Low Experience Pre-requisite | ACA Training Option | Focus on Cultural and Natural Interpretation | TRAK Kayak Required (on-site delivery available) | Drysuit required (rentals available)
"To the north lies an island forged by fire and ice. Here, ancient traditions of Indigenous people flow with the rivers and forests, joined later by the sweat of farmers, the vigilance of soldiers, and the labor of prisoners. Together, they carved life from a harsh landscape, leaving behind a culture of resilience and spirit. Today, this northern frontier remains wild, vast, and among the most real in Japan."
- Region: Hokkaido, Japan
- Duration: 8 Days, 7 Nights
- Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate (with ACA option)
- Dates: June 9-17, 2026 & June 8-16, 2027
American Canoe & Kayak Association (ACA) Integration:
Your guides for this trip will provide expect instruction in ACA Level 2 Essentials standards throughout; guests who don’t care about assessment still get a stronger skill set (especially in rescue, risk management, and towing). Assessment is optional and offered only to those who request it and are ready—everyone else receives a clear skills progress note for their paddling log.
Location & Flight Information
This trip takes place on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. To meet your guides and the rest of your group, we recommend flying into the main airport for Sapporo, Japan, the New Chitose Airport (CTS).
- Recommended Flight Purchase Window: roughly 2½–5 months before departure.
- Average Roundtrip Fares (based on 2025 data):
- West Coast USA → Tokyo/Sapporo: $950–$1,250 USD
- East Coast USA → Tokyo/Sapporo: $1,150–$1,400 USD
- Europe → Japan: $1,000–$1,300 USD
- SE Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong): $300–$600 USD
Meet your guides
Mick Hultz
“From first paddle strokes to expert skills — and always with a smile.”
Mick Hultz, founder of Asobi Master® in Hokkaido, is an ACA kayak instructor trainer, adventure travel specialist, and outdoor educator with over three decades of paddling experience across Japan and North America in canoe, SUP, and kayak. Mick’s passion spans the full spectrum of paddling — from introducing first-timers to the joy of kayaking, to developing skills in certification and guide training programs, leading day AND NIGHT tours, and always searching for new venues while pushing his own skills embodying a "culture of continuous improvement". Now focusing on developing expedition programs and guide training, Mick blends serious fun with a deep commitment to safety, learning, and top-tier gear. As a TRAK Pilot, Mick is excited to show just how accessible, versatile, and enjoyable paddling can be with a high-performance portable kayak.
This trip is operated in close partnership with a licensed travel manager in Japan and led by certified ACA sea kayak instructors from both Japan and USA.
This trip has a unique cancellation policy that differs from other TRAK Trips. Please see our FAQ section at the bottom of this page for more information.
What you'll learn:
What we're going to do:
Itinerary:
What is included?
What's not included?
Hokkaido, Japan: TRAK Tour – June 2026 & 2027
Embark on a journey through Japan’s last frontier. Paddle inland lakes, rugged coastlines, and quiet rivers. Each day blends technical paddling progression with cultural immersion: seamanship on the water, and connection off the water with the heritage of Hokkaido — from Indigenous traditions to pioneering food culture and nightly soaks in hot springs. This tour unfolds through six days on the water in varied environments—punctuated by cultural encounters, onsen evenings, and regional meals. A couple 'basecamp' local inns will be selected so paddling choices may be varied by the vibe.
Pairs well with
Hokkaido, Japan: TRAK Tour – June 2026 & 2027
Trip leaders who care
All TRAK Trips are facilitated by qualified paddlers with in-depth experience in TRAK Kayaks, so you can learn pro-tips from the source. We are proud to work with professional guides and paddling instructors from all over the world.
FAQs
Please read our FAQs page to find out more.
Are TRAK Kayaks designed for air travel?
Yes! Our latest model, the TRAK 2.0, packs into a rolling travel bag specially designed to meet airline requirement for check luggage. For recommended best practices for flying with a TRAK folding kayak, visit this page.
Are my flights included in the price?
Your transportation to and from the starting location is not included in the trip price. For more information about flights and logistics, contact our team.
What accommodations are provided?
Each TRAK trip is uniquely tailored for paddlers based on their comfort zones. Some trips are designed for paddlers with lots of backcountry experience and personal camping gear, while others are designed for paddlers who prefer a leisure experience with comfortable fixed roof accommodations. Contact TRAK to find the trip that's right for you.
What's your cancellation policy?
If you must cancel your trip booking prior to the start date, TRAK will either credit the amount you paid towards a future TRAK trip of your choice, or provide a refund based on the following:
- 120 days or more prior to the trip departure date – full amount is refunded minus a $150 administration fee per person (the guest is responsible for any costs incurred for cancelling any additional tours or travel arrangements).
- 90-119 days prior to the trip departure date – 50% of total tour price is refunded.
- <90 days prior to the trip departure date – no refund will be given unless replacement fills spot
- Full refund will be provided if this trip is cancelled due to lack of minimum participants.
