[Hokkaido, Shikaoi] Why not join a tour that will immerse you in Hokkaido's hidden regions and Ainu culture?

• Table of Contents
• Recommended points of Shikaoi Town, Hokkaido
• Tour 1: [The Tale of the White Snake Princess] Special landing and sightseeing tour to Bentenjima on Lake Shikaribetsu, the lake in the sky
• Tour 2: [The Tale of the White Snake Princess] Experience the Shikaoi Town Intangible Cultural Property "White Snake Princess Dance"
• Tours 3 and 4: [The Tale of the White Snake Princess] Gibier and Ainu Cuisine - Dinner and Lunch Course - "Gift from Kamuy To"
• summary

Recommended points of Shikaoi Town, Hokkaido

Shikaoi Town is located in the south foot of Daisetsuzan National Park in the center of Hokkaido, in the northwest of Tokachi. Shikaoi Town is the Japanese translation of the Ainu word "Kutekuushi," and it is said that it was a place where Ainu people used to drive and capture deer.

Lake Shikaribetsu is particularly famous, and is a mysterious lake also known as the "Lake in the Sky" because it is located at an altitude of 810 meters. One of the famous spots at Lake Shikaribetsu is the "Lake Bottom Railroad Tracks." You can see a very mysterious sight of the railroad tracks sinking into the bottom of Lake Shikaribetsu, which boasts some of the clearest water in Japan. The view is reminiscent of a scene from "Spirited Away" directed by Hayao Miyazaki, which was released in Japan in 1999, and the spot has become a hot topic on social media.

The best time to visit Shikaoi Town is autumn. The Tokachi area, where Lake Shikaribetsu is located, has a large difference in temperature between morning and evening, and you can see beautiful autumn leaves every year from September to October.

While many tourists flock to Hokkaido's famous tourist spots, Shikaoi Town is like a hidden gem known only to those in the know. This area, where you can avoid the crowds and experience nature and culture in depth, is a must-visit hidden spot for those who want to experience Ainu culture and experience Japan's majestic nature on a deeper level.

New tours will be held in the town of Shikaoi in the fall of 2024. All of the tours introduced here are not just sightseeing, but will also give you a deeper understanding of the nature and culture of Shikaoi town, so if you're interested, be sure to check out the tour details page.

Tour 1: [The Tale of the White Snake Princess] Special landing and sightseeing tour to Bentenjima on Lake Shikaribetsu, the lake in the sky

The first thing we'd like to introduce is a tour that allows you to make a special visit to Benten Island, an island rich in nature and filled with a sacred atmosphere, which is normally off-limits.

Lake Shikaribetsu is the highest lake in Hokkaido, and is also known as the "Lake in the Sky" due to its crystal clear water and the surrounding majestic natural scenery. Benten Island, which floats on the lake, is a special place that is usually off-limits to the general public. On this tour, you will be able to make a special landing on the sacred island, which is usually off-limits, and pay your respects.

Benten Island, quietly standing in the middle of the lake, is known as a power spot protected by ancient gods, and is a place that bestows special energy on visitors. Looking out over the surrounding mountains that surround the lake from the island, you will feel as if you are looking at a giant white snake coiled around it. Why not visit Benzaiten, who is enshrined on Benten Island, and feel the flow of time as you absorb the energy concentrated on the island?

Tour 2: [The Tale of the White Snake Princess] Experience the Shikaoi Town Intangible Cultural Property "White Snake Princess Dance"

Next, we will introduce a tour that allows you to specially appreciate a mysterious dance created based on the legends of Shikaoi Town.

The "White Snake Princess Dance" is a local performing art based on an Ainu legend. The legend behind this story is that a goddess and a white snake saved an Ainu village from famine. This dance has been designated an intangible cultural property of Shikaoi Town and can only be seen at the "White Snake Princess Festival."

On stage, the story of the mother and daughter, the White Snake and the Princess, unfolds through graceful and powerful dancing. Participants can wear Ainu costumes and have a special experience of the White Snake Princess Dance. Why not join in on this limited-time, midwinter performing art that is only performed for one day each year?

Tours 3 and 4: [The Tale of the White Snake Princess] Gibier and Ainu Cuisine - Dinner and Lunch Course - "Gift from Kamuy To"

Next, we will introduce a tour where you can enjoy game dishes made with venison, the meat from which Shikaoi Town takes its name.

This dinner course is an authentic Ainu game dish that uses a generous amount of local ingredients, including venison from Shikaoi Town, as well as wild plants and mushrooms that have been eaten since the time of the Ainu. It is a special dinner course that allows you to experience the nature and culture of Shikaoi Town through the taste buds while experiencing the traditional Ainu culinary culture.

*Like the dinner course, the lunch course offers luxurious game dishes made with local ingredients such as venison from Shikaoi Town and wild plants and mushrooms that have been eaten since the time of the Ainu people.

summary

We have introduced five tours starting in October 2024.

Shikaoi Town is a unique place where the great outdoors of Hokkaido and traditional Ainu culture come together.

This tour will start soon and is sure to provide you with a special and memorable experience that you won't get to experience on a regular trip to Hokkaido. Don't miss out on this opportunity!

Check out the plan details now!