Wild Hokkaido! - Season 6

First aired: 1/9/2022 14 episodes

Episodes

1. Bushcraft in Shiraoi

Aired: 1/9/2022

Bushcraft is a way to enjoy nature by utilizing what is sourced from nature and exercising the "wisdom of living with the forest." In this episode, a French fishing guide will try his hand at bushcraft in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido Prefecture, facing the Pacific Ocean. The goal is to build a campfire using fallen trees and withered branches in the forest, and to have a delicious dinner with the fish he catches. Snow has already started to fall in the winter forest. Without using the latest camping gear, how can we make the most of the forest's bounty with his wisdom and ingenuity to stay comfortable?

2. Fat Biking in Akan

Aired: 2/6/2022

Our stage this time is Akan in eastern Hokkaido Prefecture. The region's vast forests are dotted with volcanoes and lakes. During the harsh winter months, when the area is covered in deep snow, traveling by "fat bike," characterized by extremely thick tires, provides the chance to enjoy the great nature. In this episode, we ride a fat bike, which has traction on the snow and ice, to travel through the forest and on a frozen lake. We encounter some spectacular winter scenery shaped by snow and ice along the way, and fully enjoy the special experiences that only midwinter can offer, conveying the appeal of Hokkaido's nature in winter.

3. Snowboarding in the Hidaka Mountain Range

Aired: 3/6/2022

The Hidaka Mountain Range stretches north to south across the center of Hokkaido Prefecture. In this episode, we're taking our snowboard to enjoy the great outdoors in the mountains, which offer a perfect field for activities. Powder snow slopes at an elevation of over 1,000m. The Tokachi Plain spreads out below us. Our outdoor guide, who is well-versed in the nature of the Hidaka Mountain Range, will take us down the slopes in the midst of the magnificent scenery, sending up a spray of snow. We will also introduce the mysterious sight created by snow, wind and light that the nature of the Hidaka Mountain Range offers in the bitter cold.

4. Ice Climbing in the Sea of Okhotsk

Aired: 4/10/2022

Below your eyes is the Sea of Okhotsk in the season of drift ice. Climbers are scaling a huge icefall reaching 40 meters high. In this episode, a man from abroad living in Hokkaido Prefecture tries his hand at ice climbing up a frozen cliff. He uses his hands and feet to climb the completely sheer ice wall. Climbers challenge the icefalls, which are inhospitable to humans, with their strength and energy. Later, we also introduce the scenery of drift ice that fills the Sea of Okhotsk during the harsh winter season.

5. Winter Hiking in Mt. Mokoto

Aired: 5/1/2022

The mountains are completely surrounding Lake Kussharo in eastern Hokkaido Prefecture. It's here you'll find a field to fully enjoy winter activities. This time, 2 Irish enjoy winter hiking on Mt. Mokoto with an altitude of 1,000 meters. As they go deep into the snow-covered mountain, they spot some evidence of wildlife. There, a mysterious landscape unfolds as the result of snowfall and strong winds. They are ready to have some fun they can only try out in a deep snow-covered mountain.

6. Kayaking Over Rapids of the Sakazuki River

Aired: 6/5/2022

Sakazuki River flows into the Sea of Japan in the west of Hokkaido Prefecture. This river, which collects snowmelt from the Shakotan Peninsula, is known among canoeists as a river where they can enjoy some wild river rapids. In this episode, French and Japanese canoeists fully enjoy adventurous kayaking. Slope-like fast-flowing stream and a series of waterfalls await them as they navigate the rapids. The 2 challenge these difficult courses by using their skills. Later, we also show you footage of freshwater fish that sustain life in this river, flowing into the Sea of Japan.

7. Family Camping by Lake Shikotsu

Aired: 7/3/2022

Camping is a perfect activity for casually experiencing nature. Hokkaido Prefecture, with its treasure trove of nature, has a number of campgrounds where adults and children alike can have fun. This episode features a campground on the shores of Lake Shikotsu. It is located within a national park that includes both the beautiful lake and lush forests. This time, a family of 4 living in Sapporo enjoys camping to the fullest! They encounter wildlife, view spectacular scenery in a canoe, and savor dinner around an open fire. While being embraced by magnificent nature, they spend some special time together.

8. Canoeing Down the Shisorapuchi River

Aired: 8/7/2022

The Taisetsu Mountain Range, located almost in the center of Hokkaido Prefecture, is home to the headwaters of the Shisorapuchi River, which is very popular among canoeists. In this episode, a married couple goes down the river flush with mountain snowmelt through fresh green forests in a canoe. At times they listen to the sounds of nature during lulls in the current, while at others they skillfully negotiate thrilling river rapids. Various features of this river let the 2 fully enjoy the great outdoors of Hokkaido. This program also introduces several species of wild birds found along the clear waters.

9. Cycling Around Rishiri Island

Aired: 9/4/2022

Cycling brings pedalers the pleasure of feeling the wind and enjoying nature to the full. Hokkaido Prefecture, a treasure trove of nature, entertains them with unique sight-worthy cycling courses. A place of interest this time is Rishiri Island, lying off the northern coast of Hokkaido, with a spectacular mountain towering at the center. In the north of the island, a dedicated cycling road runs about 25 kilometers. Starting from this road, a round-the-island cycling tour will be set forth on. An experienced guide will introduce you to the enjoyment of cycling found nowhere but in Rishiri. Let's start an exploration tour to discover the charm of nature that the island of Rishiri is filled with!

10. Summer in Lake Onneto

Aired: 9/11/2022

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 summer episode, we travel the wild nature in Lake Onneto with nature guide, Jin Gen. Dedicated to protecting the natural environment, locals affectionately call him "Kin-chan." We experience the ancient woods of Ainu and encounter the wild animals living there. At the end of our journey, Kin-chan tells us how we can admire the beautiful nature and do our part to preserve it for the next generation.

11. Surf Trip Along the Southern Coast of Hokkaido

Aired: 10/2/2022

Excitement sparks while nimbly riding a wave! The pleasure of surfing is condensed into that one moment. Hokkaido Prefecture's southern coastline, which extends for hundreds of kilometers, offers a broad choice of good surfing spots, making it a paradise for surfers. We follow two surfers who are there searching for superb waves that will allow them to have a long ride on a single wave. This program goes deep into the secrets for enjoying surfing, such as maximizing the power of waves and gaining height to continue riding for longer! Will it be possible to find the perfect waves?

12. Rock Climbing in Otaru

Aired: 11/6/2022

In Otaru, Hokkaido Prefecture, a popular rock climbing site can be found, and its difficult route with a 70-meter change in elevation will be challenged. What kind of amazing view lies in store at the cliff top?

13. Trekking in Mt. Asahidake

Aired: 12/4/2022

Trekking on Hokkaido Prefecture's highest peak, Mt. Asahidake! Discover the mountain's breathtaking sites during this two-day hike in the stunning autumn colors that appear here before anywhere else in Japan!

14. Hiking on Mt. Soranuma in the Urban Outskirts

Aired: 12/11/2022

Mt. Soranuma is right on the outskirts of Sapporo and is perfect for city hikers. Jon Mott gives tips for mid-autumn fun on the 1200-meter suburban mountain, and we learn how to take "instagenic" photos!