Trek through Hokkaido terrain with a certified local hunter in search of Ezo deer
5 hour private experience
Location: Asahikawa, Hokkaido
Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in your language
A minimum of 2 guests is required to book. Solo participants are welcome but will be charged the 2-person rate
Meet the master
What you’ll do
You will meet Toshihiko in front of his restaurant and abattoir in the morning, and drive to the northern part of Hokkaido to look for the deer. You can observe his hunting (Quiet is required). Then, get back to the pier you can see the process of preparation.
Things to Note
+Tour participants are observers ONLY during the actual hunt. Firearm handling/discharge without a valid Japanese hunting license is strictly prohibited.
+This tour excludes any lunch or dinner, if you want to book his restaurant please feel free to let us know.
Who can attend
Children must be 12+
Availability
Every day
Session 1 (7:00 - 12:00)
Access
25 min taxi ride from Asahikawa station. (to the meeting point)
Honoring Each Life with Gratitude
A mere one-hour drive from central Asahikawa, the mountainous forests are brimming with indigenous Ezo deer. (“Ezo” is the original name of Japan’s northern islands including Hokkaido.) Hunting guide Toshihiko exudes his love of the Hokkaido forests and animals through his stories along the drive. His 40 years as a hunter have given him the skills to pick up the most subtle clues along the mountain surface and fallen snow in tracking deer. Suddenly, he will stop the car and all conversation then, gun in hand, walk a few meters along the road before finding his line of sight on some Ezo deer.
Toshihiko is involved in the complete hunt-to-table process as the owner of an abattoir and restaurant specializing in venison. Other local hunters also bring their deer to Toshihiko for processing. Toshihiko believes the life of each deer should be honored in gratitude with no waste in processing. After the hunt, you will visit the abattoir facilities before concluding your tour with a delicious, fresh grilled venison steak.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 7 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.
