Our last full day was full of highlights, as the Japan Tourism Board and local Hokkaido government gave us special permission to explore areas that were otherwise restricted. We started out by hiking the back areas of Mount Usu Eruption Park, seeing parts of the volcano that few travelers get to see. This park serves as a memorial to an intense volcanic eruption that utterly altered the landscape in 2000. Walking through the restricted area of Mt UsuFrom above - highway covered by volcanic eruption
Something seemed surreal and otherworldly about the area even before you started noticing the signs of civilization that were nearly extinguished. Our guide pointed out that the erratically hilly turf that we were hiking on was a major highway just over 20 years ago, suddenly covered and transformed by the eruption. As we trekked on, we came across dilapidated schools and destroyed cars, further evidence of the violence possible on the ground underneath our feet. Amazingly, there were no casualties during this last explosion, but it still served as a sobering reminder of the power of Mother Nature. MT Usu - trekking over a destroyed highway
The evening found us arriving at Cape Kamui, a small peninsula jutting into the Sea of Japan. The cape is a popular place for travelers to visit during the day time taking in “Shakotan Blue”, a nickname for the brilliant color that you can see radiating from the ocean. However, we were granted special privileges to hike the cape just after the gates closed and all the other visitors had left for the day!
Cape Kamui is an incredibly beautiful place during any time of the day, but it was even more impressive to start our hike in the waning daylight, as the vibrant shades of the sea and the rocky cape seemed to change with each passing minute. We got to the end just as the sun was setting, scrambling up a rocky scree to take in the view as the light of day was replaced by that of the lighthouse beacon and squid fishing boats. Soon our headlamps were needed to illuminate our way back, leaving with a sense of joy and wonder and hoping that our cameras could even begin to do this special place justice. Waving up at friends at Cape Kamui Lighthouse
First of all we were told that we could tailor our trip to our interests which is fantastic. We needed several iterations to get our trip itinerary nailed down. Our contact at Adventure Life responded quickly and we settled on a trip in a matter of weeks.
John Hagan
2 days ago
The trip was planned well. They worked through local travel planners in the two countries we visited. The trip planner was fairly knowledgable, but she could have been better. The hotels selected were good. There were a few things I think they could have planned better related tot he transportation between the carious locations we visited, but it was a great trip overall.
MR
2 days ago
Excellent experience within the limits of what they can do. I often find myself as the square peg in a round hole being largely an independent traveler who appreciates qualify assistance when I can get it. Having used Adventure Life in places they can do about everything I know they're quality and look to them when and where I can. Kassandra specifically is knowledgeable, personable and respinsive.
Greg
6 days ago
Answered our questions
Michael Schneck
1 week ago
Adventure Life seems to be an honest company and has been quite helpful in the planning process. Good about answering questions.
