A New Approach to Connecting Traditional Cultural Experiences with Adventure Travel in Tokyo
In Tokyo, cherry blossoms bloom from late March to early April, marking the peak season for inbound travelers. In contrast, April is the quietest period for tourism in Hokkaido.
Tourism demand in Hokkaido peaks in summer and winter, while spring and autumn tend to be off-seasons. This differs significantly from Tokyo, where demand is high in spring and autumn. Foreign visitors, in particular, tend to favor Hokkaido during the summer and winter months.
As a graduate of Hokkaido University, our company is a Certified Hokkaido University startup. Given our strong ties to Hokkaido, we are exploring ways to increase travel demand during its off-peak seasons.
The Spring Charm of Lake Akan Onsen
Our partner, Tsuruga Group, is based in Lake Akan Onsen, one of Hokkaido’s premier hot spring destinations. Last April, I stayed at Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga and participated in a guided nature walk through the forest.
The beauty of Lake Akan’s spring landscape exceeded my expectations, offering an incredibly moving experience.
Fields of blooming skunk cabbage (mizubasho)
Marks left on trees by Hokkaido brown bears
Shed antlers of Ezo deer scattered across the forest floor
However, I was the only participant on the tour that day. It was a rare luxury to
explore untouched nature with an expert guide all to myself.
The Potential of Combining Tokyo and Hokkaido in a Single Trip
After enjoying cherry blossoms in Tokyo, travelers can easily head to Hokkaido’s vast natural landscapes.
A direct flight from Haneda Airport to Kushiro Airport takes just over an hour
A seamless transition from traditional cultural experiences in urban sightseeing to immersive nature experiences
Promoting air travel to Hokkaido could also help redistribute foreign visitors, who are currently concentrated in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Japan Tourism Agency & JNTO Strategy – Unlocking Hokkaido’s Potential
In June 2023, the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) and Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) released their Inbound Marketing Strategy, highlighting two key priorities:
High-Value Tourism
Adventure Travel
Both categories target travelers with a strong intellectual curiosity, making a combination of traditional cultural experiences in Tokyo/Kyoto and nature-based adventures in Hokkaido a highly attractive proposition.
The JTA defines high-value travelers as those who actively seek cultural and nature-based experiences. Leveraging this perspective, our company aims to offer authentic traditional cultural experiences in Tokyo, complemented by adventure travel in Hokkaido.
The Synergy of “Traditional Cultural Experiences × Adventure Travel”
By combining traditional cultural experiences with adventure travel, visitors can:
Form deeper and more vivid memories of both experiences
Enhance their overall satisfaction with their Japan trip
Increase their likelihood of returning to Japan
Rather than viewing April as an "off-season" in Hokkaido, we see it as a time of untapped potential. By promoting Tokyo-Hokkaido travel combinations, we can create a more compelling spring itinerary for inbound visitors.
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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