This journey will remind you of the irreplaceable sensation of living in harmony with nature, just as you are supported by it. Sustainability may be born not from human creation but from being deeply moved by the grandeur of nature, which we cannot produce ourselves, and thereby humbly facing that truth.
Filled with the joy of experiencing that same awe which reaches across the millennia, we steadfastly follow the path of the gods, the "Kamuy-no-michi"!
5day 4 nights - Sample Tour
Tour DAY 1 Living with Kamuy
By annexing the Kamikawa Ainu area under the Hokkaido Development Commission, Hokkaido became part of Japan in 1869. Unfortunately, many Ainu people were forced to abandon their unique practices, such as their distinctive tattoos and language, as they could no longer continue their ancient cultural traditions.
Subsequently, in 2018, "Kamikawa Ainu" was recognized as a "Living" Japanese Heritage, and over 20 locations related to the Ainu people and their legends in the Kamikawa region were identified. This tour includes a visit to the Kawamura Kato Ainu Memorial Museum. The Kawamura family established this private museum on their own property to preserve and share Ainu culture, providing a space to learn about the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Ainu people that still thrives in their daily lives.
In this sustainable tourism experience, everything you encounter has meaning, serving as the starting point for a journey that engraves in your heart the spirit of prayer nurtured by Mosir across time, and the dialogue of life that has continued from distant ancient times.
Tour DAY 2 Observing the Playground of the Gods, "Kamuy Mintara," before your own eyes!
(Kamuy are spirit-deities who visit the human world in the form of certain animals and natural phenomena, giving to humanity gifts of all kinds of natural resources)
Amidst the primitive and majestic mountain landscape, a 360-degree panoramic view unfolds. Even in midsummer, white snowfields remain, complemented by the green of alpine pines and carpets of alpine flowers in white and red. Around you, the ”usubaki-chō" (yellow swallowtail butterfly) flutter like flower petals, creating a beautiful contrast that will leave anyone in awe!
At the foot of the mountain, a natural paradise awaits, with towering basalt cliffs stretching toward the sky and the majestic "Ginga Ryūsei-no-Taki" (Galaxy Meteor Falls), where raw power and graceful beauty co-exist.
Tour DAY 3 Experiencing Food and Industry Powered by the Blessings of Daisetsu Mountain
This tour offers an opportunity to experience sustainability through the rich nature of Daisetsu Mountain, where snowfall from the 2,000-meter peaks melt and, over decades and centuries, transform into delicious natural water that brings various benefits to the local community.
With the breathtaking landscape of Daisetsu Mountain before you, you will experience a mountain biking course developed by Kamikawa Town, which aims to create a sustainable tourism town similar to Zermatt in Switzerland, focusing on regional revitalization, and sensitive utilization of forest spaces for recreation. Afterward, enjoy superb Italian cuisine prepared with local ingredients, crafted by renowned Japanese master chef Kiyomi Mikuni!
Tour DAY 4 Meet the path to Kamui at Asahidake, Daisetsuzan National Park
At the foot of Mount Daisetsu lies the lush, "divine garden' of nature which captivates visitors—the Asahidake Sugatami Course!
Before entering the mountain areas, participants will receive a pre-tour lecture, learning how to maintain an appropriate distance from nature, and the land.
In this harsh, cold environment, alpine plants take root and bloom beautifully, active volcanoes release constant plumes of smoke, and wild animals such as chipmunks and brown bears roam.
This experience will remind you of the irreplaceable feeling of being supported by nature, a sensation that reconnects you to life itself! Sustainability might be born, not from human creation, but due to being deeply moved by the grandeur of nature which we cannot produce ourselves, and humbly confronting it in this unique moment of time.
Filled with the joy of experiencing that same awe across millennia, we walk steadfastly along the path of the gods, the - "Kamuy-no-michi"!
Tour DAY 5 Experiencing Life at Daisetsu Mountain
This tour presents an opportunity to experience sustainability through the rich nature of Daisetsu Mountain, where snowfall from the 2,000-meter peaks melts and, over decades, transforms into delicious natural water that brings various benefits to the local community. You will visit a 150 year old sake brewery where this water is used to create local sake, and also experience fine furniture-making, a representative industry of the region. This will provide insight into a sustainable way of life and industry that lives in harmony with nature.
Long-Trekking
Long-History
Long-Dialogue
