Wild Hokkaido! - Season 7 / Year 2023

In a deep mountain valley near the Jozankei hot spring resorts, two fishermen searching for large char traverse past waterfalls towards the headwaters and catch the illusory fish as beautiful as gems!

A pair of canoers journey down Hokkaido Prefecture's rushing current; the Akan River. Facing the wild, watch with bated breath as they battle together through white water and paddle skillfully past obstacles.

Lake Kussharo in eastern Hokkaido attracts many anglers during fall due to the appearance of red freshwater fish. The anglers are executing tricks to lure those fascinating fishes in this big lake.

Toni and Evan are not only snowboarders but also expert surfers. They take cracks at boarding freely in the mountains as well as on the sea during the bitter frigid winter of Hokkaido Prefecture.

Lake Onneto is the hidden gem of east Hokkaido Prefecture. Indigenous people of Ainu call the place "Elder Lake," and they have admired it for generations. In this special winter episode, we will travel wild nature with a nature guide, Jin Gen. Locals friendly call him "Kin-chan," with respect to his dedication to protecting the natural environment. We will encounter the ancient woods of Ainu and the mythical moment of Lake Onneto. The lake dramatically changes its shape from fall to winter. Trees and leaves turn their color in fall. In winter, the lake gets frozen and creates winter ice arts such as "ice bubbles." In the end, the Florence lake will make a magical sound called "Sing Lake." Let's discover lake mythical Onneto with Kin-chan!

Dog sledding in a snow-covered world requires good communication with sled dogs. As a sled glides along and trust is developed between dogs and riders, look forward to seeing what comes in view!

Two bikers cycle through the bitter cold, ice and snow, up Mt. Tokachi; an active volcano in the center of Hokkaido Prefecture. At the end of a steep climb, they are rewarded with a hot spring bath.

Hike a snow-covered mountain and explore the superb scenery enlivened by the bitter cold of winter. We'll find monstrous creations of ice and snow found only in winter. What wonderous sights await?

Two cyclists explore Lake Toya, known for its hot spring resorts. Traveling around the caldera lake for a total of 40 kilometers, they enjoy the coming of spring and sense the breath of the earth.

A mother and her two daughters go treasure hunting for maple trees in Shimukappu in early spring. Their goal is the syrup the trees produce. They use the freshly-made syrup to make traditional sweets.

Greg and Mari canoe the Rekifune River, famous for its clear water. They embark on a two-day trip down the river; aiming for the Pacific Ocean; rowing, camping and enjoying the beauty of nature.

Rebun Island, in the northern part of Hokkaido Prefecture, is a paradise for anglers. Hugo, a fishing guide, enjoys fishing in different aquatic environments and trying various baits depending on the situation.

Join a couple on a trek through the Tokachi Mountain Range in early summer. See glistening snow and colorful alpine plants. Get a sense of Earth's awe and wonder while trekking up an active volcano!

A summer adventure at a ski resort provides the chance to see magical views and enjoy thrilling forest activities, sparking an entirely different kind of excitement from the usual winter pastimes.

An expert cycling duo cuts across the Shiretoko Peninsula, a World Natural Heritage site located in eastern Hokkaido Prefecture. They excitedly introduce the local wildlife and magnificent summer views en route.
 

A lure fishing expert tries fishing for rockfish by kayak on the clear blue waters off the Shakotan Peninsula, enjoying the nice ocean view as he puts his skills to the test to reel in a big one!

One of the most refreshing summer activities in Hokkaido Prefecture is canyoning: jumping bravely from rocks and gliding down natural waterslides. Get that adrenaline pumping as we enjoy some Furano thrills.

Mt. Mokoto in eastern Hokkaido Prefecture is easily accessible to hikers. John, an expert climber and photographer, heads for its 1,000m summit to overlook Lake Kussharo and witness a spectacular sea of clouds.

A pair of canoers take on one of the fastest-flowing streams in Hokkaido Prefecture to feast their eyes on a valley adorned with autumn leaves. It's a paddler's delight to enjoy splendid views from their canoe!

Horseback riding through the vast fields of Tokachi is a fun fall activity. Leafy forests and grassy fields are perfect trails to be experienced by horses. Explore new horizons on the back of a horse!